PA Transition Tidbits

The Pennsylvania Employment First initiative, in line with its policy goals, has outlined several key recommendations for advancing inclusive employment practices for individuals with disabilities:

1. Early Engagement with Families and Children: It's essential to start early in setting expectations about employment outcomes for children with disabilities. Family engagement, through resources and training, is critical to creating a culture that expects and supports competitive integrated employment (CIE) as the ultimate goal. The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) is enhancing parent training and information sharing on inclusive practices and employment pathways.

2. Integrated Early Intervention Services: For young children, services should be provided in integrated settings, meaning children with disabilities should be engaged in community or home-based environments rather than specialized classrooms. This promotes social and developmental engagement with peers, which is foundational for later inclusion in the workforce​.

3. Transition Planning and Postsecondary Preparation: As students approach the transition from school to work, Pennsylvania emphasizes preparing them for competitive employment through robust transition programs. This includes aligning education with career readiness indicators and ensuring that students with disabilities have access to Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS). School programs focus on helping students explore careers, engage in work experiences, and develop skills that will facilitate future employment.

4. Community-Based Education and Services: The state encourages schools to adopt educational programs that emphasize community-based learning, particularly for students with disabilities aged 18-21. This supports a smooth transition into adulthood, with services designed to help students function effectively in community settings, preparing them for integrated employment​

For further details and updates on specific programs and practices, the Pennsylvania Employment First Dashboard provides a comprehensive view of ongoing initiatives and outcomes related to these practices.

OpenAI. (2024). Information on PA Employment First and inclusive employment practices. Retrieved from 11/20/2024 ChatGPT session

The United States Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) created a four-step reference guide to support recruiting, hiring and retaining employees with disabilities. The guide also contains information and links to resources. Take a look at the guide on the web here, or access a PDF version below!

This three-part guide provides best practices for fostering disability inclusion in the workplace. It focuses on hiring, career development, and creating a supportive environment, specifically addressing barriers faced by individuals with disabilities.

This toolkit emphasizes assessing organizational policies, implementing inclusive practices, and evaluating outcomes to improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities. It highlights strategies like inclusive hiring language, accessible advertising, and partnerships with local disability organizations.

Working alongside individuals who have mutual respect for one another can make a significant difference when it comes to employment. Building genuine connections and rapport with colleagues is equally important. This principle applies not only to adult relationships but also to relationships between youth and adults.

As youth transition toward secondary education and competitive, integrated employment, they will encounter individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Navigating unfamiliar faces in unfamiliar places can be daunting for many. So how can we ensure that young people entering the workplace are supported by both their peers and the resources available to them?

When preparing young people for employment or working with them in the workforce consider these inclusive practices:

• Identifying Barriers and Providing Solutions: The “Strategies for Instructional Access Framework” was developed by general and special education teachers as part of a professional development activity. This framework highlights successful strategies for inclusion, such as creating a general profile of the classroom, identifying potential barriers before a student enters the environment, and determining strategies and services to support access to materials. While originally designed for classroom settings, this tool can also be applied to help young people transition into the workforce, ensuring their needs are considered and supported in a similar way.

• Use of Assistive Technology: Earlier this month, at PaTTAN’s Technology Adventures event, students, families, education professionals, and assistive technology representatives came together to explore the wide range of assistive technology options available for students with visual and hearing needs. These tools are designed to ensure a smooth transition into the workforce and empower individuals of all abilities to thrive in any setting. The event helped participants identify key features of software and applications that provide students with visual and hearing needs with equitable access to all environments. It also focused on raising awareness about the support available to students and families after graduation, ensuring the continued use of assistive technology as they transition out of public education and into their next stages of life. All supporting inclusive work environments in which all people can thrive.

One last thing!

PaTTAN’s Youth Engagement Specialists (YES) are collaborating with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) Citizens Advisory Committees (CAC) to amplify youth voices in discussions about OVR services. These committees meet to evaluate OVR programs and explore ways to better meet the needs of all clients. The opportunity for youth to have their voice heard and get comfortable in conversing with adults in a professional setting awaits!

We are actively seeking to increase youth and community participation in these meetings. If you are interested in joining (or know someone passionate about these topics) please contact one of the YES members to get connected to your local district office meetings:

• Hunter Steinitz (YES PaTTAN West): hsteinitz@pattanpgh.net
• Hayley Penn (YES PaTTAN Central): hpenn@pattankop.net
• Natasha Fletcher (YES PaTTAN East): nfletcher@pattankop.net

EARN offers free resources to employers on recruiting, hiring, and retaining employees with disabilities. Their materials include guides on building inclusive workplaces and connecting with community partners who support disability employment. EARN also provides specific strategies to create effective partnerships between schools and businesses to support students with disabilities entering the workforce.

JAN provides expert guidance on workplace accommodations and employment strategies. Employers can use this resource to understand how accommodations help integrate individuals with disabilities successfully into the workplace​.

Workforce Recruitment Program connects employers with college students and recent graduates with disabilities. It includes tools and resources to help employers understand the value of hiring individuals with disabilities and provides practical steps to recruit and support them in the workplace

CDE offers public service announcements and materials aimed at promoting the value of hiring individuals with disabilities. Employers can use these materials to foster conversations and educate their teams about inclusive practices​

Looking for a place where you can Connect, Collect, & Contribute

to all things secondary transition?

Connect with people from across our state to collect

resources, share events and contribute stories about positive post-school outcomes!

Click here to create an account and login to join our PA Secondary Transition- Public Square.

Are you looking to learn more information about transition?

The National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: The Collaborative (NTACT:C) provides information, tools, and supports to assist multiple stakeholders to provide effective services and instruction for students and out-of-school youth with disabilities.

Check out their Training Resource Library.

If you're new to transition, be sure to check out Transition 101!

A PA ABLE Savings Program account gives individuals with qualified disabilities and their families and friends a tax-free way to save for a wide range of disability-related expenses, while maintaining important benefits.

On 12/3/24 from 12:00-1:00 p.m., discover the many ways you can use a PA ABLE Savings Program account to save private funds to support health, increased financial freedom, independence, and quality of life.

Some of the topics that will be discussed include: eligibility requirements for opening a PA ABLE account, the tax benefits of PA ABLE, and how PA ABLE account interacts with current benefits.

Register here.

WHEN: December 3, 2024, at 4:00 PM

WHERE: Zoom (Click Here to Register)

The PEAL Youth Team Presents: A Young Person’s Guide to Mental Health and Self-Care​

Join the webinar to learn more about:

-Mental health and its importance in your life

-Research and evidence-based practices about youth mental health

-Self-care practice that prioritizes mental health

-Implement mental health in an IEP and Transition Planning​

Registration Now Open

Charting the LifeCourse Introductory Training

Two dates available (same content in both sessions):

Thursday, December 12, 2024 from 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Thursday, January 16, 2025 from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM

Click on preferred link above to register.

Introduction to Charting the LifeCourse (CtLC) is designed to present learners with an overview of the CtLC person-centered framework. It will provide a general awareness of the guiding principles and tools presented by a Certified CtLC Presenter. This training is designed for anyone who is interested in learning about the CtLC Framework and will be led by Lisa Meyer and David Forbes.

After the CtLC training, participants will be able to:

Define the core belief of the CtLC Framework.

Identify how CtLC principals and tools can enhance decision making, problem solving and self-advocacy in individuals.

Describe ways CtLC is applied.

OVR is excited to share with you information about the 2025 Summer Academy for students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH SA) will be back for the summer of 2025. We are looking forward to proving students with an amazing experience this summer.

Location: Penn State University Park Campus

Time: Monday, June 23, 2025, to Monday, June 30, 2025 (7 Days)

Application Deadline: Wednesday, February 5th, 2025

Link to Apply: 2025 DHH Student Application

Brief Description of the Program: The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Deaf and Hard of Hearing Summer Academy is designed to offer high school age students who are deaf or hard of hearing an opportunity to develop their knowledge, experiences, and awareness as it relates to their future academic and employment goals. Students will participate in a 7-day program on a college campus, where they will receive assessments, information, and educational experiences in various curriculum areas.

Below you will find the Summer Academy Flyer

We are excited to have your customers apply for this important and beneficial program! For assistance or further information, please contact me at:

Email: rgoddard@pa.gov

Phone: (724) 936-5076

Videophone: (717) 831-0336

Text: (724) 614-6154

The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation/Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services (BBVS) Summer Academy Program is designed to offer high school age students with visual impairments an opportunity to develop their knowledge, experiences, and awareness as it relates to their future academic and employment goals. Students will participate in a 7-day program on a college campus, where they will receive assessments, information, and educational experiences in various curriculum areas.

Location: Penn State University Park Campus

Time: Monday, June 16, 2025, to Monday, June 23, 2025 (7 Days).

Application Deadline: Wednesday, February 5, 2025.

Link to Apply: 2025 BBVS Student Application

Below you will find the Summer Academy Flyer.

We are excited to have your customers apply for this important and beneficial program!

For assistance or further information, please contact me at: Email: kifoley@pa.gov Phone: (814)-949-7960

Are you looking for transition events across PA?

Don't forget to check the events calendar to stay up to date on all of the great events happening in PA and nationally related to secondary transition!

The Pennsylvania Community on Transition is a group of various stakeholders from across Pennsylvania who work collaboratively to ensure appropriate transition outcomes for Pennsylvania youth and young adults.

The Pennsylvania Community on Transition is a state leadership team consisting of representative from: the State Departments of Education, Health, Labor and Industry, and Human Services; Various Serving Agencies, Young Adults, Parent Organizations, Advocates, Higher Education, and Employers.

The shared vision and common goals of the Pennsylvania Community on Transition is achieved when all PA youth and young adults with disabilities:

• Successfully transition to the role of productive and participating adult citizens
• Are empowered to recognize their talents, strengths, and voice
• Have equal access to resources that will promote their full participation in the communities of their choice.

Email: pasecondarytransition@gmail.com
Website: https://www.pasecondarytransition.com/
Phone: 4128266878
Twitter: @hmangiskuntz