Developing Partnerships

Developing PartnershipsNikki Jackson,Regional Disability Coordinator

Laura Kuhn,Regional Disability Coordinator

1Introduction to Developing Effective PartnershipsEffective partnerships between agencies, schools, colleges/universities, and businesses could be a vital part of the JC Disability Program. This webinar will provide resources to develop and sustain such partnerships.

2Benefits of PartnershipsPRH 6: Section 6.11, R7 (f) Develop and maintain partnerships with outside agencies that will assist the center in serving students with disabilities.Increased numbers of students with disabilities enrolling in Job Corps = Increase in the demand for additional support services.Access and opportunities to share resources in an effort to meet the varying needs of Job Corps students.

3Benefits of PartnershipsAssessment services, staff and student training, career development assistance and career transition servicesAdditional funding for student needs and servicesBuild a shared sense of commitment and responsibility within the communityIncrease community awareness about the Job Corps program

44Picking Your Partners:Where to Begin?The Disability Partnership Tool

5Disability Program Partnership ToolProvides information about disability-related organizations that exist in most communitiesAdditional local partnership opportunities can be added to the toolMaintained by the DC and presented during reviews to document efforts to establish partnershipsDCs should maintain copies of MOUs or formal agreements

6This is located on the JC Disability website.6Disability Program Partnership Tool

77Business Leadership Network (USBLN)A national nonprofit organization that promotes the full inclusion of people with disabilities in the labor force and marketplace.Employers hire and promote workers with disabilitiesConduct job seeking skills sessionsServe as mentors to postsecondary studentsRecruit at employment fairsProvide internships and work experiences

88Centers for Independent Living (CILs)Nonprofit agency that is designed and operated within local communities by individuals with disabilitiesAssist people with disabilities in becoming independent within their communityCore services information and referral assistanceindependent living skills training counseling

99Disability and Business Technical Center (DBTAC)A national network of 10 regional centers that provide training, information, and materials related to the American with Disabilities Act (ADA)Provide information, referrals, and technical assistance on all aspects of the ADAPerforms a wide range of activities to promote public awareness of the ADA

1010Disability Program Navigators at One StopsAssist people with disabilities in navigating through the challenges of seeking workInform people with disabilities about their options for work

http://www.doleta.gov/disability/new_dpn_grants.cfm1111National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)Nations largest organization for mental illnessAdvocates for access to services, treatment, supports and researchFocused on educating and raising awareness in local communities about mental illnessProvides free support groups for people living with mental illness and their loved ones

12 Focused on educating and raising awareness in local communities across the county. This organization provides free education, advocacy and support group programs for people living with mental illness and their loves ones.

12State Assistive Technology Act ProgramsStatewide, technology-related assistance for individuals with disabilities Provide training and technical assistance, AT loan programs, and other servicesThere are projects in each state, the District of Columbia, and US territories.

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13Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)Provide assistance to prepare individuals for gainful employmentDedicated school-to-work counselors for youthServices may include assessments, counseling, education, training, job placement, job coaching, day care + much morePrograms for blind and hearing impaired

14Laura start here. Nikki mentioned VR. VR is a WIA partner mandated to work with other WIA partners. Job Corps is a WIA partner and Ill talk more about that later. Many centers have a partnership with VR, but are not aware of all that the agency can provide. I would like to note that a new MOU has been written and we are waiting for approval. That document will give you the tool to begin, renew, or sustain your partnership.

14Who Are Your Potential Partners?Have you checked with your State or local government agencies and schools to learn about potential partners?Who is your state provider of mental health services?Who are the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) partners in your area?

15Another way to determine who you might select as a potential partner is to check with your State/local govt. agencies, schools, colleges, to learn about potential partners and programs. Several states contract with providers for mental health services. These agencies can also be a benefit for students on center with mental health disabilities. Finally, checking on who your local WIA partners are. This program provides funding to all states to implement programs 15Tips and StrategiesPartnerships take time!You shouldnt try to do it aloneinvolve other staffDecide what you want to accomplish in this partnershipWhat do you have to offer?Do your research and homework

16The Federal government gives each state funding to provide services to dislocated workers, the unemployed, youth, and individuals with disabilities. Many states have a contractor that provides mental health services to an area. These contractors often provide employment services for their members with mental health disabilities. For example, one of the things that the provider for Maricopa County in Arizona which covers several of the metropolitan cities, provided the center CTS folks, training on working with students with mental health disabilities and best practices for employment.

16Where Can You Begin?Admissions Counselors (AC)Business Community Liaison (BCL)Work-Based Learning (WBL)Career Transition Services (CTS)CounselorsAcademic InstructorsCareer Technical Instructors Administrative Staff

Form a partnership committee and include:17Staff members at your center have valuable experience, and face-it, they are in it for the students. Not only will your disability program really be a center-wide focus, but these individuals may find additional help from partners in their every day jobs.

17Admissions CounselorsCan make presentations to potential partners as part of their recruiting efforts.Provides an opportunity to show off all that Job Corps provides to assist students with employability and trade skills.Partners would have a better understanding of the program and would have the ability to refer qualified applicants to the program.

18Admission counselors already possess marketing and other materials that would be helpful in your efforts to provide a presentation about your center to a potential partner. This provides an opportunity to really show a partner all that JC provides to enhance a students employability and trade skills. This allows partners to better understand the program and even refer qualified applicants to the program. Most people do not know how much the program really does for its students.18Business Community LiaisonShould have an active role in the disability program since nationally about 20% of students disclose a disabilityPartnerships with your center already exist, but they may not realize their potential contributions to the centers disability program

19Your BCL has established relationships, but you may not be working directly with this staff member. Typically, BCLs arrange meetings or luncheons for community members to visit the center. Some of these participants might be good candidates to further develop that relationship.Given a partnership with the center already exists, they may not know all that they can contribute to the centers disability program and your students.19Work-Based Learning StaffProvides an opportunity for students to learn what their accommodation needs are and get comfortable with them on a job while in a nonjudgmental work environment. WBL staff could assist in developing partnerships with employers that actively recruit and hire individuals with disabilities. Provides the opportunity for WBL staff and employer partners to learn about tax credits and other incentives for hiring individuals with disabilities.

20By having the WBL staff work with a student to learn what their accommodation needs will be in the work environment, it would be helpful for them to get used to the accommodations where they will be doing their work-base learning. They have the opportunity to practice or learn in a nonjudgmental work environment.WBL might be helpful in developing partnerships with those employers that they know actively recruit and hire individuals with disabilities.It also provides an opportunity for the WBL staff to not only develop WBL sites, but to let employers know that if they hire the student, they may be eligible for tax credits and other incentives for hiring individuals with disabilities. The tax credit alone is worth a lot to an employer.20Career Transition SpecialistsCan help by working with partners who may provide technology services, ergonomic assessments and equipment that may be needed by a student with disability at their potential work-site.Partners that employ or contract with job developers can work in concert with CTS to provide intensive interview skills, attend the interview, and provide selective job placement to carve out appropriate employment opportunities where a students functional limitations are not a factor for success.

21CTS staff can assist students by working with partners willing to provide technology services, ergonomic assessments and equipment a student may need at his/her potential work site. It would benefit the student to learn how to use this equipment prior to the need on a work-site.

A career transition specialist will never tell you they dont have enough to do. Agencies that can provide job developers would be like getting assistant. Job developers assist with intensive interview skills, they will even transport and attend interviews with the student and have the training to know how to carve out appropriate positions for students with local employers. This helps to minimize the functional limitations a student may have by focusing on their strengths.21Career Transition Specialists (cont.)Partners who provide educational training opportunities or on-the-job training specifically for individuals with disabilities can be developed for students who may need additional transitional skills or training to be better prepared for competitive employment.

22Partners who provide additional training opportunities can be developed that count towards placement credit for students needing or wanting additional training after completing the Job Corps program

22CounselorsCan assist by coordinating meetings and services for their students with a disability.Not only can students benefit by receiving services and assistance through partnerships, but counselors have the opportunity to work more closely with students who have a disability and can expand their knowledge by attending workshops and trainings that some partners have provided at other centers.

Some have even attained CEUs!

23Partnerships have been developed with Universities to provide part-time counseling Interns for center students.

Mental Health partners have been developed to provide training, workshops and CEUs for center licensed counselors.

Several centers have partnerships that provide testing and assessment services for students who need new or updated evaluations.

23Academic InstructorsPartnerships with local education facilities, retired professionals, or schools can assist academic instructors by providing tutors or staff that specialize in instructional strategies for students with learning disabilities or those needing more intensive instruction.Partnerships with facilities that employ curriculum writers, special education staff, or colleges that prepare teachers can help academic staff with strategies for students with learning or sensory impairments.

24Your Academic Instructors would be very helpful in developing partnerships with local education facilities, retired professionals such as SCORE, or schools that might be able to provide tutors or staff that can help with instructional strategies for students with LD. Facilities that employ curriculum writers, special ed staff or colleges with teacher prep programs may be helpful in developing strategies for students with learning or sensory impairments.State Technology Assistance Partners have free adaptive technology available that can be loaned to a center at no charge until the student completes the program.24Career Technical Instructors Partnerships developed specifically for particular trades such as those on industry councils can be solicited for alternate training ideas to meet specific TAR line items that might be difficult for some students with disabilities.Employer partners that commit to specifically hiring individuals with disabilities may be a good resource to suggest ergonomic options that have been successful in the past.

25Most trades have industry councils already established on center. These partners could be solicited to find different training methods to tackle TAR line items that might be difficult for some students with disabilities.

Employers who commit to specifically hiring individuals with dis. May also be great resource to suggest ergonomic options that they have used in the past and found to be successful. For example, a welding student was assisted by having an outside partner design her workstation so that she could comfortably weld from her wheel chair.25Administrative StaffAdministrative professionals know all about networking. Can staff members on center help coordinate the efforts to identify and develop partnerships?Can staff assist by developing partners that might be able to provide used equipment such as used computers that can have reading software installed, or any other assistive technology no longer used like scooters, books on tape, or other specialized needs for students with disabilities?

26Center staff can assist in developing partnerships for students to provide them mentors, employability workshops, interviewing skills and other specialized needs for students with disabilities who may require more one-on-one skill development.

Networking. Administrative professionals know all about networking. Can admin staff work with your existing network partners to help develop partnerships on behalf of the center?

26What Do You Wish to Accomplish in This Partnership?Employers seeking to hire individuals with disabilities?Technology devices and accommodation assistance?Independent living assistance for students completing the program?Developing a larger network of community partners to assist with developing supportive WBL sites?New or updated testing and evaluations of students functional abilities and limitations?

2727What Does Job Corps Have to Offer in a Partnership?Provide partners with hiring needs, a large pool of trained employees who are ready and willing to go to work if just given a chance.Several government agencies are a part of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) which mandates they partner with other WIA programs such as Job Corps. Job Corps training goes far beyond teaching technical skills. Employability skills are emphasized every single day and in every area of Job Corps.

28It is well worth the time to research WIA partners in your local area.

28What Does Job Corps Have to Offer in a Partnership? (cont.)Agency service providers typically find it difficult keeping track of consumers. Our consumers are all under the same roof!Partners dedicated to serving individuals with disabilities will have a large pool of consumers (Job Corps students) that will likely qualify to receive their services and typically have all needed documentation.

2929Doing Your HomeworkDoes the agency provide services to the typical Job Corps demographic?Where does funding come from and are there any specific limitations?What is the criteria to qualify for services?

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30Doing Your Homework (cont.)Is there a waiting list for services and if so, what is the typical timeline for receiving those services?Does the corporation or business have employment opportunities suitable for your trade offerings and in sufficient numbers to make it worthwhile?Is transportation a factor for students while in the program and after?

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31Points to ConsiderBefore pursuing a partnership, make sure there is a definite need.

Be committed to the process of establishing the partnership.

Decide which staff members will be liaisons or contacts, are aware of and can commit to the time required, and understand the importance of follow-through after the partnership has been established.

32The Bottom LineIs the benefit of the partnership to both parties worth the time and effort that needs to be put into any good partnership?

and its worth repeating

Does staff taking the lead on the partnership have the time, commitment, and dedication to follow through?

3333Choose Carefully Start with one potential partner who would be most beneficial to your students and staff.

Invest your time wisely!

34Making ContactClearly state your Who, What, Why, Who, When, & Where (yes, who is twice).Explain who you are, and your role at JCExplain what type of program JC is, and describe the disability programDiscuss why they should collaborate with JC and how your partnership could be one of reciprocityWho benefits from the partnership (the students)When services will commence, and when they will terminateDiscuss where meetings/services will take place

3535Be PreparedGet your facts straight. Make sure all information presented is accurate.Rely on your admissions contractor-they may have great promotional ideas you can utilize. Schedule a formal meeting. If not on center offer a time for the potential partner to visit center.When providing tours, be sure students are tour guides and ambassadors of your center.

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36Finally, When Establishing PartnershipsIf it is not written down, it did not happen.Be sure to keep documentation of conversations, date and time when calls were made, etc. Use the partnership tool. Formal Agreement Not required, but strongly suggested to ensure all parties understand what is expected of them, along with roles and responsibilities. ObjectivesWhat is the desired outcome? How will successful outcomes be measured and information exchanged?37Examples of Successful Center PartnershipsMiami Job Corps

Established a VR partnership where students are receiving testing and assessment services at no charge. Fees charged for these services usually range from $800 to $1200 per student.38Phoenix Job Corps

Established a VR partnership where students are receiving in-class tutoring and job placement assistance 45 days prior to graduation. For just 2 students, over $20,000 in services was provided.38Examples of Successful Center Partnerships (cont.)Centennial Job Corps Center

Has a partnership with the Idaho Department of Labor Navigator Program which assists students with job search skills and obtaining employment. Has also helped with determining career technical accommodation needs for students with physical disabilities.

39Penobscot Job Corps Center The center also has established a relationship with Northeastern Occupational Exchange; a local resource that provides testing to determine if a student may have a learning disability.

39Examples of Successful Center Partnerships (cont.)Flint Hills

Has a relationship with the Manhattan Alternative High School. The school offers accommodation suggestions, and conducts testing for students suspected of having a disability.

40Lyndon B. Johnson

Has an agreement with the South Western Community College to provide services to students which can include, testing for those students suspected of having a learning disability. Resources

41Customized Partnership ToolEach center will receive a customized partnership tool from your Regional Disability Coordinator by the end of the month.These tools should be used to jumpstart the partnership process.

42Each center will receive a customized partnership that includes potential partners and local resources specific to that centers community. Your Regional Disability Coordinator will send them out by the end of February. With the customized partnership tool each center should make an effort to contact the local resources to jump start the process. Use the tool to document the efforts made, and with whom contact Each center will receive a customized partnership tool: they will be receiving (when, what we expect them to do, and that this is to jump start the process) and an example of one.

42Regional Disability CoordinatorLisa Kosh-Region 1lisa.kosh@humanitas.com Nikki Jackson-Region 2, 3nikki.jackson@humanitas.comLaura Kuhn-Region 4 laura.kuhn@humanitas.com Kim Jones-Regions 5, 6kim.jones@humanitas.com

4343Questions?

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Disability Program Partners Tool

The PRH requires each center to develop and maintain partnerships with outside agencies and programs that will assist the center in serving students with disabilities (PRH 6: Section 6.11, R7 (f)). This checklist provides information about disability organizations that exist in most communities. This information can be used to begin developing partnerships. You may add to this list depending on the partnership opportunities that exist at your particular center. This checklist should be maintained by the Disability Coordinator and presented during reviews to document efforts to establish partnerships. A copy of any MOUs or other formal agreements should be kept with this document.

NamePurposeHow to LocateMade Contact?Notes

Business Leadership Network

The US Business Leadership Network (USBLN) is a national business organization currently representing BLN chapters in 32 states and more than 5,000 employers using a business to business strategy to promote the business imperative of including people with disabilities in the workforce. Participating employers: hire and promote workers with disabilities; attend business forums that provide information on critical disability employment issues; conduct job seeking skills sessions for candidates with disabilities; serve as mentors to postsecondary students with disabilities; recruit at disability employment fairs; provide summer, internship and co-op work experiences to enable students with disabilities to gain related work experience; and market the BLN to other employers.http://www.usbln.org

YESNO(include date[s] attempted/made contact, date partnership/MOU established [if applicable], contact person, and any other notes relevant to partnership)

Centers for Independent Living (CILs)CILs assist people with disabilities in becoming independent within their community. Their services include, but are not limited to housing, accessibility issues, support groups, and training.http://www.ilru.org/html/publications/directory/index.html http://www.virtualcil.net/cils/

YESNO

Disability and Business Technical Center (DBTAC)The Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center (DBTAC) is a national network of 10 regional centers that provide training, information, and materials related to the Americans with Disabilities Act.http://www.adata.org/

YESNO

Disability Program Navigator at One StopsThe Disability Program Navigator Program helps people with disabilities "navigate" through the challenges of seeking work. Disability Program Navigators who are located at some One Stops inform people with disabilities about their options for work.http://www.servicelocator.org/

YESNO

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)NAMI is the nations largest grassroots organization for people with mental illness and their families. NAMI provides support, education, and advocacy.http://www.nami.org/template.cfm?section=Your_Local_NamiYESNO

Office of Disability Employment Policy/State LiaisonsThe Office of Disability Employment Policy provides national leadership by developing and influencing disability-related employment policy and practice affecting the employment of people with disabilities. Each state has an ODEP liaison office to inform the public about specific resources within the community.http://www.dol.gov/odep/contact/state.htm

YESNO

State Tech Act ProgramsState Assistive Technology Act programs work to improve the provision of assistive technology to individuals with disabilities of all ages through comprehensive statewide programs of technology-related assistance. These programs provide training and technical assistance, AT loan programs, and other services.http://www.resnaprojects.org/nattap/scripts/nattapcontacts.pl

YESNO

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)VR assists individuals with disabilities in preparing for and engaging in gainful employment. VR services may include counseling, education, training, and job placement. Specialized services are also available for persons with sight and hearing disabilities.This site provides lists by state rehabilitation agencies, work incentives planning and assistance programs (to assist students on SSA) and other service providers by statehttps://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/oesp/providers.nsf/bystate

YESNO

Insert other local partners

YESNO

Insert other local partners

YESNO

January 2012