2014 Texas SILC Conference, Corpus Christi, Texas BEACH Building Expanding Abilities Capacities Horizons Reach Your Own Greatness & Get that Job Presented by: Peggy Cosner, HOCTIL Executive Director and Carma Franco, Director of Employment & Training Heart of Central Texas Independent Living Center, HOCTIL

Things to do with a Tin Can Dwell in Possibility

Talents Tools Techniques “3” T-Points

Talents Think beyond Value Strengths Skills See the opportunities Likes

Willing to take Risk “It’s not the disability that places limitations on the individual-It is the individual with a disability that puts limitations on themselves.” Right to Risk

Self-Determination An understanding of one’s strengths and limitations together with a belief in oneself as capable and effective are essential to self- determination. When acting on the basis of these skills and attitudes, individuals have greater ability to take control of their lives and assume the role of successful adults. Field, Martin, Miller, Ward and Wehmeyer (1998)

Promoting Self You don’t need to change their minds about the your disabilities. You need to change their minds about you.

Tools  Accommodations  Flexibility  Assistive Technology – AT  Affordable  Skills  See the opportunities  What levels the playing field in the world of work

Accommodations IDEA vs. ADA IDEA Individuals with Disabilities Education Act  Schools are entitlement  Accommodations' are based on the child needs ADA  Work is not an entitlement  Accommodations’ are individualized and based on the getting the job done

 Reasonable accommodations  Worksite Accommodations  Productivity  Ensuring equal participation ACCOMMODATIONS Help Solve situations

Values collision  Our own personal values sometimes dictate what we think others should do in their lives. Our values are our principles, standards, or qualities that are considered worthwhile or desirable. Coonts and Jordan, 2006  Family  Employment  Independent living

AT Demo Know what is out there Samples of AT that may be successful with your workplace One size does not fit all – same with jobs

Techniques 8 Steps to getting that job 1.Pay attention and do our homework 2.Resume and/or job application 3.Know what you are applying for 4.Presenting in a positive way 5.Attitude “it can win that job or lose it” 6.5 second speech (elevator speech) 7.Always address the employers needs 8.Always be ready, you never know who can connect you to that job

Empowerment-Success Life is 20% of what happens to you and 80% how you react. Make a list of what you want=outcomes What are the barriers What are your strengths and supports Create steps/direction to achieve goal Celebrate any and all success

This is your mission, if you accept know your competition and play ball Be Aware Social Media Job seeking is a full time job Never assume Use your contacts, friends, Always be prepared Tips for our Tree of Knowledge

Set yourself apart from the Crowd Be the pool or be the pole Passion Motivation Determination Fantasy High expectations!

Contact information Heart of Central Texas Independent Living Center, HOCTIL Belton/Waco Texas or Peggy Cosner, HOCTIL Executive Director - Carma Franco, Director of Employment & Training - “3” T-Points Tools Talents Techniques