PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES – CAUGHT IN THE RECESSION CRUNCH

Innovative Collaboration

JVS Los Angeles

&

Pathway at UCLA Extension

Innovative Approach To help program participants become

successful in competitive jobs.

To use collaboration as a tool to produce creative and effective services.

To address the needs of young adults with development disabilities.

What is Pathway?

• A private non-profit and non-government funded program

• A two-year certificate program for individuals with intellectual disabilities

• Curriculum focused on these major areas:– Educational Enrichment– Life Skills Training – Career Exploration and Work Readiness– Social and Recreational Opportunities Available at

UCLA

Pathway is for:

• 18-25 year-old young adults with intellectual and other developmental disabilities

• Those who have completed high school and have had some life skills training and work experience

• Individuals with strong social and adaptive skills

• Those who want to live independently and have family support

Pathway Principles

• Uses a “learn by doing” approach • Based on a well-rounded liberal arts

education, including the arts, sciences and humanities

• Develop essential skills for becoming employed and living independently

• Promotes self-advocacy • Uses individualized support to

accommodate different learning styles

Pathway Graduation Requirements

• Pass Core Courses (66 units)– Academics– Life Skills– Career Exploration

• Take Elective Courses (12 units)

• Produce a Student Portfolio

Pathway at UCLA Extension

• UCLA Extension: www.uclaextension.edu

• Pathway: www.uclaextension.edu/pathway

• Pathway classes at UCLA Extension: State-of-the-art facilities Curriculum that maintains UCLA

Extension standards

Housing

• Private apartments 1 block off campus• 1 and 2 bedroom units shared with other

Pathway students• Fully furnished, including utilities, laundry on

every floor• Walking distance to UCLA dining and

recreation• Resident Assistants living on-site

Applications and Admissions Information

• Applications are due by February 1st

• Admissions Committee reviews applications– Individual capabilities, not clinical diagnoses or test scores

alone, will determine who is admitted to the program

• On-campus interview and tour arranged

• Selected applicants notified by April 30th

Pathway Fee Summary

Academic Fees(All courses, internships, rec. ctr.,

Library, life skills training) $ 25,700

Room & Board(Fully furnished apt., all utilities,

14 meals per week at UCLA) $ 13,000

Total $ 38,700

JVS’ Teaching Involvement

JVS Los Angeles is teaching:

• Career Exploration Class

• Portfolio Building Class

• Planning for the Future Class

Teaching Approach

Since Pathway is only in its second year, JVS has been able to create curriculum for two classes: Portfolio Building Planning for the Future

JVS uses a team teaching approach to capitalize on the unique talents of staff.

Classroom Environment

• Multimedia classroom

• Computer terminals for each student

• Large projection screen for word documents and Internet sites

• Allows more creativity in the lesson plan

Career Exploration

• Prepares students for their fieldwork experience by focusing on a variety of activities

• Provides initial evaluation of each student’s readiness and skill levels

• Initiates the process of setting realistic career goals, preparing effective resumes, and participating in mock interviews

Career Exploration ProcessFall Quarter, Year 1

Additional Steps for Career Exploration

• Information gathering about jobs

• Visiting sites on UCLA campus and surrounding neighborhood for internship possibilities

Future Options:

• Obtain funding for Vocational Evaluation

PORTFOLIO BUILDING

• Looks at the student’s strengths and interests while building a graduation Portfolio

• Includes what the student has learned at Pathway in the following areas:• Academics• Career Exploration• Ability to Work with other People• Self-advocacy

Portfolio Building ProcessWinter Quarter, Year 2

Steps Students Take To Build Their Portfolios

• What have I learned at Pathway?

• What are my best class subjects?

• What is the best way to tell others about myself?

Steps Continued

Ways to tell others about myself

• Writing• Handwriting• On the Computer

• On Video/DVD Dancing Singing Drawing Painting

• Photography• Other

Steps Continued

• What are my interests and needs?

• I am a talented

• I like to be in The outdoors A store An office building

• My hobby is

• I need these things to be comfortable

• Self-advocacy: I am my best friend.

Portfolio SharingPresentations in Class

Preparation for Graduation

Students will present their Portfolios to family, friends, and other attendees as part of the Pathway graduation ceremony at the end of Spring Quarter, Year 2.

Planning for the Future

• Looks at the student’s goals and the information infused into her/his Portfolio to develop a transition plan to use as a guide after graduating from Pathway.

• Offers the framework to learn the necessary steps to prepare for graduation and life after Pathway.

• Identifies other resources needed and how to access them.

Planning for the Future Process Spring Quarter, Year 2

Steps in Creating a Plan

• Short term and long term plans• Living situation

With family or friend(s) Roommate issues Location, cost, transportation, etc.

• Resources to maximize independence• Self-advocacy to follow through on

plans

Steps Continued

• How to use academic skills learned at Pathway. More college or training?

• Career direction What steps are needed to succeed?

• How to stay in touch with friends and make new ones

Plan Sharing Presentations

Program Issues to be ResolvedObtain sufficient funding for:

• Vocational Evaluation• Additional Employment Preparation services• Placement and Follow-up services

This funding would augment Department of Rehabilitation fee rates. Student fees fund the classroom instruction.

Analysis of Effectiveness

As part of the Pathway team, we will look at:• What impact this college experience and

other services have had on: Employment outcomes for students Independence in living situations Further career development

• Satisfaction of this first graduating student class

Other Future ConsiderationsUpon analysis of the first graduating class, JVS will work with Pathway staff and other instructors to look at:

• Areas for curriculum improvement

• Service delivery

• Follow-up of graduates

• Creating an Alumni Association

• Additional funding options

Want More Information?

Please contact:

Eileen Slutsky

Director, Disability and Assessment Services

JVS Los Angeles

323-761-8888 X8870

eslutsky@jvsla.org

Building Better Lives.

One Job At A Time.