2018 TASH Conference

There are several forms of Discovery including Facilitated Discovery, Guided Group Discovery and Self-Guided Discovery. All forms support not only employment for individuals with significant disabilities, but also facilitating natural supports, self-advocacy, family support, real pay for real jobs, and wrap around services. All forms of Discovery can benefit any job seeker who faces barriers to employment. Discovery is a universal design approach that is very effective for people with disabilities. It is used in partnership with a number of systems, so that people can receive support through multiple agencies at the same time, as needed. Youth and adults with disabilities, for example, can engage in Guided Group Discovery that is supported by any combination of agencies, including vocational rehabilitation, developmental disabilities, behavioral health, the public workforce system, Centers for Independent Living, community rehabilitation agencies, education, and others. The LEAD Center and National Disability Institute staff will team up with Oregon VR, Department of Education, students and employers discuss the pilot projects it has supported in Oregon that used Guided Group Discovery to serve as an alternative assessment tool that identifies the strengths and ideal conditions of employment for job seekers with disabilities. GGD assists people in securing and maintaining employment by supporting them in small groups to create their own individual "Blueprint for Employment" to guide their job search process. GGD, like other forms of Discovery, serves as the cornerstone for customized employment. Projects in Tennessee and Philadelphia will be highlighted and all tools will be shared with participants.