Assessment and eligibility are critical components of the Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation (TVR) process. In this session, attendees will gain an in-depth understanding of these key elements, with a special focus on conducting comprehensive assessments. Through interactive group activities, participants will reinforce their knowledge and apply practical strategies. Additionally, attendees will receive valuable resources and materials to support their work in assessment and eligibility determination.
This workshop will have four total sections that will be presented, three sessions in the a.m. and one final session in the p.m. It is recommended that participants attend all four sessions.
They are as follows:
- Part 1 – Intake and Application (deep dive into comprehensive assessment)
- Part 2 – Eligibility Determination (asking the important questions, putting intake, assessment together to identify the impairments and impediments to employment)
- Part 3 – IPE Development (putting it all together, intake, comprehensive assessment, great eight, etc. to find the impediments to employment, identify rehab need)
- Part 4 – IPE Development Cont. (steps to selecting services, putting services in the IPE, amendments, monitoring progress, etc.)
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the Components of Assessment – Gain insight into the key elements of assessment, with a special focus on conducting a comprehensive assessment.
- Connect Assessment to Eligibility – Learn how assessment outcomes inform and support the eligibility determination process in the Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation (TVR) program.
- Identify the Six Eligibility Criteria – Recognize and apply the six essential criteria for determining an applicant’s eligibility for TVR services.
Assessment and eligibility are critical components of the Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation (TVR) process. In this session, attendees will gain an in-depth understanding of these key elements, with a special focus on conducting comprehensive assessments. Through interactive group activities, participants will reinforce their knowledge and apply practical strategies. Additionally, attendees will receive valuable resources and materials to support their work in assessment and eligibility determination.
This workshop will have four total sections that will be presented, three sessions in the a.m. and one final session in the p.m. It is recommended that participants attend all four sessions.
They are as follows:
- Part 1 – Intake and Application (deep dive into comprehensive assessment)
- Part 2 – Eligibility Determination (asking the important questions, putting intake, assessment together to identify the impairments and impediments to employment)
- Part 3 – IPE Development (putting it all together, intake, comprehensive assessment, great eight, etc. to find the impediments to employment, identify rehab need)
- Part 4 – IPE Development Cont. (steps to selecting services, putting services in the IPE, amendments, monitoring progress, etc.)
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the Components of Assessment – Gain insight into the key elements of assessment, with a special focus on conducting a comprehensive assessment.
- Connect Assessment to Eligibility – Learn how assessment outcomes inform and support the eligibility determination process in the Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation (TVR) program.
- Identify the Six Eligibility Criteria – Recognize and apply the six essential criteria for determining an applicant’s eligibility for TVR services.
Traditional employment programs for blind individuals often rely on campus-based training. The Foundation for Blind Children (FBC) takes a real-world approach, ensuring clients build skills in their actual environments. Our comprehensive training includes Assistive Technology, Orientation & Mobility (home/work travel, flights), Daily Living Skills (self-care, cooking, cleaning), Braille, and Adjustment to Disability.
The Employment Launch Pad provides hands-on job search support, employer connections, interview preparation, accommodations, and 90-day follow-ups.
This session will present three years of data, showcasing success rates, client feedback, and evolving best practices. Attendees will gain insights into effective strategies for preparing blind individuals for lasting employment and independent living. Join us to learn how FBC empowers independence and achieves outstanding employment outcomes.
Learning Outcomes
- Enhanced Understanding of Real-World Training Approaches: Participants will gain insights into the unique real-world training methods employed by the Foundation for Blind Children (FBC), which prepare clients for actual environments rather than campus-based settings. This includes comprehensive training in assistive technology, orientation and mobility, daily living skills, Braille, and emotional support.
- Effective Employment Support Strategies: Attendees will learn about FBC's Employment Launch Pad, which provides hands-on job search support, employer connections, interview preparation, accommodations planning, and 90-day follow-ups. They will understand how these strategies contribute to successful employment outcomes for blind and visually impaired individuals.
- Data-Driven Best Practices: Participants will be presented with five years of data showcasing FBC's success rates, client feedback, and evolving best practices. They will learn how to apply these data-driven insights to improve their own programs and support services for blind and visually impaired individuals.
This session equips parents, service providers, and educators with strategies to support individuals with disabilities transitioning from school to employment. Participants will explore evidence-based practices and free AI tools that facilitate successful transitions, focusing on personalized support and community collaboration. The session emphasizes the importance of tailored approaches and technology integration to enhance transition outcomes. Drawing from over 20 years of experience in special education and 10 years of research on AI and XR technologies, this presentation includes findings from projects like iKNOW, which uses XR scenarios to deliver individualized instruction, and over 100 national and international presentations on evidence-based practices for diverse learners highlighting the role of personalized, innovative supports and tools to ensure successful transitions for individuals with disabilities.
Learning Outcomes
- Participants will be able to demonstrate effective strategies for supporting individuals with disabilities in employment transitions using Artificial Intelligence and other forms of innovative technology.
- Participants will be able to leverage community resources and free technology to enhance transition outcomes for individuals strengths and learning needs.
- Participants will understand the role of personalized support, prompting, modeling and timely encouragement in successful transitions.
Despite advancements in civil rights protections and non-discrimination laws, people with disabilities continued to be employed at much lower rates than their non-disabled peers. This unacceptable practice persists for many reasons, all of which need to end. It is well established that people with disabilities also experience higher rates of poverty. The only route out of poverty is WORK, yet we continue to deny individuals the opportunity for real work at real wages. Let's end this practice now and understand that when everybody works, everybody wins.
Learning Outcomes
- Recognize and accept that employment opportunities are a right for everyone including individuals with significant disabilities.
- Understand multiple strategies/approaches to employment and how to best utilize these to meet employment needs of individuals facing workplace barriers.
- Generate 3 positive statements to support and encourage individuals to seek real jobs at real wages.
Customized Employment is transforming the way individuals with significant disabilities access meaningful work. This session will provide an overview of Arizona’s Customized Employment Pilot, an innovative initiative designed to enhance competitive integrated employment outcomes. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the Customized Employment process, including Discovery, job development, and employer engagement. Through real-world examples and insights from the pilot’s implementation, this session will explore how professionals can leverage Customized Employment strategies to create inclusive work opportunities tailored to individual strengths. Join us to learn how Customized Employment is reshaping employment services in Arizona.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the foundational principles of Customized Employment, including Discovery, job development, and employer engagement.
- Identify key components of Arizona’s Customized Employment Pilot and how it is shaping employment services in the state.
- Learn strategies for implementing CE within their own organizations, including practical tools and lessons learned from pilot implementation.
Join us for an insightful presentation on supporting neurodivergent adults in their employment journey. This session is designed for caregivers, family members, and professionals who assist adults with autism and other neurodiversities in finding and maintaining meaningful employment. We'll explore the unique challenges these individuals may face in the workplace and provide practical strategies for success. The presentation will follow the natural progression of the employment process – from effective job searching techniques to interview preparation and workplace success strategies. You'll leave with a deeper understanding of how to support neurodivergent adults throughout their career journey and concrete tools to help them thrive in the workplace.
Learning Outcomes
- Participants will be able to identify at least 3 areas where an employee with autism might struggle in the workplace.
- Participants will be able to explain a minimum of 5 strategies/supports to provide to an employee with autism in the workplace
- Participants will be able to describe supports to provide to a person with autism who is in need of locating a job.
Hybrid Assistive Technology (AT) service models provide a flexible and client-centered approach for Vocational Rehabilitation clients. By integrating in-person and remote support, these models enhance accessibility, efficiency, and client engagement. A key component of success is incorporating 1-3 instructors to create a structured support system, ensuring clients receive diverse expertise and ongoing encouragement. This session will explore the benefits of hybrid AT services, the impact of multiple instructors on client success, and strategies for overcoming common implementation challenges. Attendees will gain insights into evidence-based approaches that improve employment outcomes, foster independence, and increase service efficiency for VR clients.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the benefits of hybrid AT service models for VR clients, including accessibility and efficiency improvements.
- Learn how incorporating 1-3 instructors enhances client engagement, skill retention, and support systems.
- Identify strategies to address common challenges in implementing hybrid AT services, such as funding, technology barriers, and client readiness.
Arizona Vocational Rehabilitation (AZ VR) has many services relating to Assistive Technology. Vehicle Modifications is only one of the many services AZ VR can provide for our qualifying clients. Transportation is one of the largest barriers to people with disabilities. Today’s employment market is usually a shared in-person and/or virtual environment. Currently in Arizona, there are trains, buses, taxis, Dial-a Ride and other private or non-profit funded services. Unfortunately, there is either a lack of those services or those services do not meet the needs of the client. I have discovered especially in remote areas transportation services are either non-existent or too expensive. Join me in exploring your driving options.
Learning Outcomes
- Considerations of Adaptive Driving in AZ Vocational Rehabilitation
- Gain an understanding of the AZ Vocational Rehabilitation process in obtaining a Vehicle Modification
- Identify some of the Vehicle Conversions and Adaptive Equipment necessary to access and drive a Modified Vehicle
- When is good time to start the training process?
- Can anyone drive a modified vehicle?
- Who purchases the Vehicle?
- Insurance Requirements
- What about the client’s personal mobility equipment they currently use?
- Who are the State of Arizona current vendors?
Creating an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) and delivering Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services are essential components of the Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation (TVR) process. The IPE serves as a roadmap for both the consumer and the TVR counselor, guiding the provision of services and monitoring progress toward the employment goal.
In this session, attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of IPE development and the delivery of TVR services. Through interactive group activities, participants will reinforce their learning and apply practical strategies. Additionally, attendees will receive valuable resources and materials to support effective IPE development and service provision.
This workshop will have four total sections that will be presented, three sessions in the a.m. and one final session in the p.m. It is recommended that participants attend all four sessions.
They are as follows:
- Part 1 – Intake and Application (deep dive into comprehensive assessment)
- Part 2 – Eligibility Determination (asking the important questions, putting intake, assessment together to identify the impairments and impediments to employment)
- Part 3 – IPE Development (putting it all together, intake, comprehensive assessment, great eight, etc. to find the impediments to employment, identify rehab need)
- Part 4 – IPE Development Cont. (steps to selecting services, putting services in the IPE, amendments, monitoring progress, etc.)
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the Mandatory Components of the IPE – Learn the required elements of the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) and the Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation (TVR) services that can be included.
- Identify Essential VR Services – Recognize the vocational rehabilitation services that can be incorporated into an IPE to support consumer success.
- Develop a Draft IPE – Apply knowledge by creating a draft IPE based on a consumer case scenario.
