News

New York State Regents: Blueprint for Improved Results for Students with Disabilities

At its October 2015 meeting, the Board of Regents discussed critical areas for action and proposed improvement activities aligned with the Blueprint for Improved Results for Students with Disabilities.

In order to implement the Blueprint, the following improvement activities are planned for continuation or initiation during the 2015 -16 school year:

  • Promote student engagement in self-advocacy and in determining their own educational goals and plans;
  • Ensure parents, and other family members, are engaged as meaningful partners in the special education process and the education of their children;
  • Ensure teachers design, provide and assess the effectiveness of specially-designed instruction to provide students with disabilities with access to the general education curriculum and that teachers provide research-based instructional teaching and learning strategies and supports for students with disabilities;
  • Ensure schools provide multi-tiered systems of behavioral and academic support;
  • Ensure schools provide high quality inclusive programs and activities; and
  • Improve transition planning and post-secondary results for students with disabilities.
    To learn more and download related documentation, click here.
News

Disability Scoop: Feds Aim To Help College Students With Disabilities

From Disability Scoop: “Federal officials are looking to add new resources to support students with disabilities pursuing higher education.
The U.S. Department of Education said it plans to fund a new National Center for Information and Technical Support for Postsecondary Students With Disabilities.
This center would ‘provide technical assistance and information on best and promising practices for students with disabilities as they transition to or attend postsecondary education,’ the Education Department said in a notice published in the Federal Register announcing the funding availability.”

Read more here.

News

Two New WIOA Policy Briefs Now Available: A Look at the Proposed Rules Regarding Title I and Title IV

Today, the LEAD Center published two new Policy Briefs, outlining and summarizing the April 16th Notices of Proposed Rulemaking regarding Title I and Title IV of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA):

Public comments are due to the agencies, as directed in the individual notices, within 60 days of the April 16th publication date.  Read more: Two New WIOA Policy Briefs Now Available: A Look at the Proposed Rules Regarding Title I and Title IV.

News

The Opportunity Project: a micro-documentary series – Institute for Innovative Transition

From the Institute for Innovative Transition: “Here at the Institute for Innovative Transition, we believe it is important to increase positive images of people with disabilities in the media. At times, disability is presented as a deficit, as something to struggle against. We believe that disability can be seen as an asset if given the chance to be framed positively. As such, we are creating a series of micro-documentaries: 7-8 minute short films centered around one young person with an intellectual and developmental disability building a positive, self-determined, satisfying adult life.”

Read more: The Opportunity Project: a micro-documentary series – Institute for Innovative Transition.

Events, News

ACCES-VR: Announcing State Plan Public Meetings on Vocational Rehabilitation and Supported Employment Services

The New York State Office of Adult Career and Continuing Education Services- Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR), with the State Rehabilitation Council, is developing the State Plan for Vocational Rehabilitation and Supported Employment Services for Federal Fiscal Year 2016 (beginning October 1, 2015).

To assist in the development of the State Plan, individuals with disabilities, their families, advocates, employers and services providers are invited to attend the public meetings to provide comments on the provision of vocational rehabilitation services. The public comment period extends from January 26, 2015 through February 23, 2015.

The current State Plan for Vocational Rehabilitation and Supported Employment Services is available for review.

Suggested Questions for Discussion:

  1. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) requires joint planning in the provision of services. How should ACCES-VR and the Department of Labor collaborate in providing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities?
  2. How can New York State improve employment outcomes for youth? What is ACCES-VR’s role in the process?
  3. What can ACCES-VR do to educate the business community about hiring individuals with disabilities?
  4. How can supported employment services be improved?

For more information and a schedule of locations, click here.