Handouts

This handout accompanies the Pennsylvania Employment First State Leadership Mentoring Program webinar: Overcoming the STIGMA of Living & Working with the Labels of Significant Mental Health Challenges. In this session Richard Toscano will present the core principles and most effective means to overcome the stigma of mental illness as it relates to assisting those with a MH label to attain meaningful and satisfying employment. Questions addressed in this session include: After years of detailed policy and legislation to protect the rights of persons with disabilities, why are the employment outcomes for persons with mental illness so low? What are the lessons learned from the research; particularly Evidence-based Supported Employment / IPS? How can our service systems & providers better empower persons with MH labels to be in partnership with providers, advocates and employers for sustainable employment outcomes / careers?

Presenter: Rich Toscano

The handouts can be viewed and downloaded below. Participants are asked to print out all *six* handouts to bring to the training. Handouts will not be available at the training.

Presenter: Sue Leonard

The mission of the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is to support Pennsylvanians with developmental disabilities to achieve greater independence, choice and opportunity in their lives. The office seeks to continuously improve an effective system of accessible services and supports that are flexible, innovative and person-centered. This presentation will provide participants with a general overview of the Office of Developmental Programs services and supports. Participants will learn about the waivers, the application process, eligibility process, and services and supports available to eligible individuals.

Presenter: Julie Mochon

In an effort to comply with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Final Settings Rule and the Workforce Innovations and Opportunity Act, the Office of Developmental Programs created new employment and community engagement service definitions and revised existing service definitions. Participants will receive an overview of these service definitions and their impact on helping individuals with disabilities work in competitive, integrated employment as well as to engage in their communities.

Presenter: Julie Mochon

These are difficult and changing times. It seems almost impossible that people might hold their own beliefs without destroying each other. We crave a more compassionate world, and we long for a return to an environment of public civility and language that unites rather than divides, yet everything we see causes us to lose hope. The message to be communicated loudly and clearly in this presentation, however, is that all is not lost. While differences in ideas may appear to tear apart friends, families, coworkers, and community members, we can refuse to let that happen. Embracing simple, profound actions can have transformative consequences. In fact, we can create the decent and civil world all of us want by each of us focusing on the simple things that bring people together – demonstrating empathy, listening, and finding common ground. We are not helpless in the face of heartbreaking brokenness we see around us. This is a call to action. We can create a better world, and it starts with us.

Presenter: James Knight

Effective communication strategies are essential for professional success. Coaches, leaders, and educators who make an impact communicate their message clearly, build healthy emotional connections with others, and maneuver through emotionally complex situations in ways that allow them to speak the truth in way that will be heard. This breakout based on Jim Knight’s book Better Conversations: Coaching Ourselves and Each Other To Be More Credible, Caring, and Connected (2016) offers an exploration of six better conversation beliefs and ten better conversation essential communication habits that can help anyone communicate more effectively at work or at home.

Presenter: James Knight

For more than a decade, Jim Knight and his research colleagues in Kansas have been working to identify best practices for instructional coaching. The result is the impact cycle, a simple and powerful way coaches can help teachers improve teaching to improve student learning. In this session, participants will learn how to identify and implement the process; learn and improve components of the impact cycle; receive free tools to use while coaching; and, be one of the first people to see the new videos illustrating the entire cycle for Jim’s upcoming coaching book, The Impact Cycle.

Presenter: James Knight

Do we allow youth with disabilities to become leaders? We did! Join us to learn from youth leaders about the inception of The Inclusion Project. The presenters will share tools and processes used to support their engagement in developing the skills needed for future success in post-secondary education and employment settings.

Presenter: Brandt, Downing, Miller, Moore

This is a panel discussion with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Vocational & Psychological Services and Disability Options Network (DON) Services describing an Innovation Expansion Contract to increase parent/family engagement. The session will address “school to work transition” relevant topics such as benefits planning, difference between eligibility and entitlement based programs, how parents/family members can assist their child in developing self-advocacy, independent living, and work readiness and employment skills.

Presenter: Allen, Pionati, Steck

This interactive session will provide an overview of the Cognitive Skills Enhancement Program (CSEP) at the Hiram G. Andrews Center and the ways it focuses on fostering leadership in transition-age individuals. An overview of the Work Readiness Academy, a week-long summer leadership experience for Pre-Employment Transition Services (PETS) customers, will also be discussed.

Presenter: Burkett, Kohne, Johns