Project Description:
In response to legislation aimed to improve the post-school outcomes of individuals with disabilities, secondary schools are training students with greater frequency in community settings on employment, daily living, and leisure skills. As the training moves out of the classroom, paraeducators are often expected to fulfill the role of a "job coach" but the actual responsibilities required to fill this role are less clear. Paraeducators need more training for the specific responsibilities of their jobs. It is paramount that a comprehensive training program be developed to meet the diverse roles of paraeducators and secondary special educators. Specifically they need to be trained on the provision of transition services outlined in IDEA.
The project trains paraeducators and their supervisors to utilize empirically validated practices to support individuals with disabilities in obtaining competitive employment. The 35 hour core training includes (1) an introduction and overview of supported employment; (2) natural supports, (3) transition services outlined in IDEA, (4) self advocacy, (5) employment assessment, (6) marketing and job development, (7) work-site analysis, (8) job matching and placement, (9) job training, (10) data collection and data summary, (11) supported employment funding, (12) behavior management, (13) Americans with Disabilities Act, (14) benefits planning, and (15) social security work incentives.
During this fiscal year, 89 paraprofessionals and 32 certified teachers participated in the supported employment training. In addition to the training activities, a supported employment training manual was developed and given to all participants and a presentation was given at the 12th Annual Utah Paraprofessional Conference. Many participants indicated that the information provided will help them develop more responsive community-based programs in their schools.
Keyword(s):
supported employment, training, education, IOTI
