Student-Centered Planning for Employment Transition TrainingFall 2014

…isn’t just paper. Good person-centered planning…

Good Person-Centered Planning is… Focused on the person Their goals in their own words With information needed to plan well Meeting when, where and how they want to meet With people they choose and invite

Program Centered Focus on labels Emphasis on deficits and needs Starting with what’s wrong Following a program We are in control We set their goals Over emphasize technologies and clinical strategies Person Centered See people first Search for capacity and gifts Starting with what’s important Having a life The person leads We assist, they decide Emphasize dreams, desires, meaningful experiences

A Good Plan Includes the Whole Picture Steps to reach the goal through: Activities, social events Relationship building Making community connections Learning And also… needs, services, and supports

Keep It Positive Strengths-Based Planning Stay away from labels (diagnosis), deficits, and challenges Focus on capabilities and positive characteristics Find out… Assets, Strengths, Talents, Skills Past experience, accomplishments Past support: What has worked/Not worked

One Page Profile

Connecting to Community A full life is about relationships Getting a job is often about “who you know.” Find those community connectors Could they be invited to the meeting?

Circle of Support Identify people in the person’s life - ‘Circles’ activity The focus person decides who to invite Ask questions about their role Make sure members know their role Getting the right people there is key to a successful plan.

People I am very close to Friends people I like to spend time with Participation where I spend my time Paid People People I am very close to Friends people I like to spend time with Participation where I spend my time Paid People

An Important Role Help the student, their family, and others in their support circle believe that work in the community is possible. Encourage the student to consider employment and discover their skills and talents.

Variety of Tools and Formats Different tools are needed for different purposes, it depends on the individual MAPS (McGill Action Planning System) - know someone better and get on the same page PATH – a specific goal in mind, steps to get there DPG (Discovering Personal Genius) – time-limited, quick paced, goal-oriented process with the solid outcome of work

Goals and Steps

Circle of Support has input… … and members “enroll.”

… commitment and action. Great lists and pretty pictures are not a good plan without…

Not Just Paper Beyond lists of action items and supports, get commitments – Signatures Real action achieves desired outcomes Biggest barrier is lack of follow-through Important to have a Champion

Planning for Employment

Discovery Discovering Personal Genius (DPG) is a Discovery process developed by Griffin Hammis Associates Not about a dream job or career of a lifetime Focus on skills, less on interests Outcome is work that fits the individual and provides opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Discovery Produces a here-and-now vocational profile Learn skills/talents through observation at home, school, in community Discover vocational themes Unveils remote or hidden career opportunities

Idaho Websites Free Person Centered Planning online training related to transition and employment. Center Disability and Human Development website at: Once on the site you will need to self-register. Idaho Person Centered Planning Project: IdahoHelp Resource Directory: Able to Work:

Additional Websites Real People, Real Jobs: Stories from the Front Line Institute for Community Inclusion, University of Massachusetts, Boston Idaho Council on Developmental Disabilities Tracy Warren Planner/Program Specialist Idaho Council on Developmental Disabilities (208)