Yesterday marked another milestone in the implementation of
the Ohio Transition Support Partnership (OTSP).
Over one hundred participants from multiple agencies attended an all-day
training session for this exciting collaboration. Director John L. Martin (pictured right), from the Ohio Department
of Developmental Disabilities (DODD), and Jo Hannah Ward, Assistant Director from
the Office for Exceptional Children at the Ohio Department of Education (ODE),
helped kick off the training.
I was thrilled to be able to welcome these professionals and
to talk about our vision for students with disabilities and their families across
Ohio. I shared my own experience as a
father of a son with autism along with what the data tells us about the long
term impact of successful employment. I
noted the critical connection between employment, higher income and a higher
quality of life. This is why it is so
critical that this partnership between schools, OOD counseling staff and
parents succeeds in changing lives.
As part of the training yesterday, participants were also
briefed on national and state issues impacting transition, including the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act (IDEA) by presenter Dr. David Test, Co-Director, of the National
Technical Assistance Center on Transition (NTACT).
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 Director Miller, David Hoff and Dr. Robert Baer at Thursday's OTSP training
David Hoff, program director at the Institute for Community Inclusion
at University of Massachusetts-Boston, presented on the Transition Vision for
Ohio which offered guidance from the Ohio Employment First Taskforce on best
practices in serving students and youth with disabilities. Dr. Robert Baer and
Dr. Rachel McMahan Queen, from Kent State University, discussed the Ohio
Longitudinal Transition Study (OLTS) and state perspectives on transition.
In addition, Crystal Hutzel, OOD counselor, and Sue Spradlin,
Transition Support Coordinator at Great Oaks Career Campuses, conducted an
interactive session explaining how they have helped implement a similar
transition model in the Cincinnati area.
They highlighted their collaboration and roles in planning and service
delivery in both the VR and education systems.
In the future, I hope this day will be looked upon as a
transformational date in how students with disabilities find success after
graduation.
What is OTSP?
The Ohio Transition Support Partnership (OTSP) is a partnership between the Ohio Department of Education
(ODE) and OOD to improve post-secondary outcomes for students with
disabilities, beginning at age 14. This innovative collaboration changes the
nature and impact of transition services for students with disabilities in
Ohio. The new model will help students
with disabilities get a head start on becoming job ready and better prepared, with
the skills necessary to be successful in today’s workforce.
The OTSP Impact:
- Funds 26 Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
counselors and 13 Caseload Assistants. They will have an increased presence in
career technical planning districts (CTPDs), and other local education agencies,
statewide by being embedded in those locations.
- Expands access for students with disabilities to
engage in career exploration and skill development at a younger age, launching
them on a path to career success and independence.
- VR Counselors will be involved in Individual
Education Program (IEP) team meetings ensuring cross-agency planning and
earlier career preparation.
- Improves collaboration between VR Counselors,
students with disabilities, their families, educators and other local partners
to provide person-centered vocational guidance, counseling and employment
services.
- Provides students, families and school personnel
with up-to-date, in-demand career information needed to ensure high quality
employment outcomes.
- Improves strategies to ensure that students with
disabilities secure employment prior to graduation and connect with long-term
supports services when needed and available, to ensure long term success.
- Increases partnering between OOD staff and ODE
State Support Teams to build capacity across the state to enhance transition
services.
Who is eligible to participate?
Students with disabilities ages 14-21, who are
receiving services under an IEP, meet OOD eligibility criteria and who
demonstrate a need for VR services are eligible for OTSP.
What types of services are available?
This model utilizes a
person-centered and outcome-focused approach to comprehensive career planning
that is based on established evidence based predictors of success. It is a progressive service delivery model
designed to increase independence and career readiness. While a full range of VR services are
available, service provision is based on data driven decisions and is designed
to meet people where they are on their unique path to employment. Typical services may include:
- Career Exploration
- Authentic Work-Based Learning Experiences in
Integrated Settings
- Soft Skills Curriculum Promoting Self-Awareness
and Self-Advocacy Skills
- Job Development and Job Coaching Services
Individuals in Job Ready Status* Statewide: 3,858
(For larger map and county details please visit our website)
*Job Ready Status: Have received Vocational Rehabilitation services and
are ready and seeking employment.
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