Discovery

The two trainings focused on Discovery are designed to provide information and
activities to around Customized Employment and the essential elements of the
Discovery process, to support meaningful employment in the community for people
with disabilities. Using Customized Employment in the Classroom is a five-week training for Special Education transition or high school educators meant to strengthen the work they are doing in transition programs. What is learned from the discovery process can inform student’s IEP’s and community-based work experiences and build upon existing secondary transition services. The discovery process as an age-appropriate transition assessment also identifies independent living skill opportunities and support needs. Students will exit school better prepared for competitive, integrated employment and independent living. Training participants receive content from online self-paced modules and participate in weekly live learning sessions with the trainer. Additionally, participants who complete the two course assignments are eligible to receive a stipend provided through the Utah State Board of Education.

Group Guided Discovery is a five-week training designed for individuals with disabilities and their family members or support staff to identify strengths, skills, contributions, and support needed to find meaningful employment experiences in the community. Training participants engage in discussion and activities that capture an individual’s preferences and needs. Training participants leave the course with a vocational profile that can be shared with employment support professionals and employers.

Staff on the Project

Tricia Jones-Parkin

Tricia Jones-Parkin

Program Coordinator SR

Phone: 435-797-4276
Kelie Hess

Kelie Hess

Program Coordinator III

Phone: 435-797-4248

Funding

This project is funded through an IOTI grant.

Training Requirements

  • Using Customized Employment in the Classroom is a training for Special Education transition or high school educators and is offered three times per year. Participants must complete the online learning modules through Canvas and participate in the weekly online live learning sessions. In order to receive the stipend available to educators, two assignments that implement Discovery practices must be completed.

  • Group Guided Discovery can be conducted in-person or online and is provided six times per year. Agencies, organizations, schools and transition programs are encouraged to host the training, recruit and support training participants when needed. Please reach out to Kelie Hess if you are interested in bringing this training to individuals you support.