PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES – CAUGHT IN THE RECESSION CRUNCH Innovative Collaboration JVS Los Angeles & Pathway at UCLA Extension

Innovative Approach  To help program participants become successful in competitive jobs.  To use collaboration as a tool to produce creative and effective services.  To address the needs of young adults with development disabilities.

What is Pathway? A private non-profit and non-government funded program A two-year certificate program for individuals with intellectual disabilities Curriculum focused on these major areas: –Educational Enrichment –Life Skills Training –Career Exploration and Work Readiness –Social and Recreational Opportunities Available at UCLA

Pathway is for: year-old young adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities Those who have completed high school and have had some life skills training and work experience Individuals with strong social and adaptive skills Those who want to live independently and have family support

Pathway Principles Uses a “learn by doing” approach Based on a well-rounded liberal arts education, including the arts, sciences and humanities Develop essential skills for becoming employed and living independently Promotes self-advocacy Uses individualized support to accommodate different learning styles

Pathway Graduation Requirements Pass Core Courses (66 units) –Academics –Life Skills –Career Exploration Take Elective Courses (12 units) Produce a Student Portfolio

Pathway at UCLA Extension UCLA Extension: Pathway: Pathway classes at UCLA Extension:  State-of-the-art facilities  Curriculum that maintains UCLA Extension standards

Housing Private apartments 1 block off campus 1 and 2 bedroom units shared with other Pathway students Fully furnished, including utilities, laundry on every floor Walking distance to UCLA dining and recreation Resident Assistants living on-site

Applications and Admissions Information Applications are due by February 1 st Admissions Committee reviews applications –Individual capabilities, not clinical diagnoses or test scores alone, will determine who is admitted to the program On-campus interview and tour arranged Selected applicants notified by April 30 th

Pathway Fee Summary Academic Fees (All courses, internships, rec. ctr., Library, life skills training) $ 25,700 Room & Board (Fully furnished apt., all utilities, 14 meals per week at UCLA) $ 13,000 Total$ 38,700

JVS’ Teaching Involvement JVS Los Angeles is teaching: Career Exploration Class Portfolio Building Class Planning for the Future Class

Teaching Approach Since Pathway is only in its second year, JVS has been able to create curriculum for two classes:  Portfolio Building  Planning for the Future  JVS uses a team teaching approach to capitalize on the unique talents of staff.

Classroom Environment Multimedia classroom Computer terminals for each student Large projection screen for word documents and Internet sites Allows more creativity in the lesson plan

Career Exploration Prepares students for their fieldwork experience by focusing on a variety of activities Provides initial evaluation of each student’s readiness and skill levels Initiates the process of setting realistic career goals, preparing effective resumes, and participating in mock interviews

Career Exploration Process Fall Quarter, Year 1

Additional Steps for Career Exploration Information gathering about jobs Visiting sites on UCLA campus and surrounding neighborhood for internship possibilities Future Options: Obtain funding for Vocational Evaluation

PORTFOLIO BUILDING Looks at the student’s strengths and interests while building a graduation Portfolio Includes what the student has learned at Pathway in the following areas: Academics Career Exploration Ability to Work with other People Self-advocacy

Portfolio Building Process Winter Quarter, Year 2

Steps Students Take To Build Their Portfolios What have I learned at Pathway? What are my best class subjects? What is the best way to tell others about myself?

Steps Continued Ways to tell others about myself Writing Handwriting On the Computer On Video/DVD  Dancing  Singing  Drawing  Painting Photography Other

Steps Continued What are my interests and needs? I am a talented I like to be in  The outdoors  A store  An office building My hobby is I need these things to be comfortable Self-advocacy: I am my best friend.

Portfolio Sharing Presentations in Class

Preparation for Graduation Students will present their Portfolios to family, friends, and other attendees as part of the Pathway graduation ceremony at the end of Spring Quarter, Year 2.

Planning for the Future Looks at the student’s goals and the information infused into her/his Portfolio to develop a transition plan to use as a guide after graduating from Pathway. Offers the framework to learn the necessary steps to prepare for graduation and life after Pathway. Identifies other resources needed and how to access them.

Planning for the Future Process Spring Quarter, Year 2

Steps in Creating a Plan Short term and long term plans Living situation  With family or friend(s)  Roommate issues  Location, cost, transportation, etc. Resources to maximize independence Self-advocacy to follow through on plans

Steps Continued How to use academic skills learned at Pathway.  More college or training? Career direction  What steps are needed to succeed? How to stay in touch with friends and make new ones

Plan Sharing Presentations

Program Issues to be Resolved Obtain sufficient funding for: Vocational Evaluation Additional Employment Preparation services Placement and Follow-up services This funding would augment Department of Rehabilitation fee rates. Student fees fund the classroom instruction.

Analysis of Effectiveness As part of the Pathway team, we will look at: What impact this college experience and other services have had on:  Employment outcomes for students  Independence in living situations  Further career development Satisfaction of this first graduating student class

Other Future Considerations Upon analysis of the first graduating class, JVS will work with Pathway staff and other instructors to look at: Areas for curriculum improvement Service delivery Follow-up of graduates Creating an Alumni Association Additional funding options

Want More Information? Please contact: Eileen Slutsky Director, Disability and Assessment Services JVS Los Angeles X8870

Building Better Lives. One Job At A Time.