Real Lives, Real Stories Nila Benito Brenda Clark Florida Center for Inclusive Communities Moderator: Jill Houghton September 7, 2011

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 2 Ian’s Story

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 3 Who is Ian? Creative, talented, and intelligent 20 year old. Lives in Lakeland, Florida. Education: Graduated from High School in Enjoys Disney, swimming, drawing, computers, movies, pizza, vacations, sleeping, the internet, and girls.

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 4 Ian’s Customized Employment Goal  To run his own business “Ian’s Arts”  Designing and printing T-shirts.

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 5 How did Ian arrive at this goal? Video One 1

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 6 DISCOVERY Process Activities where Ian is at his best… drawing on his computer riding his bike doing anything related to Disney eating and cooking pizza (using a kit of course) eating at restaurants staying in hotels going to the library going to the movie theaters riding fast theme park rides (roller coasters in particular) swimming

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 7 Work Experiences In middle and high school: Shelved videos and books in library. Worked with typical peer to post arriving buses for dismissal on school wide TV. Worked with (middle school) leadership class creating designs for t-shirts and printed t-shirts. Sorted all US mail in mail room Created designs and printed t-shirts.

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 8 Customized Employment Goals Ian Considered A job at Disney transporting visitors by bike/buggy to resort destinations. A job in a pizza restaurant. Creating Artwork for T shirts.

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 9 Ian’s is interning at Superior Screen and Print. Today

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 10 Ian at Work Video two 2

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 11 Having a job is important to Ian because he wants to earn money Video Three 3

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 12 What supports does Ian need? Video Four 4

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 13 VR Supports Participated in Discovery. Paying for Ian’s tuition. Graphics software. Finalizing business plan.

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 14 Ian’s Future Ian is channeling his talents and skills into a thriving business.

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 15 Vincent’s Story

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 16 Who is Vincent? 21 years old Graduate of Wesley Chapel High School Attends Pasco Hernando Community College Lives in Lutz, Florida with his mother, father, and brother, Joseph. Active in the community.

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 17 Vincent’s Customized Employment Planning: Discovery Process Team Members: Vincent Best friend Alvin Mom Nannie VR transition counselor School district transition specialist Case manager Teachers Friends

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 18 Many were doubters from the beginning… Video Five 5

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 19 Vincent Enjoys Computer (EBay, YouTube, games) Dancing Music Weightlifting Biking Boating Swimming Tubing Baseball (NY Yankees) Reading The Beach Vacations Game shows Shopping Eating Out Library & Book stores Video Arcades Movies

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 20 Work Experiences Library: checking in and shelving books Cashier: school store and concessions Vending: schools, daycare centers, churches Office work: copying, filing, faxing Mail: sorting and deliveries Thrift shop: inventory

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 21 Vincent… Video Six 6

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 22 Supports Needed Knowing in advance what is going to be happening and when. Picture schedules, lists, written schedules and social stories to understand what he is supposed to be doing and how. Choices. Simple things like whether he can use a pen or pencil or where he can sit. Simple language. Positive comments and interactions. Modeling. Time to process. A mentor, coach, or assistant.

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 23 Customized Employment Goals Vincent Considered Brain Blizzard*: 169 possibilities in the focus area of books, shopping, being in the water and computers. Vincent chose to have his own business: Vincent’s Vending! (*Brain Blizzard results supplemental documents)

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 24 VR Supports Participated in Discovery Certified Business and Technical Assistance Consultant (CBTAC): Blend the use of rigorous business and economic development strategies to develop business plans for self-employment VR clients. Immediate Next Steps: Finalizing business plan

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 25 Vincent’s transcript I think having a job is important. I enjoy doing important jobs and helping people. I want to have a job owning my own vending machine company, VINCENT’S VENDING. If you have my own company, I will earn money and help pay my bills. I really like working with vending machines. I like working hard and keeping the machines stocked with great products. Having VINCENT’S VENDING is my dream and I am doing all I can to make it come true.

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 26 Vincent reads his thoughts about why having a job is important to him… Video Seven 7

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 27 Vincent’s Life Goals… Having his own vending business, owning a home, continuing his education, and living a long and happy life!

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 28 The American Dream Video Eight 8

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 29 Justin’s Story A 22 year old 2011 graduate of the USF Learning Academy!

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 30 Stop Depending on My Parents Video Nine 9

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 31 Who is Justin? Creative Artist Graphic Designer Making It A Business

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 32 They wouldn’t promote me! Video Ten 10

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 33 Justin’s Journey Justin and his team progressed from technical school at Traviss Career Center, competing at Skills USA, completing his post secondary education at USF Learning Academy and a successful graphic design internship to today. He has been focusing on his goal as a business owner for three years.

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 34 I don’t want to end up like that Video Eleven 11

Logo Davis Decals and Custom Vinyl Designs Done Right for a Better Price TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 35 Davis Decals

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 36 Justin’s Internship Video Twelve 12

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 37 Determining Justin’s Customized Employment Goal Justin’s Team:  Justin  His Family (Mom, Dad, Brother)  A Teacher  Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor  Learning Academy at USF  Center for Autism and Related Disabilities-USF

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 38 Justin’s Internship too! Video Thirteen 13

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 39 A Successful Business Owner

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 40 Today Developing Business Plan Friday Night Lights Target Market Selection Social Target Marketing Building Social Capital

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 41 Justin’s Supports Today Natural Supports (Parents, Brother, Retired Business Owner, Neighbor, Church Members, and Peers)

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 42 Justin’s Supports Today DVR Counselor CBTAC through DVR Constituent of Center for Autism and Related Disabilities-USF Learning Academy at USF

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 43 Justin’s Future ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 44 Chelsea’s Story A 24 year old 2010 graduate of USF Learning Academy!

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 45 Why is Working Important? Video Fourteen 14

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 46 Who is Chelsea? Creative Writer Humorous Writer Making It A Business

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 47 Chelsea’s IEP Video Fifteen 15

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 48 Chelsea design

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 49 Work Evaluation vs. Discovery Video Sixteen 16

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 50 Determining Customized Employment Goal The Team: Chelsea Her Family (Mom, Dad, Sister, Grand mother, and Uncle) School personnel (teacher, transition specialist, employment support) Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Certified Business Technical Assistance Consultant, Speech Therapist Companion

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 51 Chelsea Design Chelsea’s journey progressed from her transition years in school, through post secondary education at USF Learning Academy, to today. It has taken three years to obtain her goal as a business owner.

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 52 Chelsea Design Today Developing Business Plan Participating in Market Analysis Building Social Capital

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 53 Self Empowering Video Seventeen 17

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 54 Being A Successful Business Owner IS IMPORTANT TO CHELSEA!!!

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 55 Chelsea’s Supports Today Natural Supports (Parents, Sister, Grand- Mother, and Uncle) DVR Counselor Certified Business Technical Assistance Consultant through DVR Speech Therapist and Companion Constituent of Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD )

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 56 No Role Model Video Eighteen 18

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 57 Chelsea’s Future ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES!

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 58 TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 58 Contact Information Nila Benito, Community Supports & Public Policy Coordinator Brenda Clark, Employment Services Coordinator Coordinator The Florida Center for Inclusive Communities University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Web:

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 59 TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 59 Upcoming Webinars Autism & Employment Learning Community Series October 12 – From the Field November 16 – Community Partnerships, Organization, & Employers

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 60 TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 60 Archived Webinars Autism & Employment Learning Community Series Autism Introduction to Series Autism Communication & Support Real Lives, Real Stories

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 61 TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 61 Education Credits CRCC Credit - (1.0) Approved by Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) By Friday, September 16, 2011, participants must score 80% or better on a online Post Test and submit an online CRCC Request Form via the MyTACE Portal. CEU Credit - (0.1) Approved by the University College at Syracuse University By Friday, September 16, 2011, participants must submit an online CEU Request Form via the MyTACE Portal. My TACE Portal: TACEsoutheast.org/myportal **For CRCC credit, you must reside in the 8 U.S. Southeast states served by the TACE Region IV [AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN]. If beyond TACE Region IV, you may apply for CEU credit.

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 62 TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 62 THANK YOU!

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 63 TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 63 TACE Center: Region IV Toll-free: (866) [voice/tty] Fax: (404) Web: TACEsoutheast.org My TACE Portal: TACEsoutheast.org/myportal

TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 64 TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute. Funded by RSA Grant # H264A © 2011 All Rights Reserved 64 Disclaimer This presentation was developed by the TACE Center: Region IV ©2011 with funds from the U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) under the priority of Technical Assistance and Continuing Education Projects (TACE) – Grant #H264A However, the contents of this presentation do not necessarily represent the policy of the RSA and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government [34 CFR (b)].