ACCESS SERIES ACCESS SERIES

Assistive Technology (AT) & the One-Stop: Part 2Assistive Technology (AT) & the One-Stop: Part 2

2011 Training Series

Hosted/Facilitated by:

Laura Gleneck, NDI Consulting, Inc.

Presented by: Miranda Kennedy and Brian Ingram, NDI Consulting, Inc.

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Local WIBs participating in the DEI must verify that they are in compliance with physical, programmatic, and communication accessibility requirements established in the non-discrimination regulations at Section 188 of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). DOL expects that DEI projects and LWIBs will continue to review and upgrade access to their One-Stop Career Center system as part of their ongoing administration and compliance obligations.

Training and Technical Assistance to DEI Projects to increase accessibility within the One-Stops is provided under U.S. DOLETA contract with NDI Consulting, Inc. and the National Disability Institute (NDI).

Evaluation of the impact of the DEI Projects implementation and outcomes around access issues will be provided under U.S. DOL ODEP contract with Social Dynamics.

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Upon completion of this training webinar, DEIgrantees and participants from the public workforce system will have:

◦ An understanding of the roles that state level DEI Project staff and local level Disability Resource Coordinators can play in bringing about increased knowledge and use of Assistive Technology

◦ Strategies for working with Interagency Committees, AT Projects and other partners on Assistive Technology issues

◦ Strategies for Marketing Assistive Technology ◦ An understanding of how Assistive Technology can be integrated

into Core, Intensive and Training Services within the One-Stop

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Role of the DEI Project Lead and DRC related to AT in the One-Stop

Partners and Strategies to help implement AT within the One-Stop

Strategies for Marketing AT in the One-Stop

Integrating AT into the Core, Intensive and Training Services at the One-Stop

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Assistive Technology is only as “magical” Assistive Technology is only as “magical” as the entirety of service delivery methods, as the entirety of service delivery methods,

systems and supports that make it work systems and supports that make it work and yet it’s not as much rocket science as and yet it’s not as much rocket science as

many think it is in most cases. many think it is in most cases. -

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Rich SandersProgram Coordinator

Governor's Council on Disabilities and Special Education / ALASKA

Assistive Technology & Assistive Technology & The The ROLE ROLE ofof

The DEI Project Lead & The DEI Project Lead & Disability Resource CoordinatorDisability Resource Coordinator

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Oversee the development and execution of an audit process to determine the DEI pilot sites current AT status within the One-Stops.

Partner with the state AT Project for assistance in determining types of AT upgrades and new equipment (software & hardware) needed within One-Stops.

Monitor efforts at the state level around DEI purchase and installation of new AT equipment at One-Stops.

Facilitate additional state level Train-the-Trainer training on AT to DRCs and local level AT – Teams.

Consider engaging other state level partners for ongoing AT assessment and support.

Engage in state level marketing efforts of One-Stop AT. Support DRC efforts to integrate & promote AT in their

local areas.

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Oversee local level efforts to audit current AT equipment, usage level and unmet needs within the One-Stop.

Engage local level Interagency Committee for assistance in identifying AT needs and implementing AT into practices, policies, and procedures within the One-Stop.

Develop and serve on local level AT – Team to problem-solve issues around physical AT installation, use and maintenance.

Work with One-Stop marketing efforts to include references to available AT in brochures, handouts, and on local One-Stop website, etc…

Serve as One-Stop “trainer” on AT.

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Implementing Implementing Assistive Technology Assistive Technology

into the One-Stop:into the One-Stop:PARTNERS & STRATEGIESPARTNERS & STRATEGIES

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Partners Strategies Interagency Committee Initial or Sub-Committee

Project to support AT implementation

AT-Team Monitoring AT in One-Stop

State AT Project Train-the-Trainer

Independent Living Center

Audit / Secret Shopper / Marketing

Vocational Rehabilitation, Job Accommodation Network, AT Project, etc…

Additional support and information on AT needs for intensive, training services

Possible roles for the Interagency Committee or subcommittee:Contribute personnel/resources to perform audit of existing AT in One-StopSupport and contribute resources towards training One-Stop staff and Partner on the AT in the One-StopDevelop recommendations on One-Stop AT policies, practices & proceduresAssist with Marketing & Outreach Efforts to Community on availability of AT in One-Stop

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DRC, designated IT staff member(s) at One-Stop, and as a consultant a designated contact at state AT project

The AT-Team would be the go-to people for any problems or questions related to the physical installation, usage, tracking, storage and/or loss of AT equipment at the One-Stop.

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DEI Project Lead sets up state level “Train-the-Trainer” Event with state AT Project for DRCs and others (e.g. AT-Team).

The goal of Train-the-Trainer is to teach DRCs (and/or AT-Teams) how to train staff and partners on:◦ What AT is available at the One-Stop◦ Where the AT is located/stored◦ Who the AT might help◦ How to turn it on, or get it set up◦ The “basic concept” of how each piece of AT works

Emphasis is placed on the fact that: If the customer needs actual “training” on AT, the DRC will train the One-Stop staff to refer them to Vocational Rehabilitation or AT Project.

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Example of possible AT Training sequence of events at both state & local level1.State AT Project provides:

◦ Train-the-Trainer to the AT-Team (DRC, IT) ◦ Overview of One-Stop AT equipment to local One-Stop staff (1x)

2.DRC sets up and begins to implement AT training schedule for One-Stop staff and partners. This includes strategies to train staff/partners basics on:

◦ What AT equipment is available◦ When AT equipment might be useful (problem-solve case studies)◦ Where AT equipment (and simple direction guide) is located ◦ Why AT equipment makes a difference (highlight AT success stories)◦ How to turn the AT equipment on (reference simple direction guide)

DRC accesses local AT-Team, state AT Project as needed.

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Possible AT training schedule for One-Stop StaffDISCLAIMER: This is just an example. Your experience may vary!

60 minutes of training every other month in small groups◦ Example: 5 group sessions a day for 2 days once every 2 months◦ Schedule with staff weeks/months in advance and be FLEXIBLE!

Each session covers “groupings” of similar AT. ◦ Examples include:

Low Vision: Zoom Text, CCTV, Pocket-Magnifier, Large Print Keys Hard of Hearing: Pocket-Talker, Hearing-Helper, Digital-Recorder, Amplified

Phone

Each session includes:◦ Hands-on time with AT and practice referencing quick start guide◦ Discussion of One-Stop customer scenarios where AT might be helpful◦ Reiteration of AT & accommodation resources (e.g. VR, JAN, AT Project)

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Responses from One-Stop Staff who receive ongoing training/exposure to AT:

“57% of Working Age Adults would benefit from AT”

– Staff will come forward and request AT for themselves.Staff will be able to assist customers, w/o coming to you/DRC. Staff may request additional training time, assistance, and information on AT as they become more familiar with it. Staff will begin to access other AT and accommodation related resources on their own as familiarity increases (e.g. JAN and VR).Staff will begin to feel more comfortable and excited about AT and begin sharing information on the benefits of AT with One-Stop customers, One-Stop employers, as well as friends & family members.Staff will ultimately experience better outcomes for customers.

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AT MARKETING MENUAT MARKETING MENUITEM

ITEM

ITEM

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Assess Existing AT Marketing Efforts & Explore New Ones

Post AT references & lists on state DOL & local One-Stop websites. Put up AT Posters and Signage in the One-Stop.

Include info on AT in One-Stop Handouts, Brochures, and at every One-Stop Orientation.

Access Local Media to Market NEW AT available at the One-Stop: Newspaper articles / Press Releases / Radio / Local Cable Channel

Promote and Provide Walking Tours of One-Stops that include demos of AT. Target these efforts to local disability groups & employers.

Word of Mouth Marketing via One-Stop staff, partners, WIB, customers

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Examples from Alaska DEI

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Examples from Virginia DEI

Front Desk Sign Universal Computer Poster

AT and Core ServicesAT and Core Services

AT and Intensive ServicesAT and Intensive Services

AT and Training ServicesAT and Training Services

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For those of you who are not handy, these are “levels”.

Get it? Multiple Levels of Service!

Assistive Technology Assistive Technology & CORE SERVICES& CORE SERVICES

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Assistive Technology can be critical in ensuring access to:

Registration processesAssessmentCore service workshops

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Registration processes

Registration is the initial activity for any customer at the One-Stop,

Customers will often hesitate to disclose at registration

If the registration is unsuccessful the customer is unlikely to access any services at the One-Stop

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Assessment

Assessment is a key element in determining the service track of a newly registered customer in the One-Stop

Performance on assessments is often an eligibility criteria for referral to trainings or job opportunities

One-Stop staff are often uneasy about allowing AT in an assessment situation

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Core Service Workshops

Core Service Workshops often involve instruction around specific job search activities critical to a customer reaching program outcomes

Core Service Workshops are frequently used as a part of the eligibility process for intensive and training services

Providing AT in a workshop environment is often more challenging to both customers and staff than providing AT in a resource room environment

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Example: Read & Write

For people with low vision or learning disabilities. Read and Write software provides a suite of functions that can assist customers by incorporating voice to text, visual organizational cues, and spelling and word meaning cues. Read and Write is designed to be self-directed and easily applied even by first-time users.

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Example: Read & Write

Assistance and support in filling out registration forms independently when in a virtual format

Assistance and support in completing assessments and increasing the accuracy of such assessments for customers with learning disabilities or low vision

Assistance and support in reaching workshop outcomes independently when workshop curriculum includes computer based or online components

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Assistive TechnologyAssistive Technology & INTENSIVE SERVICES& INTENSIVE SERVICES

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Assistive Technology can be critical in ensuring access to:

Enrollment procedures and processes

Job search supports available at the One-Stop

Enhance the effectiveness of Case Management services

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Enrollment procedures and processes

Enrollment in WIA intensive services often will involve a process that can include:

Assessment

Development of a training/placement (service)plan

Demonstration of readiness determined by prolonged engagement with core service activities and/or successful completion of assigned next steps

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Accessing job search supports at the One-Stop

An increasing number of job search activities are performed online

Wagner-Peyser Programs often require the development of profiles to access their job matching services.

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Effective Case Management services

Assistive Technology can increase the effectiveness of communication between the customer and the WIA case manager which is critical to a customers success because:

WIA case managers will often give customers numerous next steps and schedule follow up appointments bi-weekly or even further apart

WIA case managers often make referrals to other systems each of which will engage the customer in eligibility and planning activities

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Example: Portable Digital Audio Recording Device

For customers with hearing impairments, low vision, learning

disabilities or customers who are blind. Allows a customer to review verbal materials at a higher volume or can substitute for written notes for the purpose of review.

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Example: Portable Digital Audio Recording Device

Can record complex instructions around forms or next steps allowing for independent review or additional explanation from One-Stop staff or whomever the customer prefers to use in this role.

Can allow a customer to review instructions or presentations at a higher volume allowing for additional and more effective comprehension of materials or information.

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Assistive TechnologyAssistive Technology & TRAINING SERVICES& TRAINING SERVICES

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Assistive Technology can be critical in ensuring:

Development of a training plan

Communicating progress and needs to Case Manager as a training and placement plan progresses.

Accessing, benefiting, and reaching the outcomes associated with WIA funded training.

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Development of a training plan

The development of WIA training plans often involve a customer researching local labor market trends, and the curriculum and outcomes associated with local training providers then reporting back to the WIA Case Manager.

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Communicating progress and needs to Case Manager as a training and placement plan

progresses.

The development of a WIA training plan often involves the customer developing and communicating a plan to access additional resources and a budget that maps out how critical supports will be maintained during the training.

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Accessing, benefiting, and reaching the outcomes associated with WIA funded training.

Developing an AT strategy that takes into account all the steps associated with the development and implementation of a WIA training plan can both facilitate enrollment in WIA training services, and increase the likelihood a customer will attain the outcomes associated with those services.

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Example: Dragon Naturally Speaking

Provides voice to text support and is voice activated. It can allow customers with low vision or learning disabilities to become computer literate and independently perform computer based activities.

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Example: Dragon Naturally Speaking

Allows customers to independently access resource materials and research labor market, and training provider information while developing a training plan.Allows a customer to participate and benefit from WIA funded trainings.Enhances a customers ability to communicate and maintain engagement with WIA case managers as training/placement plan is implemented.Assists a customer in placement activities post training and enhance their capacity to learn and perform specific job duties once placed.

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Role of the DEI Project Lead and DRC related to AT in the One-Stop

Partners and Strategies to help implement AT within the One-Stop

Strategies for Marketing AT in the One-Stop

Integrating AT into the Core, Intensive and Training Services at the One-Stop

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Designing a Universally Accessible Electronic Work Station & Kiosk http://www.onestops.info/article.php?article_id=90

Universal Design and Assistive Technology in the Workplacehttp://www.jan.wvu.edu/media/udatfact.doc

Access and Accommodations section of the One-Stop Toolkit – http://www.onestoptoolkit.org/statelocalbytopic.cfm

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Miranda Kennedy(720) 890-3990mkennedy@ndi-inc.org

Brian Ingram(503) 913-6139bingram@ndi-inc.org

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