1. Stephanie Potter SRVS in Memphis, TN Director of Community Employment

2.  Partner up with someone you do not know  Youngest person take out the most valuable item you have with you  Give it to your partner  Your partner will find you and give it back after the conference today  How are you feeling right now?

3.  Secretly write down from 1-10 how likely you think that person is to follow through  1- You will never see that person again  10- 100% positive they will find you and give your item back

4.  Career/ Vocational Assessments  Personal Interest Inventories  Job Shadowing  Mentoring  Employer tours  Labor Market Information  Discovery

5.  Work-Based Learning  Volunteering  Internships  Work Adjustment  Supported Employment  Trial Work Experiences  Summer Work Experiences

6.  Self-Advocacy  Soft Skills  Social Skills  Independent Living Skills  Community Service  Civic Engagement  Budgeting and Banking

7.  New WIOA legislation has an emphasis on youth and people with disabilities  Great resource for assessments, soft skills workshops, employer info, summer work experiences and training options  Youth programs have flexible funding www.careeronestop.org www.jobs4TN.gov

8.  VR contracts with these agencies to provide employment supports  Help bridge the gap for families to adult services  Invite them to Parent meetings and Transition Fairs  www.tn.gov/humanserv/rehab/loa2015 www.tn.gov/humanserv/rehab/loa2015

9.  School system contracts with CP Center  All instruction is provided in the community the last year of school  Highly structured and individualized schedules  Includes volunteer work, independent living skills, social and recreational skills  Students have a job by the time they graduate

11.  4 Week training program in stores  Soft skills curriculum  Retail certificate includes stocking, customer service, store appearance and cash register

12.  Nine month rotating internship program  At a hospital or other large business location  Includes classroom time and three internships  Skills learned lead to jobs

14.  Include VR in all IEP meetings  Use the student’s support network  Clarify roles and responsibilities  Prepare families for “real” life  Conduct Resource Mapping  Make IEP goals relevant, easy to document and understand

15.  5 minute discussion with your partner  Why that item is so important to you  Place of birth and # siblings  Where you attended school plus a memory  First job and a memory  Hobbies

16.  Write down now how likely you think that person is to return your item at the end of the day 1-10  Did your number go up or down?  Why?

17.  Common Goals  Commitment  Combining Assets and Resources  Build Trust  Join Forces  Win/Lose Together

18. Stephanie Potter SRVS Director of Community Employment 901-869-9205 Stephanie.potter@srvs.org