Transitioning Individuals with Disabilities into the Skilled, Living Wage Workforce:

Transcription

1 Transitioning Individuals with Disabilities into the Skilled, Living Wage Workforce: The Onondaga Pathways to Careers (OPC) Demonstration Project William N. Myhill, M.Ed. J.D. OPC Project Director New York State Rehabilitation Association "WIOA: What's It All About" - One-Day Summit December 7,

2 Onondaga Pathways to Careers (OPC) I. Purpose II. Career Paths III. Supports IV. Recruiting V. Transition Planning 2

3 I. OPC Purpose The Onondaga Pathways to Careers (OPC) demonstration project provides an opportunity for young people with disabilities to enroll at Onondaga Community College (OCC), earn an industry-recognized credential in a high growth industry, and acquire a job that pays a living wage in the local workforce. OPC is funded by the Office of Disability Employment Policy, U.S. Department of Labor, Award No. OD

4 II. OPC Career Paths OPC Academic Programs Health Information Technology, A.A.S. Mechanical Technology, A.A.S. Advanced Manufacturing Certificate Electrical Technology, A.A.S. Careers Health Information Technician Electrical Engineer Electrical Technician CAD Drafter CAD Designer Test Control Technician Quality Control Technician Mechanical Lab Technician Materials Lab Technician Machinist Machine Operator Tool & Die Maker Machine Setter 4

5 OPC Career Paths OPC Academic Programs Computer Information Systems, A.A.S. Computer Science, A.S. Computer Forensics, A.S. Careers Computer Programmer Scientific Programmer Business Programmer Network Support Provider Technical Support Provider Web Maintenance Provider Web Designer Webmaster Computer Forensics Investigator 5

6 The Education Coordinator works individually with OPC students to increase self-awareness through: Intake Casey Life Skills Assessment Strengths Quest Goal setting Lifelong learning workshops, on needs including: financial literacy self-advocacy healthy relationships III. OPC Supports Education Services & Supports 6

7 The Education Coordinator further supports the educational programming of OPC students with access to: Advising and Tutoring Adaptive technology Leadership development and Peer mentors Retention alert, and Referral to OCC and community resources, such as: ACCES-VR Public transportation Mental health assessment and services OCC food pantry Textbook vouchers OPC Supports Education Services & Supports 7

8 The Employment Coordinator works individually with OPC students to: Develop job search skills Create short- & long-term career goals Build awareness and knowledge of chosen careers Develop employability and soft skills Gain experience through work-based learning opportunities, including: Industry site visits and job shadowing Volunteering and service learning Internships OPC Supports Employment Services & Supports 8

9 OPC Supports Employment Services & Supports Tools of the Employment Coordinator include: Purple Briefcase Focus 2 Follow Your Inner Heroes to Work You Love Skills to Pay the Bills Mynextmove.org Big Future WinWay Resume Deluxe Career Coach 9

10 Community-Wide Buy-In IV. Recruiting Broad partnerships with K-12 education, youth and family services, workforce preparation, employers, disability service providers, higher education, industry associations, e.g.,: CNYWorks, Manufacturers Association of Central New York, St. Joseph s Hospital & Health Center, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Deep partnerships with Syracuse City School District, OCM- BOCES, ACCES-VR, ARISE, Brain Injury Coalition, Onondaga Community Living, SUNY Educational Opportunity Center, AccessCNY, and Burton Blatt Institute. OCC Disability Awareness Events 10

11 Recruiting Outreach Local conferences and panels Presentations to counselors, principals, directors of special education OPC Brochures & Posters MOUs with Partners Website OCC Open House and Technology Career Nights OPC Information Sessions Local Transition Workgroup and Phone Blasts Social Media 11

12 V. Transition Planning OPC Scholars Program for SCSD high school seniors We are recruiting 30 seniors with disabilities on track to graduate from high school in June 2016, and who have demonstrated a strong interest in pursuing technology-based careers. January through June 2016 we have six events planned for the students involving: Program Orientation Assistance for students and families with Admission, Financial Aid and Housing applications College readiness preparation Career awareness and employer panels Self-advocacy skills Disability rights and responsibilities 12

13 Transition Planning OPC Resources for High School Students Families of students with disabilities in CNY, who hear about the program from our partners, are encouraged to contact the program, whereby: Families are invited to campus to learn about the OPC program; and invited to annual events Families can choose to permit OPC staff to have contact with the student s school (e.g., counselor, special education teacher) OPC staff can collaborate with the school and family on transition planning (e.g., goals and activities), and support the activities. 13

14 Questions? Contacts: OPC Main Line: Bobbi Latimer - (315) and OPC@sunyocc.edu OPC Website: OPC Project Director: William Myhill - (315) and myhill.w@sunyocc.edu 14

15 Thank You 15