Oregon Youth Transition Program PRESENTED BY: Keith Ozols Office of Vocational Rehabilitation & Peter FitzGerald University of Oregon Legacy Health 2012 COLLABORATION. TRANSITION. SUCCESS.

What is YTP? YTP Prepares Youth With Disabilities: For competitive employment To be responsible, independent employees How to be reliable team members Over the last 21 years, YTP has provided direct services and improved outcomes for over 22,000 students with disabilities

Oregon Youth Transition Program YTP is a Partnership Between: The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation The Oregon Department of Education University of Oregon College of Education Public schools statewide Local Employers

YTP Local Team YTP Program Model: 1.Students with disabilities that are motivated to work 2.Transition Specialists provides enhanced transition services to the student and employer 3.Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor supports the student in achieving an employment outcome

Progress of a YTP Student High SchoolEmployment YTP Student and future Employee School StaffVRC Employer YTP Transition Specialist YTP Student and future Employee

YTP Services to the Students Local YTP team provides: On Site Job Coaching Soft Skills Development Appropriate Work Attire Reinforces Job Duties and Expectations from Employer Work Experience Transition Planning from School to Work Life

YTP Services to the Employers Local YTP team provides: Screening and Referral of Appropriate Jobseekers Pre-Employment Instruction On Site Job Coaching and Development A Liaison to the Supervisor to Reinforce Job Duties and for Problem Solving Long Term Follow-Up Support for 12 Months

Ideal YTP Student YTP Students are: 16 years or older Have the ability to work Have a Documented Disability Have a Barrier to Employment (that YTP services can overcome) Are Motivated, Dependable and Reliable

Data pulled from the YTP Data Base, May 2011 N = 1382

Benefits of Hiring a YTP Student Year-round Support from a Transition Specialist to the employee and their supervisor Funding available for: Worksite Evaluations and On the Job Training Lower employee turnover and a diversified workforce

YTP Outcomes High School Graduation 87% graduation rate Employed or in Postsecondary Training 79% at 12 month after exiting YTP Employment Ave hourly wages: $ hrs per week

Student Story: Jesse “ Voc Rehab Counselor YTP Client TA Provider Transition Specialist

YTP Worksite

Student Story: Jesse  “We were able to meet him every step of the way, be his advocate and help him figure things out when he wasn’t really sure.” ~ VR Counselor “Jesse was extremely professional and gave me exactly what I asked for. He had all of the answers for my questions and was a very courteous young man.” ~ Customer

YTP Next Steps: How to Get Started Contact a YTP Provider in your region to schedule a meeting Determine shared needs and supports available for success A YTP Transition Specialist completes a Worksite Assessments with the employer Transition Specialist trains YTP Students for specific worksite Work begins and TS is available for up to one year after placement for employment related supports to the employee and employer

Oregon Youth Transition Program Questions? Comments? Thank You! COLLABORATION. TRANSITION. IMPACT.