Project SEARCH AESA Conference December 5, 2013
Today s Presentation Objectives Overview of the Project SEARCH Transition Program What we learned from our first year experience at Bronson Methodist Hospital Understand the process in running a Project SEARCH Program at a Host Business
People with disabilities are incredibly capable of complex work, as long as, they have the training and as long as it s systematic. Jobs like this are incredibly complex, but they re incredibly systematic. It actually ends up being a perfect job, Erin Riehle, senior clinical director, Project SEARCH.
Facts about the Project SEARCH Program 1997 Cincinnati Children s Hospital Erin Riehle Model: business, education, VR, and mental health International web-based data system Licensing Agreement with Project SEARCH Cincinnati 215 sites in existence and growing 40 states/state initiatives England, Scotland, Australia, Canada, & New Zeeland Wide mix of rural and urban Huge districts and very small (collaboration )
Michigan Data 119 students have participated since 2009 109 students have completed 18 interns have been hired at Host Site 40 interns have been hired elsewhere Total of 58/109 (53%) have been employed through their participation with Project SEARCH
Project SEARCH Model Fidelity 1. The outcome is integrated employment 2. Collaboration: Education, VR, DD, Host Site 3. Business led program 4. Single point of entry, which is the business 5. Serves young adults with significant impairments
Project SEARCH Model Fidelity 6. Braided funding between all partners 7. Full immersion of students and/or employees at host business 8. Agreed upon definition of employment and data 20 hours/week, making minimum wage or better Year to Year, data is provided to Project SEARCH Cincinnati 9. Follow along services for employment retention 10. Licensing Agreement Project SEARCH/Cincinnati
Why Does Project SEARCH Make Sense? Collective Impact Strengthens the program due to vested interest among agencies/organizations Allows each organization to live up to their mission and vision
Project SEARCH School Project SEARCH Transition Model Program length is one school year (Sept-June) 10 to 12 students - variety of disabilities Certified Instructor and Job Coach Last year of high school or school eligibility 3 rotations through unpaid internships to develop transferrable and marketable skills Business Liaison and Department Mentors offer support and continual feedback to the students Outcome is competitive employment
Minimum Eligibility Guidelines 18 21 years old (In Michigan up to 26) Eligibility for VR and/or Community Mental Health Previous work related experience Appropriate hygiene, social and communication skills Ability to take direction and change behavior Access public transportation Pass drug screen, background check, immunizations Agree this will be the last year of school services Desire to Work!
Project SEARCH Kalamazoo Pilot Year: 2012-2013 school year Eight interns were enrolled in Project SEARCH Seven interns have been hired in the community EVS at Bronson Methodist Hospital EVS at Bronson Methodist Hospital Stocking and Bagging at Harding s Friendly Market Day Care Assistant at Richland Daycare Food Preparation at Kalamazoo Valley Community College EVS at Borgess Hospital Dishwashing Associate at Tap House Brewery and Epic Bistro Our last intern will be interviewing for a job at Kalamazoo College Ability to coordinate services and supports for independent living Provide long term employment and community supports
Bronson s Commitment to Project SEARCH Bronson has provided our program Business Liaison Sponsoring Department w/manager Department Mentors Office space Computers Telephone Access to a copier/printer Daily classroom space
Project SEARCH at Bronson List of Rotations students have the possibility of working as one of their internships Food Service and Preparation Linens Recycling EVS-Housekeeping Infection Prevention-Hand Wash Auditor Conference Set Up/Gilmore Education Center Equipment Tech Greeter in Cardiac MICU Child Injury Prevention Sterilization-Respiratory Therapy Organization/Education Services
Starting Project SEARCH Once Host Business has agreed, the process of start up for the following year may begin: Student Recruitment Student Interviews and Selection Rotation Site Development Rotation Job Analysis Open House/Orientation IEP for the Upcoming Year
Managing Project SEARCH Organized leadership structure Over communication to all team members Networking with host site and community employers Monthly meetings with interns and parents/guardians Detailed evaluations during each rotation Support activities of daily living Job development
Project SEARCH 12 Unit Curriculum Team Building Getting Around Your Workplace Workplace Safety Technology Social Skills/Communication Presentation Skills Interviewing Skills Money Management Health and Wellness Resume and Career Passport Job Search Skills Keeping a Job
Project SEARCH Curriculum (cont.) Project SEARCH provides a Resource Guide that includes several lessons for each unit of study 2 sites in Cincinnati just created a online forum where you can gain access to 100 s of lessons and activities as well as ask questions and post your own lessons to share with all the other sites Project SEARCH is trying to make this a team based approach so all sites can have positive outcomes
Challenges and Barriers Student recruitment Family commitment Exiting & age of eligibility in Michigan Collaboration- partnerships Funding & sustainability Statewide coordination Employment opportunities Follow along long term supports
People with disabilities have the right to choose a path toward education and employment. However, while freedom of choice is given, the right to work is earned. Earning the right to work is dependent upon the student's preparation. Simon, Stephen, ADA Quarterly, Fall 1998.
Project SEARCH = Increase Success 1 - Graduation 2 - Dropout Rates 5 - Least Restrictive Environment 8 - Parent Involvement 13 - Secondary Transition 14 - Post School Outcomes
Impact on Kalamazoo Bridging partnerships with community agencies Changing systems based on the Project SEARCH model around positive outcomes in K-12 public education Being invited to Holiday Banquet for Bronson Employees Bronson Mentors/Managers impacted by the strengths and character of the interns Presenting and marketing to the Leadership Team at Bronson Volunteer at 5K Walk/Run for Bronson Children s Hospital and Kettle Bell Ringing for Salvation Army during the Holiday Season
Questions?
Contacts Laurie Montgomery, Kalamazoo RESA lmontgomery@kresa.org Adam Danapilis, Kalamazoo RESA ADanapilis@kresa.org