Worksupport.com e-NewsletterInformation, resources and research about work and disability issues
Find us on Facebook VCU Autism Center for Excellence Webcast
Applied Behavior Analysis: Just the Facts
Presenter: Dawn Hendricks
Date: 5/8/2012, 3:30pm Eastern
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) has been demonstrated time and again to be an effective strategy for teaching skills and reducing problem behavior in individuals with autism spectrum disorders as well as other developmental disabilities. Despite its proven track record, there are still many misconceptions about what it is and how it is to be used. ABA is a set of principles that can be applied in any classroom, home, or community where learning takes place. As a parent or professional supporting a person with ASD, having an understanding of these principles and how to apply them is advantageous and can lead to skill acquisition in any area including communication, social skills, academics, and self-help. In this presentation, Dr. Hendricks will define ABA, introduce key terminology and will describe the key principles that are to be used by parents and educators. Real life examples of how these principles can be applied with individuals with ASD will be provided.
Register for this webcast or Register for the Series. Group rates available. Cost: $50. * Note: This training is free to Virginia participants.
VCU-ACE is funded by the VA DOE (Grant # 881-61172 H027A100107). For additional information, contact autismcenter@vcu.edu or (855) 711-6987.
The Center on Transition to Employment for Youth with Disabilities Issue Brief
Does Service Collaboration Enhance Seamless Transition Outcomes?
The hallmark practices associated with effective school to work transition for students with disabilities include:
1) student centered planning; 2) youth empowerment;
3) individualized career/ work experiences; 4) paid employment; 5) family support and participation; and 6) interagency collaboration and service coordination. While the first five practices have received significant attention in the empirical literature and moderate support in outcome studies, interagency collaboration and service coordination, while widely endorsed, have been neglected in the research literature, even though collaboration is statutorily required in authorizing legislation and is the first step in system reform. Issue Brief (PDF & Text Available)
The Center for Transition to Employment is a Disability Rehabilitation Research Project sponsored by The National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, U.S. Department of Education. The Center is operated by TransCen, Inc. in partnership with Virginia Commonwealth University.
Autism DRRP (Disability Rehabilitation Research Project)
Could an Ipod Touch be the key to successful employment for people with Autism?
People with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) face many obstacles when transitioning from school to full or part time employment. They often experience difficulty with time management, interacting with co- workers and managing complex task sequences. They may have trouble performing scheduled activities, such as taking medications or getting to work on time, and may find it hard to control behavioral challenges in the workplace. Finding and keeping employment under these circumstances is a challenge. The VCU researchers want to know whether a small, hand-held computer can help address these difficulties. Participants in this study, people with ASD who are starting an employment trial with a job coach, are randomized into two groups. Participants in the first group are provided with an iPod Touch and trained in its use to manage work duties as soon as they begin their jobs. Members of the second group work for three months with job coaching support before they receive the device. Job performance, retention, hours of job coaching support needed, and worker and co-worker satisfaction are compared during this three month period, when one group has an iPod Touch and one does not. The study also examines how participants use the iPod Touch, the strategies they use on the job, and their satisfaction in using it in the workplace. Read the Research to Practice Brief (PDF)
This project is funded by the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Project (DRRP) grant #H133B080027 from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR).
DOJ Brief Argues Sheltered Workshops May Violate Title II Integration Regulation
Please see the attached statement of Interest that the Civil Rights Division filed in Oregon District Court last Friday making clear that the Department of Justice interprets the integration mandate of Title II of the ADA to apply to the unnecessary placement of people with disabilities in segregated sheltered workshops. Read the Statement of Interest (PDF)
Upcoming Online Courses
Customized Employment - June 4 - July 2, 2012
Customized employment is a process for individualizing the employment relationship between a job seeker and an employer in ways that meet the needs of both. It is based on a match between the unique strengths, needs, and interests of the job candidate with a disability, and the identified business needs of the employer or the self-employment business chosen by the candidate. Customized employment uses a flexible blend of strategies, services, supports, and funds to facilitate employment outcomes for job seekers with complex needs through negotiated employment relationships. The course will cover these important topics on customized employment and more. Individual rate: $100 per person | Group rate: $400 for 5 registrants. Click here for details.
Into Adulthood: Transition to Work for Individuals with Autism - June 18 - July 30, 2012
More than ever, individuals with autism spectrum disorders are participating in the mainstream of school, work, and the community. Careful transition planning from secondary education is critical for young people with autism spectrum disorders to be successful; however, there is limited information on this topic. This course will provide the participant with an in-depth understanding of the concepts related to positive transition planning for youth with autism. The issues, challenges, and strategies that are involved with helping young people with autism participate to the fullest degree in society will be examined. Cost: $275 Textbook: $23.07 . Click here for details
Job Development - July 2 - 30, 2012
Job development is the "process of locating and creating work opportunities for individuals with disabilities". This is achieved by earning an opportunity to engage an employer and from there hopefully moving on to earning a commitment to meet, interview, and hire a specific job seeker. This course covers specific principles associated with job development via online lectures and readings and then requires the learner to take action on his or her behalf to further develop a particular skill. Participants also reflect upon what he or she learned from both the online content and field based experiential activity by sharing personal insights with other course members. Individual rate: $125 per person |
Group rate: $500 for 5 registrants. Click here for details.
VCU-ACE Q&A Factsheet
Positive Behavior Support Plans
Positive behavior support is an all-encompassing system of behavior management. Behavior is supported through a structured plan that positively addresses the person's behavior as well as his or her quality of life. Positive behavior supports is based in the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and involve understanding factors that impact behavior including antecedents and consequences. Further, it is embedded in the values of person centered planning.
Person centered values require intervention and support tailor-made to meet the needs and unique goals of the individual with movement towards community and social involvement and personal choice. The fundamental philosophy of positive behavior support is that most behavior, challenging or adaptive, serves a specific function or purpose in the life of the person. This Autism Q and A will provide some basic information about developing positive behavior support plans. Please see our website for additional fact sheets on this topic. Read the Fact Sheet
VCU-ACE is funded by the VA DOE (Grant # 881-61172-H027A100107). For additional information, contact autismcenter@vcu.edu or (855) 711-6987.
JVR Article
Editorial by Paul Wehman, Ph.D.
We are happy to introduce the 2012 year with several important pieces of Congressional Testimony related to workplace incentives for people with disabilities in America. For many years now the Social Security
Administration through the Ticket to Work and the Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 (TWWIIA, Public Law 106–170) legislation has been working to help thousands of people with disabilities stay at work and be able to take full advantage of employment. Benefits specialists have been trained in large numbers in every state with the plan to enhance the economic outcomes
for persons with disabilities. Read this JVR Editorial *
*Join APSE to receive free online access to JVR
Upcoming Events
2012 National Transition Conference - College and Careers for Youth with Disabilities - May 30 - June 1, Washington, DC, Washington Marriott, Wardman Park. Register today
APSE 2012 National Conference - June 27-29, Pre-Conference Day - June 26, Crystal Gateway Marriott, Arlington, VA - More Information & Online Registration
National APSE - First National Certification Program for Employment Support Professionals - Informational Webinars, Join Pat Keul, ESPCC Director, at 2pm EST on May 10, 23 or June 6. APSE has established the Employment Support Professional Certification Council (ESPCC) to oversee the first national certification program for employment support professionals. Now job coaches, job developers, transition employment specialists, job placement personnel, and employment specialists/ consultants* can earn the designation of Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) by passing the national CESP examination. Register Online
