Transition Partnership

1. Transition Partnership Opportunities and Challenges

2. Attendance at Work Has Really Picked Up

3. Shrinking labor pool Finding qualified applicants Finding motivated employees Challenges Facing Businesses There are interesting labor challenges ahead for employers – the estimates vary, depending on the source, estimates are that by 2010 that there will be a shortage of around 10-15 million workers as the baby boomers retire. I was co owner of a non medical home care franchise and of course customer care was a top concern – I had great success finding people who were retired and college students – Of course we were a drug free workplace – an we drug tested – I had one who took the test and it show marijuana-when I called him to tell him he was not eligible for hire he told me “oh I smoked pot at a party three weeks ago and I didn’t think it would show – I should be ok by now, can I take it again” *Lastly my friend Damon runs a plastics manufacturing company – he always willing to give someone a second chance – anybody can make a mistake – as long as they are honest with me- Application – ever been convicted of a felony _ “yes breaking and entering” – under any special skills “good with hand tools”There are interesting labor challenges ahead for employers – the estimates vary, depending on the source, estimates are that by 2010 that there will be a shortage of around 10-15 million workers as the baby boomers retire. I was co owner of a non medical home care franchise and of course customer care was a top concern – I had great success finding people who were retired and college students – Of course we were a drug free workplace – an we drug tested – I had one who took the test and it show marijuana-when I called him to tell him he was not eligible for hire he told me “oh I smoked pot at a party three weeks ago and I didn’t think it would show – I should be ok by now, can I take it again” *Lastly my friend Damon runs a plastics manufacturing company – he always willing to give someone a second chance – anybody can make a mistake – as long as they are honest with me- Application – ever been convicted of a felony _ “yes breaking and entering” – under any special skills “good with hand tools”

4. By 2015 the age of workers 55-64 will grow by 37%. -Over 65 will grow 22%. -Under 55 will decrease by 2.2% Bottom line: This year (2008), one in six workers are over 55 years old. Source: The AARP Work and Career Study, 2002 The Silver Tsunami

7. Why Do People Work? Make Money Survival Sense of enjoyment/purpose Have Friends Fit in Be respected Gives them something to complain about (Jim’s main reason)

9. The Perfect Storm

10. Cleanliness is next to Godliness MYTH

11. God `li . ness: Devout, pious Gog. gles: Large spectacles for protecting eyes from dust,excessive light, etc.

12. Clean `li . ness: Keeping or being kept free of dirt, grime, etc. Cleav .age: 1. Act of cleaving or splitting 2. Cleft or division 3. The property of some rocks and minerals to split in a certain direction.

13. MYTH People with significant disabilities must demonstrate complete competence and independence in a given area before being “allowed” to participate in that area. A.K.A. – The Readiness Model

14. Truth None of us are ever completely ready It’s about supports Professionals, consumers and families need to let go of this arbitrary “readiness” standard

15. Common Themes in Proposed Federal Legislation Focus on competitive, integrated employment Focus on transition Focus on collaboration and partnerships

19. Pre-Employment Services Recruitment and referral of qualified applicants Staff training on disability awareness-ADA Diversity program strategies for employees and customers Retention programs to support employees who develop/acquire disabilities Consulting, technical assistance and support Financial supports What Do Businesses Want From VR

20. Medium to larger business “smell the dust…hear the noise” Time, length and focus customized to meet the business needs Three party arrangement with CRP, Business and DARS “try before you buy” for Business and Consumer Imbedded Training Model

21. Walgreens Distribution Centers (Waxahachie, Houston) Walgreens Stores Lowes Distribution Centers TJ Max AAFES (Army Air force Exchange Services) Safeway/Randals/Tom Thumb 225 Successful Closures during 12 month period. Imbedded Training- DARS Led

22. LaunchAbility - UT Southwestern Medical Center Pride – El Paso – Holiday Inn – Blood Services, Hands on Education – Dallas - Hyatt Hands on Education – Houston- Hyatt Hands on Education – Austin- Hyatt Hands on Education – San Antonio - Hyatt Goodwill – Austin – Double Tree, HEB (new) Goodwill - Houston – Riverside General Hospital Community Options – El Paso ARRA – Imbedded Training Expansion

23. DARS is part of the VR-NET (National Employment Team) – “one company” approach to working with large businesses Schedule A Federal Hiring- Project Search – DARS/School/Business Partnerships Employer Symposiums On Site “Disability 101” training Targeted Community Job Fairs Imbedded Training for entry level jobs leading to hiring for professional positions Other Initiatives

24. Values + The 4 Way Test = DRS Decision Making We serve consumers in ways that achieve their goal of suitable employment. We value the Consumer/Counselor Relationship as a foundational principle of VR. The time we spend in the community is essential to the success of our consumers. Our active relationship with businesses, providers and others contributes to the success of our consumers to achieve their employment goal. We thrive in, and support, an environment of teamwork and internal collaboration. Is it about Work? Does it Improve Relationships? Does it reflect best use of resources? Is it beneficial to all concerned?

25. Opportunities to Improve DARS/School Partnerships and Student Employment Outcomes Coordination with imbedded training options developed by DARS Starting Early – “proactive” triage Community Colleges School Plans wit DARS Coordinated business relationships Working with Liaison Counselors as well as TVRC’s Leverage “everything” in the community Embrace system limitations in order to fill gaps.