Project SEARCH: Leading the Way to Positive Secondary Transition Outcomes Megan curry, M.ed Project sEARCh Instructor Embassy suites by hilton norman project search academy mcurry@norman.k12.ok.us OTI october 4, 2016

Project SEARCH™ Academy Embassy Suites Norman Project SEARCH™ Academy Project SEARCH is a partnership between Norman Public Schools, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Oklahoma DRS, Dale Rogers Training Center, and National Center for Disability Education and Training.

PROJECT SEARCH™ GOAL: To achieve competitive employment for young adults with disabilities

National Project SEARCH™ Developed in 1996 Program model followed CCHMC healthcare diversity initiative Partnered with Great Oaks Tech Center for program participants Currently over 280 sites U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia & Ireland Program model now being replicated in banking, manufacturing, hospitality, forestry, and university settings

Research Work Based Learning Promotes: Problem Solving Teamwork Social Skill Development Adult Thinking Processes

Research Real-life work experiences are important: Most individuals begin working before they turn 21 Leaves schools with narrow window to focus on vocational training Individuals with ID should hold first job before turning 18 (SIPERSTEIN ET AL., 2014)

Research Project SEARCH: A current best practice in the field of transition (Mueller & VanGilder, 2014) Combines training in employment and independent living skills, real-life work experience, and assistance in placement upon completion (Rutkowski, Daston, Van Kuiken, & Riehle, 2006) Allows for context-based learning in all skill areas Includes active involvement by the site employers

Key Concepts of Project SEARCH™ Not the “Easiest” Jobs, But “Complex and Systematic” Jobs

Task Analysis

Task Analysis Used to teach job tasks Internships broken into systematic steps Used to assess interns weekly

EXPECTATIONS PM employability classroom instruction Nine-month non-paid internship: follows school calendar Participate in (3) 10-week career exploration experiences (rotations) @ host business Total immersion in the workplace 360-Evaluation and feedback of job skill acquisition PM employability classroom instruction Receive on-site and individualized instruction and support by program instructor, job coaches and business mentor Career Path Discovery

CLASSROOM TRAINING Students are instructed on topics such as: Team Building Navigating your Workplace and Workplace Safety Technology Social Skills and Communication Presentation and Interviewing Skills Money Management Health and Wellness Resume Development Personal Document Management Job Search Skills Maintaining a Job Community Service Intern placing napkin in coffee cup

DAILY SCHEDULE 7:50 a.m. Attendance – Student Check-in 8:15 - 1:30 p.m. Internship Work Experience Students typically have 30 minutes for lunch and follow the lunch schedule of the department in which they are interning. 1:30 - 1:45 p.m. Transition from internship site to classroom 1:45 - 2:50 p.m. Classroom Training Lessons are based on independent living/employability skills and follows the approved High School and Project SEARCH™ standards.

ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES Desire and ability to work independently and become employed! Between 18 and 22 years old High School Senior; lacking Senior English & Elective Credits Ability to communicate effectively Meet eligibility requirements for Vocational Rehabilitation and school partner Ability to take direction Willingness to change behavior Obtain Food Handler’s Permit Have transportation or be willing to work toward independent transportation Not college bound Willing to participate in a non-paid internship program

SELECTION PROCESS Candidates submit a completed application. Candidates must be eligible to receive vocational rehabilitation services through DRS. Candidates must be willing and able to work independently in the community upon completion of the program. Applications are reviewed for completion, relevance, and eligibility. Candidates are interviewed by a panel of partners Parents are interviewed by panel of partners Students are given a skills assessment

Student Role in Internships Identify areas of interest Come ready to work each day Send letter and resume/data sheet to department Interview for rotation position Department notifies student Absent: notify teacher/department Give rotation a two weeks notice Participate in exit interview Write thank you letters Update portfolio/resume Review 360 evaluation

ROLE OF FAMILY Support the student in their career goals Reinforce job readiness and independent living skills Collaboratively participate in the “Employment Planning and Progress” meetings Actively participate in job search Assist in identifying independent transportation options to future competitive job

The Role of the Partners Provide instruction related to employability skills Provide on-site, job embedded coaching Provide mentoring and opportunities for professional social interaction Provide “real-life” work experience Provide connection to post-secondary resources Assist student to meet Embassy Suites Norman production and quality standards Intern holding new trashbag in employee elevator, next to large trash can

Embassy Suites by Hilton Norman Rotation Options: Banquet Services Food & Beverage (Restaurant) Services Housekeeping and Laundry Services Culinary and Steward Services Engineering HR Lobby Ambassador

Panel Discussion Introductions: Marcie Stickney – Transition Specialist, Norman Public Schools Jeane Smith – Director of HR, Embassy Suites by Hilton Norman Lisa Ryan – Job Coach, Project SEARCH, Embassy Suites/Norman Public Schools RJ Rains – Current Project SEARCH Intern Malik Wanna-Lawrence – Current Project SEARCH Intern

Question #1 What was the biggest challenge in implementing/beginning Project SEARCH?

Question #2 What impact have you seen Project SEARCH make on the interns?

Question #3 (Marcie, Malik) – What is the biggest difference you have found between a vocational training program in the school and Project SEARCH?

Question #4 What impact have you seen Project SEARCH make on the Embassy Suites by Hilton?

Question #5 What has been your greatest joy about being involved with Project SEARCH?

Question and answers

Thank you! For more information on program replication please contact: Judi Goldston Statewide Project SEARCH Coordinator University of Oklahoma National Center for Disability Education and Training jgoldston@ou.edu 405.325.0448 Kim Osmani DRS Transition Coordinator Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services kosmani@okdrs.gov 405.635.2768