Disability Program Challenges: Myth vs. Reality Job Corps Leadership Equal Opportunity Workshop September 28, 2004 Atlanta, Georgia

2 Disability Program Principles Doing a better job by Ensuring equal access Fostering an inclusive environment Providing support with interdisciplinary teams (IDT) Creating accessible learning opportunities Promoting independence

3 True or False? Accommodations water down Job Corps courses or program requirements Accommodations are special treatment and give a student with a disability an unfair advantage over another student In 2002 average accommodation cost per Job Corps student was $250 Accommodations allow for unsafe youth to be in Job Corps It is easier to accept all applicants than to implement disability accommodation process

4 True or False? In order for the disability accommodation process to be fully implemented, the regional office, contractors, outreach and admissions, and center directors must understand and support the process There are youth with severe depression or youth with a history of drugs and alcoholism who are judged not on the basis of their abilities, but rather upon stereotypes and fears that center staff may associate with their conditions Accommodation philosophy–Say NO when we can and YES only when we have to

5 Challenges of Disability Program Applicants which may cause concern Drug and alcohol abuse history Low IQ – Mental retardation Learning disabilities Learning difficulty vs. learning disability Chronic psychiatric history Multiple hospitalizations Recent hospital discharge History of suicide attempts Non-compliance with medication

6 Focus Areas Case management focus Staff involvement Psychotropic medication Other issues

7 Recommendations for Denial and Separations Reasonable accommodation (PRH) Denials only for Undue hardship Fundamental alteration Center must take any action that would not result in hardship or alteration but would permit applicant to participate in program Cannot deny admission solely on need to provide reasonable accommodation Disability (PRH) Cannot be denied for safety reasons unless his/her disability is determined to pose a “direct threat” to the health or safety of others or the student MUST INCLUDE CURRENT ASSESSMENT OF STABILITY, SAFETY, AND/OR RISK NO DENIALS BASED SOLELY ON DIAGNOSIS, HISTORY, FEELINGS, BELIEFS, OR STEREOTYPES

8 Scenarios Two types of scenarios Admission Separation Questions to consider Would you recommend acceptance or denial for this applicant? Why? What types of accommodations might be helpful for this applicant or could have been explored? Are there any possible civil rights issues?

9 Scenario Brittany Spears, age 19, is requesting admission to Job Corps, she provides the following information to the admissions counselor (AC): History of depression, currently in treatment with a community psychologist Hospitalized 3 months ago for suicidal behavior Letter from the psychologist stating that she is stable to join Job Corps, but needs to continue medications and therapy Not requesting any accommodations Applicant is assigned to a center Center Process: The center IDT received the applicant’s file and due to the mental health history the CMHC reviewed the file. The CMHC recommended a denial due to the recent hospitalization and the need for continued therapy The file was forwarded to the Regional Office Regional Process: RMHC reviewed the file and indicated that admission should be delayed until therapy could be completed Applicant’s admission to Job Corps was disapproved until treatment could be completed Notification given to applicant by AC

10 Scenario Michael Jackson, age 20, is requesting admission to Job Corps, he provides the following information to the AC: Diagnosed with schizophrenia and over the past year has been stable and able to manage his own medications Recent evaluation from therapist to support entry to Job Corps. Evaluation indicates that Michael will need to remain on medication, consider low stress trade, and have access to mental health support Michael was an A/B student in high school and actually took some advanced courses Applicant is assigned to a center Center Process: The center IDT received the applicant’s file and due to the mental health history arranged for the applicant to meet CMHC for a face to face interview CMHCs evaluation indicated that while the applicant was not actively psychotic, he did not feel the applicant could function in Job Corps due to his severe diagnosis, the negative symptoms associated with the diagnosis (flat affect and mood), and the risk for future decompensation The file was forwarded to the Regional Office Regional Process: What happens now—accept or deny?

11 Scenario Jane Mars, age 28, is requesting an age waiver to participate in a Job Corps program in Kentucky stating that she has a disability. Jane is a resident of Maryland. The age waiver was granted conditionally in CIS by the regional office. Jane provides the following information to the AC: Methadone maintenance for prior drug use Physician letter stating that she is progressing and her methadone dosage has decreased during the past year Requesting clerical trade Applicant's mother will obtain the methadone from the physician and mail it to the center each month

12 Scenario Jennifer Lopez, age 20, arrived on center with a file that indicated she had no health problems. After arrival Jennifer told the wellness staff that she had a state certificate that allowed her to use medical marijuana. She used the marijuana on weekends to eliminate the nausea caused by a psychotropic medication she took daily. What are the next steps for the center?

13 Scenario Student John Travolta has been on the center doing well for 9 months Previous diagnosis of organic brain disorder (which may lead to outbursts) Began having mild seizures and was taken out of his trade until seizures could be controlled, he was not happy, felt staff were taking too long to get him back into trade, became belligerent with staff and in meeting with center director became verbally aggressive and knocked over a chair. Due to previous psychiatric history referred to the CMHC for evaluation, diagnosed as “intermittent explosive disorder”, medical separation recommended Sued Job Corps for wrongful separation due to disability

14 Scenario George Bush, age 56, requested an age waiver, due to a disability, to participate in Job Corps, the waiver was conditionally granted by the regional office Stated that his disability was based on an injury and provided medical documentation that was two years old and a statement indicating social security disability payment Center Process: Disability coordinator requested that the applicant provide current information regarding his disability During the telephone contact the applicant stated a wish to live on the center in a trailer and was informed that this was not possible The applicant sent a medical statement from a physician that did not indicate any evidence of disability A social security statement listed the disability status as being temporary three years ago The applicant provided no further updated information

15 Remember the Principles Doing a better job by Ensuring equal access Fostering an inclusive environment Providing support with interdisciplinary teams (IDT) Creating accessible learning opportunities Promoting independence

Steps for Senior Staff To Promote Inclusivity 1.Get to know the applicant 2.Team work—pre- entry IDT meetings 3.Training 4.Outside resources 5.Accommodation plans 6.Follow up 7.Diversity and sensitivity training 8.Team work—monthly IDT meetings 9.Transition 10.Review

17 Technical Resources Job Corps Disability Website Center Disability Program Model Video: Team Approach to Accommodating Students with Disabilities in Job Corps Promising Practices Training materials on various topics Links to outside resources

18 Staff Resources Regional Health Consultants Humanitas, Michelle Day or ext 205 National Office, Barbara Grove or