Self-Determination……………… A Path to Success! Robyn Stawski

Self-Determination A Path to Success! Robyn Stawski - Self Advocate Rockne Lee - Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant Ryan Chandler - Waiver Support Coordinator ------Denise Arnold – Moderator Agency for Persons with Disabilities iBudget Florida - Family Café 2017 1

Agenda for Today Insights and experiences : Robyn Stawski Rockne Lee Ryan Chandler Questions and Answers iBudget Florida - Family Café 2017 2

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Flexibility and Self Direction Services can change and evolve – dynamic process Funding under iBudget waiver is flexible You need to know the program rules and flexibility – ask questions and be persistent Work closely with your WSC – you should work in partnership – the WSC works for you! Know who to call at the regional office – ask for the “Waiver Work Stream Lead” or the “Regional Operations Manager” iBudget Florida - Family Café 2017 4

Self Advocates Explain how and what – explain what is going on inside your body – you are the one living it – explain or show what you mean – explain why it is important Educate employers and providers on your needs and preferences – take responsibility for your part Explain yourself and your circumstances – everyone is different! iBudget Florida - Family Café 2017 5

Rockne’s Perspective - VR What is Vocational Rehabilitation? VR is a Federal-State program that provides services to people with disabilities to help them obtain and maintain employment Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) is created for every client based on unique strengths, abilities, capabilities, skills, and interests Program Steps: (1) Initial Intake, (2) Eligibility, (3) Rehabilitation Planning, (4) Service Provision, (5) Job Placement, (6) Job Retention & Closure iBudget Florida - Family Cafe 6

VR Services – Primary Services Career counseling Rehabilitation counseling Work experience while in high school Medical and psychological assessments Vocational evaluation and planning Training and education after high school Job site assessment and accommodations Auxiliary aids and devices Job placement and job retention support Community referrals iBudget Florida - Family Cafe 7

VR Services – Secondary Support Services Time-limited medical or psychological treatment Transportation assistance Rehabilitation technology and devices Orthotics and prosthetics Mobility aids iBudget Florida - Family Cafe 8

VR Discovery Program Creative strategy and assessment tool designed to determine the strengths, needs, and interests of people with the most significant and complex disabilities Discovery provides 16-24 hours of direct service time and requires an average of 4-14 weeks to complete Incorporates interviews with the individual, family members, and advocates Discovery providers observe the individual in the home and in a variety of community settings Overall goal is to capture strengths, abilities, and interests that a traditional paper-and-pencil assessment may not identify iBudget Florida - Family Café 2017 9

On-The-Job Training Program Opportunity for people with disabilities to receive a temporary work assignment, interact with employees who do not have disabilities, receive payment of no less than minimum wage, and gain valuable work experience Average length of an OJT ranges from six to eight weeks and is based on employer needs, difficulty of the job, etc. Similar to a paid internship Possibility to receive a job offer at the end of the OJT, although employers are not required to retain permanent employment, as it is considered a short-term training program VR provides reimbursement to the employer for all wages and taxes paid to the customer throughout the OJT iBudget Florida - Family Café 2017 10

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Robyn’s Perspective How have I used the iBudget flexibility? What qualities are important in a service provider? What are the keys to finding and keeping good providers? How do I engage my employer in understanding accommodations I may need? How to be a “do-er” and not a bystander Learning to do for yourself – taking the fall Making a move and exploring the options iBudget Florida - Family Café 2017 12

Ryan’s Perspective What is my role as a WSC? What do I need to hear from the person I serve? What flexibility in the iBudget has done for those I support? How do you “work the system” to get what is needed for an individual? What’s works to get things moving along with VR and others How do I get self advocates involved in the decision making? iBudget Florida - Family Café 2017 13

QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSION! iBudget Florida - Family Café 2017 14

Let's Not Forget . iBudget - flexibility with budgeting Self-advocacy – your words matter Working with VR and APD is real How WSC can help you Know the rules of the program Think ‘outside the box” iBudget Florida - Family Café 2017 15

APD Resources for You iBudget Florida – Website: ibudgetflorida.org OR http://apd.myflorida.com/ibudget/ – Contact us email [email protected] Resource Directory http:// resourcedirectory.apd.myflorida.com/ resourcedirectory/ 3/07/2012 iBudget Florida - Family Café 2017 16

APD – Getting Connected Family Care Council http://www.fccflorida.org/ Florida Self Advocacy Networked (FLSAND) http://flsand.org/ http://apdcares.org/selfadvocacy/ Subscribe to APD news http://apdcares.org/ iBudget Florida - Family Café 2017 17