MICHIGAN REHABILITATION SERVICES (MRS): BASICS FOR TEACHERS

Transcription

1 MICHIGAN REHABILITATION SERVICES (MRS): BASICS FOR TEACHERS Rebecca Hill, Rehabilitation Counselor, MRS Jessica Vitkin, Transition Rehab Facilitator, MRS Mindy Miller, Transition Coordinator, KRESA

2 TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED: What is MRS? What services does MRS provide? How does the student referral process work? What are some examples of successful MRS transition cases? How can I help students prepare for a connection to MRS? How do I determine appropriate student referrals for MRS? Who do I contact with questions?

3 WHAT IS MRS? MISSION: Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) partners with individuals and employers to achieve quality employment outcomes and independence d for persons with disabilities. MRS helps people with disabilities to prepare for, find, and keep jobs. MRS is a state agency within Michigan s Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth.

4 WHAT IS MRS (CONT.) Eligibility for MRS is based on a disability that results in barriers to employment. MRS works with all disabilities including physical, emotional, learning, and cognitive impairments. Individuals seeking MRS services must have an employment-related need and be capable of working in competitive employment. All MRS services are individualized and based on a student s needs.

5 WHAT SERVICES CAN MRS PROVIDE? Vocational Counseling Job Placement Job Coaching Training/Work Readiness/Employability Skills MCTI Mobility Training Independent Living Coordination Summer Career Camp Self-Employment Additional Support

6 VOCATIONAL COUNSELING Guidance and exploration of career options. Assessment and identification of student s strengths, interests, and disability-related barriers. Coordination of related services. Creation of employment plan based on realistic job goals.

7 JOB PLACEMENT Weekly meeting with a job placement specialist to help students find competitive employment within the community. Resume development elopment Job application assistance Job search networking Interview coaching Independent job search facilitation For example, Supportive Employment Options (SEO) and Goodwill Industries are contracted vendors to provide this service.

8 JOB COACHING Assistance provided to help a new employee learn their job and adjust to the work environment. Facilitates communication i between the student and their hi supervisor. Teaches realistic expectations in the work environment including workplace culture. Addresses hygiene and grooming appropriateness. Identifies necessary accommodations. Intervenes if problems arise.

9 TRAINING/WORK READINESS/ EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS Gaining specific skills necessary for a job. On the job training Short-term t training i Work adjustment training College or trade school (ex. MCTI) Trial work/work k experience/situational it ti assessment Soft Skills Class Job Readiness Class Job Club

10 MICHIGAN CAREER AND TECHNICAL INSTITUTE (MCTI) MCTI conducts vocational and technical training programs and provides the supportive services needed to prepare Michigan citizens with disabilities for competitive employment. Programs offered: Automotive Technology, Cabinetmaking/Millwork, Certified Nursing Assistant, Culinary Arts, Custodial, Customer Service, Electronics, Graphic Communications, Grounds Maintenance and Landscaping, Machine Technology, Pharmacy, Office Automation, Retail Marketing and Weatherization The wait list for admission to MCTI is 8 months.

11 MCTI (CONT.) Full Scale IQ of 75 or higher is preferred for entrance into MCTI and each individual program has additional requirements. Students t must be able to live independently! d Take medications as prescribed without assistance Disability-related issues must be in maintenance mode Daily living activities must be done without support Can stay on task Does not have a history of harming self or others Exercises good judgment when balancing academics, social and leisure activities

12 MCTI (CONT.) For example, the admission requirements for the Automotive Technology program include: Performance IQ of 90 on the WAIS Work Keys: *Reading for Information Level 4 *Applied Mathematics Level 4 *Locating Information Level 4 Exposure to loud noises and fumes Must have a valid driver s license Able to perform a variety of tasks, ability to make judgments, and perform precision work Interview with the instructor prior to acceptance into the program

13 MOBILITY TRAINING MRS can support mobility training when it is necessary for employment. Public Transportation Bus route, Metro van, Care-A-Van Assistance in clarifying available options Training how to access existing options Driver s Training Driving schools and Specialized Driver s Assessment/Training Student needs to have access to a vehicle Option of last resort

14 INDEPENDENT LIVING COORDINATION Once an individual has an open case with MRS, a referral can be made to Disability Network to address independent living needs. Clarification of benefits: Medical Social Security Department of Human Services Assistance with applying for community resources and/or benefits Housing information Transportation information/training Basic financial planning Facilitates access to other agencies (DHS, CMH, etc.)

15 GOODWILL INDUSTRIES SUMMER CAREER CAMP An opportunity for students with limited work experience to obtain on-the-job training and gain job seeking skills. Day campers experience various types of work such as retail, clerical, grounds keeping, food service, and assembly. Classroom job seeking training includes interview skills, appropriate work behavior, disability rights, and basic financial literacy.

16 SELF-EMPLOYMENT Supported self-employment is defined as individuals with disabilities owning their own businesses, who receive support and ongoing assistance in the operational aspects of the business. Small businesses may be supported by MRS as part of an Individual Plan of Employment (IPE) if they: are designed to become a major source of income for the individual to the greatest extent practical. In order for a student to be considered for supported self- employment, they must have the following : An interest or skill that is marketable and likely to be profitable Long-term family and/or community supports Additional financial resources

17 ADDITIONAL SUPPORTS Once employment is obtained, MRS provides 90 days of follow-up support. Services may include: Work equipment and tools Uniforms Transportation assistance Referrals to additional resources

18 THE MRS CONNECTION PROCESS Student Orientation Student Conference with School Staff MRS Student Referral MRS Intake Psychological Testing (if necessary) Vocational Evaluation Additional testing/gathering of documentation Eligibility determination Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) Services Employment 90-day follow-up Case closure

19 STUDENT ORIENTATION A student orientation is a general introduction to MRS that allows student to make informed choice about applying for services. Scheduled at school buildings in the fall. Teachers, staff, and parents are welcome to attend.

20 STUDENT CONFERENCE WITH SCHOOL STAFF After attending the orientation, it is important to follow up and allow students to make their own informed choice about their future. In order to make a proper referral to MRS, school staff should determine if the student WANTS to work, IF they are capable of competitive employment, and IF they are interested in pursuing services with MRS. A connection to MRS is a process that can take several months and it is important to encourage students to apply early in the student s senior year of high school. Some students will not be interested or are just not ready to pursue services. The priority is that they are aware MRS exists and is available to provide assistance in removing barriers to employment now AND in the future.

21 MRS STUDENT REFERRAL Once a student has attended an orientation and is interested in pursuing MRS services, they meet with the MRS Transition Rehab Facilitator to prepare their file. During this minute meeting (held at the student s school), the student will: Provide necessary documentation Answer questions about their strengths, interests, disability, barriers to employment, and services they desire from MRS Sign an Alcohol and Drug Screening questionnaire A d f l ill b l ONLY h h h A student referral will be complete ONLY when they have provided the necessary documentation and feel they can pass a drug screening.

22 MRS INTAKE After the student referral file is complete, the MRS vocational counselor meets with the student. During this minute meeting (held at the student s s school), the counselor gets to know the student. They discuss: Vocational interests/needs Work history Strengths and barriers Next steps in the MRS process

23 TESTING AND ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATION Testing: Psychological testing is scheduled when there is a need for updated information. A vocational evaluation provides in-depth information on the student s interests, strengths, and barriers to help determine appropriate job goals. Additional testing may include: functional capacity assessment, neuropsychological l assessment, or other tests t necessary to determine the student s strengths and barriers. Testing may require a student to miss all or part of a school day. Eligibility determination is based on a review of documentation ti showing evidence of disability related barriers to employment.

24 INDIVIDUALIZED PLAN FOR EMPLOYMENT (IPE) AND SERVICES An IPE is a formal agreement between the student and MRS that includes: A realistic job goal that will likely result in employment Services and providers Rights and responsibilities Criteria for evaluating progress The IPE can be amended if additional student needs are identified. Services Necessary to reach the employment goal Can only be provided if included in IPE Other community resources must be used when available

25 EMPLOYMENT, FOLLOW-UP, AND CLOSURE Once a student begins working, the case remains open to provide 90 days of follow-up. If employment is not successful within 90 days, additional services may be provided depending on each student s situation. The average MRS transition case lasts months. Case Closure: Successful closure occurs after 90 days of employment. Unsuccessful closure results from lack of contact, lack of follow through, student request, excessive inappropriate work behavior, failure to comply with IPE, or lack of barriers to employment. After case closure, students always have the option to reapply for MRS services.

26 MRS SUCCESS STORY Student A Referral Source: YAP Disability: ADHD and Behavioral Issues Services provided by MRS: Vocational Guidance and Counseling Goodwill Summer Career Camp Custodial training at MCTI, along with Uniforms, Incidental allowance, and Anger Mgmt while at MCTI Job Development and Job Coaching Linking to IL services, Housing resources, etc Employment information: Works as a Custodian earning $8/hr Additional Info: Student received work experience through YAP and receives SSDI

27 MRS SUCCESS STORY Student B Referral Source: Loy Norrix Disability: Learning Disabilities in Reading and Writing Services provided by MRS: Vocational Guidance and Counseling Psychological Evaluation Vocational Evaluation Goodwill Summer Career Camp Social Security Benefits counseling/work Incentives Planning Job Development and Job Coaching Interview clothing, work boots for job start t Employment information: Works in Building Services earning $8.75/hr Additional Info: Student t received work experience through h EFE, and receives Social Security benefits

28 HOW CAN TEACHERS HELP STUDENTS PREPARE FOR A CONNECTION TO MRS? Invite MRS counselor to student IEP s Obtain prior consent using the Consent to Invite Agencies Form REQUIRED if the IEP indicates MRS is likely to provide/pay for services Gather/photo copy documentation Driver s license/state id (preferred) or birth certificate Social security card Copy of most recent IEP and MET report Obtain consent early! Authorization to Disclose Information Form Signed by parent/guardian (if minor) or student t (if 18)

29 IS MY STUDENT READY FOR MRS? Teacher Checklist Does your student s disability create barriers to employment? Does your student want to work? Is your student available to work? Does your student t want to work with MRS? Are MRS services likely to result in an employment outcome? Student Checklist Can you talk about your strengths, disability, and limitations? Do you want to work? Are you available to work? Does your disability make it difficult to find a job? Do you need help finding and learning a job? Do you want to work with MRS?

30 WHAT SKILLS DO STUDENTS NEED TO BE READY FOR COMPETITIVE EMPLOYMENT? Dependable Responsible Honest Follows directions On time Good attendance Free from substance abuse Problem solving skills Good listener Respects others Basic math, writing and computer skills Pride in one s work Willing to learn Works well with others Cooperates as part of a team Flexible Enthusiasm for work Treats customers well Uses common sense Shows initiative Works with minimum supervision

31 WHAT IF MY STUDENT NEEDS ONGOING SUPPORT WITH EMPLOYMENT? MRS provides short-term assistance with removing barriers to employment. If ongoing assistance is needed for a student to be successfully employed, a referral to Kalamazoo Community Mental Health (CMH) may be determined to be more appropriate. CMH can provide community living supports, health services, skill building, supports coordination, and/or supported employment services to individuals (who qualify) with developmental disabilities and mental illness.

32 CONTACT INFORMATION Rebecca Hill, Vocational Counselor, MRS (269) Jessica Vitkin, Transition Rehab Facilitator, MRS (269) Paula Miller, Independent Living Specialist, Disability Network (269) Mindy Miller, Transition Coordinator, KRESA (269)