Vocational Rehabilitation Case Study
Background & Challenges
Population: Students with significant disabilities
Geography: Urban & Rural Districts
Challenges: Ensuring consistent & impactful delivery
of career education to students with diverse needs. Began seeking a solution that was hands-on, easy to implement, and adaptable to various learning levels.
Special Considerations:
Solution needs to integrate with existing Pre-Employment Transition Services programming, which focuses on career exploration, work-based learning, and skill development to prepare students for post-secondary success. Solution needs to address the five key areas of WIOA: Job Exploration, Work-Based Learning, Workplace Readiness, Self-Advocacy, and Post-Secondary Counseling.
Key Takeaways
University of Missouri’s experience highlights the following best practices:
1. Empower Educators: Recognize and support teachers like Stacey Hamann who champion innovative approaches to career education.
2. Implement Hands-On Learning: Use adaptable, real-life activities to engage students and foster skill development effectively.
3. Leverage Flexible Materials: Choose programs like Project Discovery that address multiple transition areas and allow customization to individual student needs.
Solution Implementation
Missouri VR implemented Project Discovery with a tailored approach to enhance its Pre-ETS programming. Key elements included:
- Monthly Lessons: Incorporated Project Discovery into sessions with students to foster hands-on, real-life career exploration activities.
- Inclusivity & Engagement: Leveraged flexible lesson designs to adapt for students with varied abilities.
- Real-World Opportunities: Used project materials to effectively prepare students for life beyond the classroom.
- Maximize Impact: Promoted professional development and collaboration among Pre-ETS specialists & educators.
Results & Impact
The University of Missouri’s Pre-ETS program’s adoption of Project Discovery
has led to significant achievements:
- Enhanced Student Engagement: Students—many of whom had limited exposure to career paths—gained hands-on experience and had pride in their work, fostering enthusiasm for future opportunities.
- Comprehensive Career Preparations: The curriculum seamlessly integrated four key areas of WIOA, enabling students to explore interests, develop skills, and build confidence.
- Recognize Excellence: Stacey Hamann, Pre-ETS Specialist at the University of Missouri, was honored with the 2024 Gary Bates Memorial Award for Excellence in Career Education. Her dedication has made a profound impact on her students and the Missouri community. Read more about Stacey below!
Spotlighting Success
Stacey Hamann has dedicated over 30 years to empowering students with disabilities. After retiring from a distinguished teaching career, Stacey joined Pre-ETS & quickly became a leading figure in career education, utilizing Project Discovery to inspire her students. Her hands-on approach & passion for fostering independence and success, transformed the educational experience for her students. Stacey’s story demonstrates the transformative power of dedicated educators and comprehensive resources.
