T-TAP: Training

This 4 CD set contains 8 webcasts with national speakers on topics related to customized employment of individuals with disabilities. Each webcast includes a 45 minute lecture, PowerPoint presentation, handouts, and other resources. This CD package is a great training tool for staff and new hires. The 4 CD set is available for $150 (One license) or $475 (Unlimited licensing).

The following topics are included in the CD set:

Topic: Self-Determination
Original Date: January 20, 2004
Presenter: Michael Wehmeyer, Ph.D., University of Kansas
Promoting self-determination and choice is an important aspect of vocational rehabilitation, supported employment and other disability support areas. This web cast will focused on self-determination's relevance to workplace support and employment issues, and provided specificity with regard to strategies to promote self-determination, including determining personal preferences, supporting informed career decision making and goal setting, and work related problem solving.

Topic: Agency Perspective on Customized Employment Strategies
Original Date: November 17, 2003
Presenter: John Luna, Dallas MetroCare Services
Recognized as an exemplary employment program for people with disabilities, Metrocare is noted for implementing customized employment strategies to facilitate community integrated employment for individuals with disabilities. Mr. Luna was selected to be a member of Virginia Commonwealth University's (VCU) and University of Massachusetts Boston's Training and Technical Assistance for Providers (T-TAP) CRP Leadership Network based on his agency's track record of success. Johnl discussed the services or resources a community rehabilitation program has to offer employers from a business perspective versus a human services perspective. By sharing real-life examples, he gave the framework for developing employer partnerships.

Topic: What Parents Need to Know about Community Integrated Employment
Original Date: October 20, 2003
Presenter: Cherie Takemoto, Ex. Director, PEATC
What do parents have to do with success for their adult children with disabilities who are employed in community-integrated employment? Plenty! Parents are key to helping people with disabilities find and keep jobs. They can locate and help to keep track of transportation schedules, medical insurance, and support services instrumental in maintaining and thriving in a community workplace. However, these aren’t the most important factors in the successful employment equation. Most important, and often most difficult for parents, is standing back as their children move into adulthood – making their own choices, bouncing back from mistakes, and celebrating their successes.

Topic: Private/Public Partnerships
Original Date: July 21, 2003
Presenter: Richard G. Luecking, Ed.D., TransCen
This presenation highlighted a model business development program which is designed to increase the hiring, advancement and retention of people with disabilities. The model was developed by the collaboration of business representatives, rehabilitation providers, local corporate leaders, and state vocational rehabilitation professionals. The model provides the public-sector critical insight into the needs of the business community from the corporate partnerships; and, the private sector will gain valuable information on the employment potential of people with disabilities and resources that will assist with hiring and accommodation issues and concerns.

Topic: Technology in the Workplace
Original Date: June 23, 2003
Presenter: Mylene B. Padolina, Gary Moulton, Ellen Meyer, Microsoft Corp.
Accessible technology in today’s business provides solutions to recruiting and retaining the best employees. Learn how to develop an accessible technology plan which includes strategies, needs analysis, purchasing criteria, training, and rollout. Find out what options are available and which technology solutions are right for you and your company. This webcast explored practical tools and best practices of technology in the workplace to enhance the way everyone in your organization communicates, collaborates, and contributes.

Topic: Customized Employment Strategies
Original Date: May 5, 2003
Presenter: Michael Callahan, Marc Gold & Associates
Customized employment can make employment in typical work settings for typical wages a part of life for all. All people who wish to be employed can become employed. Michael Callahan discusses the characteristics that provide the necessary supports, representation, resources, and values of customized employment. The following strategies are covered: job descriptions and responsibilities are negotiated by an applicant or a job developer with an employer; the job description is focused on contributions; employers are presented with proposals; and, applicants voluntarily disclose their disabilities to resolve support and accommodations.

Topic: Marketing and Job Development - The Business Side of the Process
Original Date: April 28, 2003
Presenter: Karen Flippo, VP of the Brain Injury Association of America
Marketing and job development--two concepts but one outcome. Employment success is attributed to several factors, but one of the most important is establishing the credibility of the service business. Regardless of business size, location or purpose, this entails understanding how businesses operate, make decisions, and solve problems. The employment specialist’s role in understanding the core of the business, its culture, its history and its future, and then communicating how the participant and employment service will add value to the business operation is essential in achieving the employment outcome.

Topic: Dispelling the Myths of Conversion
Original Date: March 10, 2003
Presenter: Suzanne Hutcheson, Tri-County TEC
This presentation focused on the key components of conversion including program and fiscal planning, person centered approaches, barriers real and imagined to employment and current economic and political issues. When an organization determines that community based services focusing on employment is the road to follow, a strategic value based planning process emphasizing consumer outcomes based on individual choice, performance based staffing, fiscal accountability and business partnerships must be initiated.

This website was developed by T-TAP, funded by a cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy (Number E 9-4-2-01217). The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the U.S. Department of Labor. Nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply the endorsement by the U.S. Department of Labor. Virginia Commonwealth University, is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution providing access to education and employment without regard to age, race, color, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, veteran's status, political affiliation, or disability. Privacy Policy. If special accommodations or language translation are needed contact Katherine Inge at: kinge@atlas.vcu.edu or Voice (804) 828 - 1851 | TTY (804) 828 - 2494.