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Abstract: “Career Choice”, an RSA funded choice
demonstration project, #H235D30034, conducted by The Development Team, Inc.,
830-13 A1A North, #234, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida 32082, cellular phone (703)
568-3595. Harry L. Hall – Project
Director.
Career Choice is a broadly tested small group program in which persons with disabilities make their own “informed choices.” It is an easily replicable, stand alone model which is very efficient. 73% of participants who completed the program obtained employment outcomes of their choice.
The demonstration project purposely tested variations of sponsorship, site, leadership and types of disabling conditions, improving the techniques each time. The final effort was to produce a cross-disability model tested in a state VR agency and a CIL. The general areas were San Francisco/Oakland/Berkeley, Northern Virginia/DC/Maryland, Jacksonville/Daytona, and three sites in the state of Vermont in collaboration with the state DVR. Four CILs and many disability specific organizations were involved in either sponsorship or collaboration. The CIL in Jacksonville conducted on ongoing program. The early model variations were addressed to and accommodating of five types of disabling conditions: 1) physical disabilities, 2) chronic disabilities, 3) learning disabilities, 4) deafness and hard of hearing, and 5) living with HIV.
¨ Direct outreach to persons with disabilities including culturally diverse populations and those currently considered underserved by VR. Limited but important outreach roles for community groups.
¨ A quick self-assessment process effective for presumptive eligibility; first-come, first-served.
¨ Participant decision to participate and commitment to complete the work.
¨ A highly structured small group training program as the core service: a comprehensive and tightly scheduled process. (12 weekly 3 hour sessions, maximum of 12 persons)
¨ Consumer-controlled process of peer review of all purchase requests; group decisions on a group budget of $15,600 for additional services/products with two-party checks and enhanced mainstream consumer techniques to achieve quality and satisfaction. No vendor lists.
¨ A Plan to Achieve Career Choice (P.A.C.C.) assembled as participants go through the processes of self-assessment and group training consists primarily of products prepared by the participant. It is also the (only) paper data file. Participants retain copies.
¨ Guest presenters and volunteers from the business community.
¨ A self-directed Career Club to provide support, continued learning and networking opportunities while participants conclude receipt of products/services and pursue vocational plan.
¨ A follow up process which involves contact four times over two years to identify any additional needs and for data collection.
226 persons began group programs, 185 (82%) completed the work. Participants, as compared to average VR “clients”, were distinguished only by the fact that they chose to participate and that a higher percentage were on SSI or SSDI. Employment outcomes were determined in a manner comparable to VR.
Leadership teams for each group were recruited and trained – a majority of team members were persons with disabilities. The primary difference with the VR system is that the relationship in Career Choice is very consciously a participant – facilitator one, not a counselor – client one.