Illinois Council on Creating coherence and Development Disabilities alignment for success Southern Illinois Project 2019 Illinois Statewide Transition Conference October 17, 2019 1
• Over 30 years in disability advocacy • ~ 20 years a transition geek • Southern Illinois native • ICDD, State Rehab • State traveler Council, UCP, Early • Navigator, manager, path Intervention, ISBE cutter/weed chopper • Mom of Tim & Jen (and • Still hanging on for the KoKo the goldendoodle) ride 2
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Learning Objectives • Review the process ICDD used to develop an investment that truly illustrate the strengths, needs, and barriers specific to Southern Illinois • Articulate the evidenced based transition practices that underpinned the decision making process, the investment, and the final chosen investment sites • Describe each of the investment sites and the performance measures that drive their work 4
Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities • Federally funded • 5 year State Plan 2017 – 2021 • Mission – To help lead change in Illinois so all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities exercise their right to equal opportunity and freedom. • Systems Change Goal – Support systems are optimized so that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Illinois live and thrive in the broader community. 5
Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities • Individual & Family Advocacy Goal – Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families knowledgeably advocate and take part in decisions that affect their lives, the lives of others, and/or systems. • Objective – By September 30, 2021 through outreach and training, youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities of transition and young adult age (14-30) in southern Illinois will expand their life choices through personalized support systems. 6
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How did we get to the SITP investment? 8
Description • Southern Illinois highlights – Rough border of I-70 south – Primarily rural with a few exceptions – Geographic expanse – Disproportionality • High drop out • Low graduation • High unemployment and underemployment • High dependency on public support • Few opportunities for community living and participation 9
Tasks to Develop Investment • Pursue strategies to obtain quantitative data from ISBE & DRS • Design and information gathering methodology (e.g., guiding questions) • Initiate contact with key identified stakeholders • Meet and greet tour • Synthesize qualitative data from meet and greets • Analyze quantitative and qualitative data • Prepare a narrative analysis of key findings and recommendation for a targeted intervention(s) 10
Key Contacts • School districts & Special Education Cooperatives • Department of Rehabilitation Services • Centers for Independent Living • Family Matters Parent Training & Information Center • SIU-E Evaluation & Developmental Center • Regional Transition Planning Committee (southern Illinois TPC’s) • Community colleges 11
Information Gathering Focused on Best Practices • Self-Determination • Post School Education • Work/Employment Preparation • Parent/Family Involvement • Travel & Getting Around 12
Information Gathering Questions 1. Do you believe that there are adequate opportunities for transition-aged youth (14 – 30) who have ID/DD to learn and practice self-determination attitudes and beliefs, knowledge, and skills (e.g., course work, role models, self-directed IEP)? Social skills? Self-care/independent living skills? 2. What is your perspective on the availability of post-school education opportunities for youth who ID/DD (e.g., community college, college, trade/apprenticeships)? 13
3. What is your perspective on the availability of work/employment related preparation opportunities for youth have ID/DD (e.g., career awareness, paid employment/work experience, work study, community experiences)? 4. What is your perspective on the availability of opportunities for parents/families to access opportunities to learn about expectations and involvement to support their young adult who has ID/DD? 5. What is your perspective on opportunities for youth who have ID/DD to learn and practice travel skills (e.g., how do they and will they “get around” the communities to achieve success in education, employment and community living)? 14
6. If you could improve transition-related services and supports in your area, what are 2 – 3 ideas for lasting impact you might share? 7. Is there any data you might be able to share with us? (e.g., total number of students served in you cooperative, percentage of students who have ID/DD you serve, if you have a STEP grant, how many students are served) 15
Southern Illinois Transition Project 16
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Southern Illinois Transition Project Sites • Investments awarded in Summer 2018 with start date of October 1, 2018 and an end date of September 30, 2021 – CTS Creative Transition - Coleman Tri-County Services • 9 Counties – CTF Illinois • 11 Counties – Human Support Services • 2 Counties – Lewis & Clark Community College • 3 Counties 18
Southern Illinois Transition Project “Givens” (1 of 4) 1. Projects include targeted activities for each of the following items: • Self-determination training for transition age individuals with I/DD • Person centered planning processes implemented for each individual with I/DD targeted to ensure post-secondary plans are focused on the individual’s vision of their future • Advocacy training for families/caregivers of transition-aged individuals with I/DD • Transition best-practice training for teachers and school personnel of transition age individuals with I/DD 19
Southern Illinois Transition Project “Givens” (2 of 4) • Creating access to Post-secondary training options • Creating access to Post-secondary employment options • Financial literacy education for families and transition age individuals with I/DD • Creating or increasing access to local transportation options for transition age individuals with I/DD 20
Southern Illinois Transition Project “Givens” (3 of 4) 2. All activities take place in natural settings to ensure integration and inclusive environments 3. Grantees must include a minimum of 3 additional partners 4. Grantees must demonstrate a current working knowledge of the landscape of advocacy for individuals with I/DD in Illinois and best practice methodologies in the area of post-secondary transition 5. Individuals with IDD achieve successful post-secondary outcomes in the areas of education/training, employment, and independent living based on transition assessments and person- centered plan. Data documents the baseline and positive changes achieved 21
Southern Illinois Transition Project “Givens” (4 of 4) 6. Successful projects learn from themselves. A program evaluation system is utilize to measure effectiveness of project and 7. The Council cannot supplant existing funds or funding sources. Other funds may be, and are encouraged to be, part of a sustainability plan and intentionally sought or used as a match or funds leveraged with a project. 8. All Southern IL Transition Projects will be assigned a “coach” that is provided by ICDD to support in technical assistance, guidance, and adherence to project milestones. 22
Let’s hear from our SITP sites! 23
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What Questions Do You Have? 26
Sue Walter suewalter13@gmail.com Cell: 618-977-1098 27
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