Work Matters – Making It Work For Everyone!

1. Work Matters – Making It Work For Everyone! Renee Borders rborders@austinisd.org Austin ISD February 21, 2013

2. US History • Supported Employment Had Origins In The Early 1980’s Federal Regulation SE contains three elements: • Competitive Work- Work that is performed on a full or part-time basis and for which an individual is compensated in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act • Occurs in an integrated work setting • On going support services are provided

3. Supported Employment Began in AISD 1997

4. Referral Guidelines • Priority will be given to students who have participated in community based vocational instruction. • Priority will be given to graduating seniors 18-21. • The disability is so significant that extensive long term support and/or modifications are needed.

5. The number one indicator of whether a student with a disability will be employed after high school is whether or not the student was employed prior to graduation.

6. Employment Statistics • 2006-2007 – 26/31 – 84% Follow-up Jan. 2008 15/26 – 58% • 2007 – 2008 – 19/28 – 68% Follow-up Jan. 2009 13/19 – 68% • 2008 – 2009 – 24/34 – 71% Follow-up Jan. 2010 20/24 – 84%

7. Employment Statistics • 2009 – 2010 – 30/38 – 79% • 2010 – 2011 – 36/56 – 64% • 2011 – 2012 – 31/43 – 72%

8. Supported Employment is Employment with Support & Modifications PAID EMPLOYMENT An Employment Agreement Between An Individual & Employer

9. Supported Employment Is A Process … Not Just Getting A Job

12. Parent Perspective

13. Youth Benefits • Increased Self-Esteem • Development of Relationships With Other People • Exercise of Choice • Development of New Skills • Participation in the Community • Improved Quality of Life • Wages for Self-Sufficiency

14. Employer Benefits • Introduction to Highly Motivated Applicants • Reduced Recruitment Time and Expense • Assistance Accommodating Employee Needs to Increase Productivity • Reduced Turnover Rates • Available Support to Enhance Employer Satisfaction • Competent, Eager Workers

15. Employment Consultants“What I have learned.” • Be careful what you say – what promises you make! • Transportation is important! • Check in with employer weekly. • With businesses – expect the unexpected! • Job match is critical! • Make sure you keep your word! • Take the necessary steps to build a trusting rapport!

16. Employment Consultants • Giving that little extra can make a huge difference in a situation. • You only get one chance to make a good first impression with an employer. • Nothing is possible without open, and excellent communication between all parties involved.(Parents, Teachers, Student, Employer and Employment Consultant.) • Never underestimate your students!

17. Employment Consultants • Employer relationships. • Communication should be between the employer and employee – as much as possible. • Have the students involved in job development!