Parent Centers Empowering Youth Self-Advocacy

1. Parent Centers Empowering Youth Self-Advocacy

2. OSEP Disclaimer 2019 OSEP Leadership Conference DISCLAIMER: The contents of this presentation were developed by the presenters for the 2019 OSEP Leadership Conference. However, these contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3 and 3474)

3. Contact Information • For more information, please contact us at:raisecenter.org • Dr. Josie Badger - RAISE Co-Director • jbadger@raisecenter.org

4. About RAISE • In 2014, the Rehabilitation Services Administration funded the RAISE project at SPAN Parent Advocacy Network, a parent-led and family-centered nonprofit PTI to provide technical assistance on supporting individuals with disabilities through the transition from secondary school into competitive employment and independent living; and technical assistance services to the 7 transition parent centers in the country. • Link Center at Federation for Children with Special Needs • New York State Transition Partners, a collaboration of Starbridge and the Parent Network of Western New • Open Doors for Multicultural Families in Washington • Project Launch at PACER in Minnesota • REACH for Transition at SPAN in New Jersey • Shift Transition Project at PEAK in Colorado • STELLAR Project at MPACT in Missouri

5. We cannot always build the future for our children... CPIR Debra Jennings Director, Center for Parent Information & Resources https://www.parentcenterhub.org …but we can build our children for the future. —Franklin D. Roosevelt

6. Fostering Self-Determination Come to the Parent Center Hub! Are you looking for resources on… • Fostering the self-determinationskills of youth with disabilities? • How to support youth in developing skills of self-advocacy? • Transition planning for youth with disabilities? https://www.parentcenterhub.org

7. Best Practices in Self-Advocacy Skill Building http://www.parentcenterhub.org/priority-selfadvocacy/ A resource suite, with a companion webinar! http://www.parentcenterhub.org/webinar-self-advocacy-skill-building/

8. Other resources for you @ the Hub! There’s much more! 2019 OSEP LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

9. The Center for Parent Information and Resources can connect you to many, many tools for working with youth who have disabilities. https://www.parentcenterhub.org We invite you to explore the Hub today! 2019 OSEP LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

10. Developing Youth Programs through Community Partnership Community Inclusion & Development Alliance (CIDA) Young Seh Bae, Ph.D. Executive Director

11. Community Inclusion & Development Alliance (CIDA) • 501c3 Community Organization • Community Parent Resource Center (CPRC) • Serves Korean-American Community in NYC (Queens) & Long Island

12. Our Partnership Model • Shares Resources • Matches Funding • Helps Outreach • Increases Project Success Rate • Builds a Network of Collaborators • Uplifts the Community

13. Partnership Based Youth Programs University Resources & Local Artists Private Foundation & Policy Partners Local Media & Journalists Fee for Services

14. Check Before Partnership • Strategic Decision-Making • Stay in the organization’s vision, mission & accountability • Return on investment • Partnership in Action • Right Partners ≠ Not Big Partners • Mutual Recognition • Documentation of “Partnership” (MOU, Consent forms, Contract, Liability Insurance, etc.) • Money Matters • Cost-Analysis • Sponsorship • Increase Board Capacity

15. Direct Services for Youth: Supporting Self Advocacy Susan Barlow, Executive Director, Parent Network of Western New York Jane Heaphy, Deputy Executive Director, INCLUDEnyc

16. Program models for youth work: INCLUDEnyc • Project Possibility • One-to-one postsecondary counseling and case management • Holistic planning to ensure clear goal, and necessary supports and services • Primarily foundation funded • Pre-ETS • WIOA-aligned coaching and support services for youth • ACCES-VR (NYS Education Department) funded • High School Launch: • School-based program for youth with IEP or 504 • Group trainings, plus one-to-one sessions • Students prepare for active role in IEP meeting • Bridges workshops • Workshops: professional networking, travel skills, sex/sexuality/consent, personal finances • Foundation funded

17. Program Models: Parent Network of Western NY • Pre-ETS (ACCES-VR) • Orientation to ACCES-VR • Self-Advocacy For Students • Strategic Collaborations • Hosting events/conferences together with Youth and Self-Advocacy Organizations • Teen Monthly Meet Ups • Your Mama Doesn’t Work Here sessions • Conduct interactive activities in classrooms on work readiness skills

18. Lessons Learned: PROGRAM DESIGN • Ground programming in youth development principles • Staff with training/experience in working with young people, culture sensitivity/awareness • Clarify goals/outcomes to better design activities and track success • Flexible scheduling • Provide transportation, food • Combine one-to-one individual support with socialization opportunities

19. Knowledge in Advocacy Adam Shand, Family Liaison Parents Reaching Out, New Mexico ashand@parentsreachingout.org

20. Parents Reaching OutYouth/Transition Initiatives Forward@14 Information and advocacy resources for youth 14+ offered in 5 modules. -Developed adaptable, activity-oriented curricula aligned with PRE ETS -Initially funded by local United Way, additional funding received -Delivered with partners across state and in tribal communities From Fear to Freedom Educates persons with disabilities on rights and introduced role models. -Set vision of positive future for families and youth -Funded by Governor’s Commission on Disability -Facilitated youth, family and self-advocate connections in 10 locales -Offered in English, Spanish and in tribal communities SHIFT Project Focuses on job-related training and skills -Partnered with Colorado’s PTI to deliver RSA-funded transition trainings

21. Parents Reaching OutYouth/Transition Initiatives cont… Transition Conferences One-day events with multiple sessions focused on transition issues. -Engaged youth, families and providers in several regions of the state -Workshop sessions offered on topics including disability awareness/self- advocacy, disability rights, options after high school, guardianship and options, ABLE accounts, transportation, social opportunities. -Delivered with partners across state and in tribal communities

22. REGION D YOUTH OUTREACH COHORT Youth participation is a vital step in creating a more inclusive and encompassing community. How can we expect youth to become empowered if we don’t teach them the tools and knowledge necessary for such a task? Through participation, youth develop advocacy skills and can create positive change.

23. Lessons Learned -Families and youth respond to high expectations, role models and real-life examples. -Remain flexible with curricula and materials. -Keep it fun and interactive. -Utilize community partners for all aspects of programs.

24. OSEP Disclaimer Again 2019 OSEP Leadership Conference DISCLAIMER: The contents of this presentation were developed by the presenters for the 2019 OSEP Leadership Conference. However, these contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3 and 3474)