Spring, 2012
Purpose of the Project The purpose of the proposed project is to refine and enhance the existing Girls at Work curriculum to create a new and validated Self- Directed Futures (SD.Futures) curriculum that will teach students with severe disabilities in 18 to 21 programs how to self-direct their own employment exploration and attainment through the facilitation of a cognitively accessible website.
Girls at Work The Girls at Work model utilizes a computerized curriculum to assist high school girls with completing an 8-step goal- oriented problem solving process focusing on postsecondary education or non- traditional employment outcomes
Girls at Work Outcomes 83% of the women who finished high school were either employed or attending post-secondary education. Of the 17% remaining, one is in a sheltered workshop, one is in a day program, and one is pregnant but plans to attend community college.
SD.Futures Conceptual Framework
Description of Users Limited literacy skills – Early symbolic Visually distracted Extended processing time Navigational challenges Limited fine motor skill Receptive language often better than expressive Utilize assistive technology Need motivational features Pose challenges with cognitive associations
Cognitive Accessibility Features Image driven Audio instructions Scanning Capabilities Video files 12 point font Printable pages - reports Predictable placement of content Choice-making and confirmation Single page content Bookmark progress On-going feedback Linear navigation
Levels of Accessibility Level 1 – Symbol, visual scan, and audio Level 2 – Symbol, mouse, and audio Level 3 – Symbol, mouse, and written words
Major Curriculum Components 1. Interest Inventory 2. Employment Team Meeting 3. Community-Based Job Exploration 4. Employment Options 5. Employment Supports 6. Final Plan for Employment – Learning the Job
Field Test Kansas 30 students and Rhode Island 20 students Recruitment criteria Students in programs Significant Disabilities Need to have access to transportation during the school day for two to four employment site visits Handheld Pilot
Teacher Responsibilities Set-Up The Student’s Online Account Perform Pre and Post Surveys Support Students As They Move Through the Curriculum Convene Employment Team Meeting Arrange for Employment Exploration Arrange for Transportation To And From Employment Exploration Sites Provide Any Traditional Supports
Timeline Based on Students Flexible Hope to Complete By the End of the School Year Supports Technical Assistance Employment Exploration Assistance
Stipends Students - $20 Teachers - $40 Completion of W-2 forms
Let’s Get Moving… Training Follow-Up Immediate Questions Shea Tanis –