1 Project SEARCH: Lessons Learned and Sustainability 2009 MIG Employment Summit

2 Key Concepts Collaboration Braided funding Training in real work settings Immersion and impact Meet the needs of business High Expectations-people with disabilities can perform complex, systematic jobs Goal of employment

3 Transition Model One-year program 8-12 students Students with significant disabilities Last year of HS eligibility/exit year Rotation through unpaid internships with continual feedback Outcome of employment

4 Key Partners School: Full time on-site Teacher Recruitment/Selection Job-based curriculum Rotation development, job analysis/training Provider: 1+ On-site Job Coach Recruitment/Selection Transportation training, rotation development, job analysis/training, job accommodations and modifications Readily available to the business, on-site, provides follow along

5 Key Partners Continued Business: Liaison (Employee of the Business) Recruitment of Managers/Departments Liaison for all business-related tasks (badges, applications, meeting space, etc.) Close communication with team; monthly team meetings Vocational Rehabilitation: VR Counselor Liaison Recruitment/Selection Manage Caseload Authorize for necessary services (benefits planning, accommodations, uniform, job placement, etc.)

6 5 th Partner Statewide Project SEARCH Coordinator Unique to Indiana Holds Licensing Agreement and acts as a single point of contact with Project SEARCH national Ensures quality, integrity and compliance with Project SEARCH standards & statewide consistency Provides broad-based, on-going training and technical assistance to sites Will collect and analyze measurable and anecdotal data for outcome evaluation

7 Funding for SEARCH MIG Funding Statewide Coordinator; Training, TA, QA, Evaluation $7500 Start-up for each new site School Funding FT Teacher and back-up staff Transportation, Lunches, Classroom Supplies VR Funding Funds Provider under Results-Based Funding (RBF) Funds additional services as necessary (BIN, accommodations, uniform, etc.)

8 VR RBF for SEARCH VR RBF for SEARCH 6 milestone payments 1. Selection and Orientation $ st Internship $ nd Internship $ rd Internship $ Job placement $ Stabilization/Successful Closure $3000 TOTAL $9000 *Transfer to Supported Employment Follow Along

9 Project SEARCH Indiana Roll-out √ Feb 2008: Pilot Site with 5 students operated under VR grant √ Fall 08: 3 Sites Operating with 8-12 students each √ Spring 09: 2 hires at Intern sites Fall 09: 6-8 Sites Operating (1-2 Adult model) Fall 10: 10 Sites Operating Long-term goals: viable Project SEARCH sites throughout the state; exploration of an adult model; examination of its adaptability other business settings and to rural settings

10 Benefits of Project SEARCH Focus on preparation for employment; transferable skills that lead to good paying jobs Intense level of supervision and feedback from education, rehabilitation and business Career exploration and work experience Benefits Business and Consumer Shows Business that people with disabilities are valuable employees Sustainable Model

11 Lessons Learned Site and state-specific adaptations Adequate planning w/ partners is critical Everyone understanding each other’s roles Identification of internships ongoing—know capacity Non-school transportation Behaviors /maturity of students Maintaining high expectations for ALL Keeping SEARCH just one of an array of options *GO SLOW; It’s extremely important to take time to build relationships and ensure buy-in from all partners before starting. WE ARE STILL LEARNING

12 Contact Information Theresa Koleszar MS, CRC Director of Program Support Bureau of Rehabilitation Services 402 W. Washington St. Rm W453, MS-20 Indianapolis, In