PAUL WEHMANVCU-RRTC

ALLIANCE FOR FULL PARTICIPATIONNOVEMBER 18, 2011

Virginia Project SEARCH Initiatives: Internships that

Lead to Employment

EXPLOSION!!!

2008 - Project SEARCH began three years ago with one site

2011-2012 - Ten sites across the Commonwealth

Many more school division personnel and DRS Transition Counselors are expressing interest in developing a Project SEACH site in their locality

Award Winning Program!

2011 Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Project SEARCH International Conference

Virginia sites who had 100% placement in 2009 – 2010 school year awarded “Employment Champions” Bon Secours - St. Mary’s Chesterfield County Government Center

Overall Goals and Key Concepts

Employment Change in Business Culture – PS is business

led with collaboration among education, VR and long term support

Shared funding, braided funding VDOE has dedicated grant funds to build an

infrastructure for Project SEARCH in Virginia Commissioner Rothrock has dedicated funding for job

coaching for ten sites this year

What makes Project SEARCH Successful?

Collaboration is the KEY! WE are seeing increased collaboration between schools, DRS, ESO’s, and businesses

Each partner contributes a part to the success of the program as a whole.

Everybody wins!

Thoughtful, Deliberate Communication is Critical

State CoordinatorState LeadersBusiness Advisory CouncilLocal Teams

Where can PS Sites be found?

Nationally Local, State and Federal Government Water and Power Lottery Banking and Insurance Universities Park Districts and Zoos Manufacturing Retirement Communities Retail Distribution Centers Law Enforcement and Courthouses Oil Casinos

Host Businesses in Virginia

Chesterfield County Government CenterBon Secours St. Mary’s HospitalVCU Health System (VCU Hospital)Sentara CarePlex HospitalCarilion ClinicSentara Williamsburg Regional Medical CenterCarilion New River Valley Medical CenterSentara Norfolk General HospitalClinch Valley Medical CenterPrince William Hospital

What do the numbers show?

93 young adults completed a Project SEARCH program since its inception

80 y0ung adults are enrolled in a Project SEARCH program this year (2011-2012)

At this time our data indicates that 68 % of young adults who went through Project SEARCH are employed

What do the numbers show (con’t)

Number of students who began in 2010-2011 = 67

Number who were employed by host site = 26

Number who were employed outside host site = 23

Number currently in job development = 18

This is as of September, 2011

Project Search Summary

Project Search clients earned more money at closure than Non-Project search clients.

Project Search clients worked more hours at closure than Non-Project Search clients.

Project Search clients were employed in their field of training at higher rate than Non-Project Search clients.

Seven Project Search clients were able to move off SSI.

The supported employment cost for Project Search Clients was less than for Non-Project Search Clients.

What Can We Do To Impact Retention and Growth?

Educate staffDisability awareness training -how the

disability effects learning rather than the diagnosis

Job coach techniquesHigh expectationsKnowledge of Project SEARCH Goals

Aiden

“Professional” work habitsBody positioningBuilding professional friendshipsSupports:

Visual aids Role play

Aiden

Strengths: Engaging personality Strives to please his employer

Challenges Tactile Stimulated Invades personal space Cursing Problem Solving when an issue arises

“The High Road”

Aiden’s Internships to Employment Path

Internships: Radiology Engineering Infection Control

Employment Infection Control

Maintain Infection Control carts

Remove supplies, wipe down, return materials to drawers

Restock and charge departments for supplies

Katie

Katie

Strengths: High energy Outgoing personality Hard worker

Challenges: High Energy Emotional highs and lows Focus Interpersonal boundaries

Katie

PacingSetting personal boundariesDeveloping professional relationshipsSupports:

Visual supports Relaxation

exercises

Katie’s Internships to Employment Path

Internships: Ambulatory Care Central Sterile Main Operating Room

Employment Surgical Care Technician – Main Operating Room

Stocking supplies Replenish blanket warmers Stock scrub in sinks Turns over patient rooms

Questions??

Paul Wehman, Ph.D., Director pwehman@vcu.edu 804-828-1851

Jennifer McDonough, Virginia Project SEARCH Statewide Coordinator jltodd@vcu.edu 804-828-6984