Productive Partnerships Through Peer Mentoring

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "Productive Partnerships Through Peer Mentoring"

Ralf Frederick Ross
5 years ago
Views:

1 Productive Partnerships Through Peer Mentoring OREGON CENTERS FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING, PRIVATE CONTRACTORS, AND STATE OF OREGON OFFICE OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES

2 Housekeeping Welcome Communication Access Is everyone accommodated effectively? Explanation of session schedule Introduction of Panel Members

3 Presenters Melita Green, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Eugene, OR Cynthia Coleman, Independent Living Specialist, Lane Independent Living Alliance LIFE Program, Salem, OR Becky Emmert, Independent Living Specialist, Lane Independent Living Alliance LIFE Program, Salem, OR Linda Diaz, Information Support Specialist, Private Contractor Kathryn Eckert-Mason, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Counselor Specialist, Salem, OR Leela Davis, Prior IL Specialist and current Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Beaverton, OR

4 What is Independent Living? Independent Living is a movement, a philosophy, and a unique way of providing services to persons with disabilities and to the community. The focus of Independent Living is that the problem lies not with the individual but in the community s attitudinal and architectural barriers. It is the aim of Independent Living to remove the barriers that prevent inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of community and social life. Disability Resource Center of Fairfield County, Inc.

5 Independent Living Movement The IL Movement started in 1970, when Ed Roberts and a group of students who also experienced disabilities created the Physically Disabled Students Program (PDSP) at the University of California, Berkley. This group was established on the philosophy and recent impact of the Civil Rights Movement. Students discussed their common experiences, shared goals, and identified the similarities they shared with other minority groups. The Independent Living movement remains strong today. Individuals who experience disabilities continue to discuss their experiences, shared goals, and the barriers they encounter and collaborate to make changes leading to the removal of barriers and increase inclusion in the community.

6 Independent Living Philosophy Independent Living philosophy is founded on the belief that all individuals, including those who experience disabilities, have the right and capacity to make key choices about their lives. This belief directly challenges the premise of the medical model and calls for changes in social attitudes and the removal of physical barriers in the community.

7 Key Philosophical Principles 1. Self-Determination and Personal Responsibility: Individuals who experience disabilities have the right to make their own decisions and personally accept responsibility for the consequences. 2. Informed Choice: Individuals who experience disabilities are viewed as experts and given information on all options available so they can direct their own lives. 3. Inclusion: Individuals who experience disabilities are given the opportunity to live where they choose in the community, instead of in institutions. 4. Accessibility: Individuals who experience disabilities should have reasonable accommodations provided to ensure that all opportunities in their community are accessible.

8 Independent Living Services Individuals who experience disabilities are considered experts in knowing what services they need to achieve their goals. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 established strict guidelines for the establishment of CIL s. Centers for Independent Living must: be consumer-controlled (at least 51% of staff must have disabilities) be community-based provide cross-disability services operate as non-residential, nonprofit agencies established, managed, and operated by individuals with disabilities offer services including, but not limited to, information and referral, independent living skills training, individual and systems advocacy, and peer counseling.

Ed Roberts: Father of Independent Living Independent Living Advocate 1939-1995 The Rolling Quads UC Berkley 1974 Don Galloway and Ed Roberts 1953: Age 14 contracted polio 1961: OVRS

1972: Founded Berkeley Center for Independent Living (CIL) 1975: Appointed by Governor of California to be director of OVRS 1980 s: Contributed to establishment of World Institute on

9 Ed Roberts: Father of Independent Living Independent Living Advocate The Rolling Quads UC Berkley 1974 Don Galloway and Ed Roberts 1953: Age 14 contracted polio 1961: OVRS services refused 1962: Admitted to UC Berkley 60 s-70 s: Led The Rolling Quads: Student group advocating for support services and the removal of barriers 1970: Opened consultation business 1972: Founded Berkeley Center for Independent Living (CIL) 1975: Appointed by Governor of California to be director of OVRS 1980 s: Contributed to establishment of World Institute on Disability in Oakland 1990 s: Demonstrated the effectiveness of IL model in international presentations. 1995: Passed away at the age of 55 after permanently impacting the disability rights movement.

10 History of the Independent Living Movement The efforts made by Ed Roberts and other Independent Living Movement pioneers laid a solid foundation which focused on services and advocacy for individuals who experienced physical disabilities which were visible. Heavy focus was placed on the removal of architectural barriers. As time progressed, individuals who experienced other disabilities collaborated and advocated to obtain the same rights and services. As the Independent Living Movement has progressed, the focus has more recently shifted to advocating for Universal Design, an approach to community development which aims to make products and environments as usable as possible to as many people as possible, regardless of their age, ability, or situation.

11 History of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Independent Living Movement Over time, groups of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals began their own Independent Living Civil Rights Movement The 1988 Deaf President Now movement at Gallaudet University became a pivotal point in this movement. The Deaf Community has frequently been underserved and underrepresented in Centers for Independent Living. Currently, active members of the Deaf Community are aiming to increase inclusion and services to Deaf individuals in communities around the nation. Recently, the concept of Audism has become more widely known. The word audism stems from 2 Latin words meaning to hear and a system of practice. Tom Humphries coined this term in Humphries defines audism as The notion that one is superior based on one's ability to hear or behave in the manner of one who hears. (Humphries 1977:12)

12 Important Legislation 1968 Architectural Barriers Act: designed to eliminate architectural barriers in all federally owned or leased buildings 1970 Urban Mass Transit Act: required that all new purchases of mass transit vehicles be lift-equipped; APTA sought and won a court injunction barring implementation of the proposed regulations 1973 Rehabilitation Act: Section 504 and related non-discrimination provisions in programs receiving federal funds 1975 Developmental Disabilities Bill of Rights Act: Protection & Advocacy or P&A agencies in each state established 1975 P.L , Education of All Handicapped Children Act: written to require a free, appropriate public education for children with disabilities in the least restrictive environment; mainstreaming children with disabilities into regular classrooms 1978 Rehabilitation Act Amendments: Title VII, Comprehensive Services for Independent Living, was created; Part B funded creation and operation of centers 1983 Rehabilitation Act Amendments: mandated that each state operate a Client Assistance Project or CAP; Title VII Part A funded by services for IL clients - a concept parallel to the basic VR program

13 Important Legislation Continued 1985 Mental Illness Bill of Rights Act: expanded P&A s to cover mental illness 1986 Rehabilitation Act Amendments: advocates fought for and won consumer control for Title VII Part B center boards; supported-work programs were created and funded 1988 Air Carrier Access Act: designed to provide for equal access on private airlines 1988 Civil Rights Restoration Act: clarified that any organization or corporation receiving federal funds may not discriminate in any of their programs 1988 Fair Housing Act Amendments: prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in housing and creates universal design in new construction provisions 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act: creates broad civil rights protections for people with disabilities modeled after the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Maggie Shreve, The Movement for Independent Living: A Brief History

14 Call for Partnership Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Commission for the Blind, and Centers for Independent Living The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and related amendments call for partnership between these agencies with the goal of providing holistic services for individuals who experience disabilities allowing for full inclusion and participation in the community.

15 State Independent Living Council The State Independent Living Council aims to promote choice, equal access, and full inclusion of people with disabilities, throughout the State of Oregon by: Identifying Independent Living service needs in the State of Oregon co-developing the State Plan for Independent Living with OVRS & OCB Monitoring the implementation of the State Plan for Independent Living Coordinating with other disability organizations to promote IL philosophy in services, and to address service gaps and service duplication Advising on Independent Living issues in Oregon, including policy review

16 State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL) Each state is required to develop a 3-year plan for Independent Living Services that includes: Independent Living goals and objectives Outreach plans Funding priorities Resource Allocation plan CIL Network information Summary of public input and how it was considered and/or incorporated into the plan Collaboration and partnership activities

17 Core Services Provided by CIL s Information and Referral Centers have extensive resource information on numerous disability-related topics that might include housing, transportation, legislation, laws, adaptive equipment, employment opportunities, interpreter service providers, support groups, and lists of contacts for other service organizations and agencies. Independent Living (IL) Skills Training Centers provide training and instruction to help individuals and groups gain skills such as using transportation systems, managing budgets, cooking, using adaptive equipment, making good decisions, grooming, and many other subjects.

18 Core Services Continued Peer Counseling Centers offer opportunities where individuals can meet with other people who experience disabilities. The goal is for these peers to explore options, problem solve, discuss how to make adjustments, and provide support about the challenges of living with a disability. Independent Living Specialists, who experience disability themselves, are experienced in providing peer counseling on a number of issues. Advocacy Centers provide two types of advocacy. First, CIL staff assists consumers to obtain specific support services and accommodations needed from other agencies and individuals in the community. This is known as individual advocacy. In this process, consumers are taught how to become self-advocates. CIL s also work with communities, businesses, and government entities to create an increasingly accessible and inclusive society where all people with disabilities can live more independently. This is known as systems advocacy.

19 Examples of Additional Services Examples of additional services which various Centers for Independent Living may offer: Partnerships with other agencies and offices Technical Assistance Community Education and Outreach Social/Recreational Activities Respite Care Adaptive Equipment Loans

20 Collaboration Between OVRS and CIL s Lane Independent Living Alliance (LILA): Living Independently for Empowerment (LIFE) Program has collaborated closely with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services and Oregon Commission for the Blind in Salem, Oregon, to determine the needs of local consumers and provide services to address them. The LIFE Program serves individuals with a variety of disabilities, but also has staff dedicated to serving Deaf, Deaf/Blind, Hard-of-Hearing, and Late Deafened consumers. Deaf and Hard of Hearing Independent Living Specialists provide services that can be accessed directly without the need for an interpreter. IL Staff are sensitive to the needs, preferences, language, and culture of individual consumers. It is apparent that consumers experiencing hearing loss across the state are in need of similar services. Our desire is that today s presentation encourages similar partnerships between other CIL s, service providers, OVRS, and OCB.

21 LIFE Program OVRS Focused Services Career Exploration: ILS guides consumer through skill assessments, interest inventories, work history analysis, and career research. After choosing top career goal options, consumer conducts personalized informational interviews in the community. All information is compiled into a portfolio which the consumer presents to the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor to aid in vocational goal choice. Job Preparation: ILS assists consumer in identifying transferable skills, creating a master application, functional resume, cover letter, thank you letter, and imatch account. Training is also provided in communication, problem-solving, informational interviewing, and effective interviewing techniques. This can be done individually or in group workshop settings.

22 LIFE Program OVRS Focused Services Peer Counseling: ILS who experience disabilities themselves provide mentoring to consumers preparing to work or who are already working. Focus is on adjusting to disability, assessing barriers and needs, identifying resources, collaborating together to problem-solve, assessing cultural differences and finding ways to effectively communicate with an employer. Job Development: ILS develops network of relationships with local employers, demonstrating effective communication strategies and offering information on hiring incentives and the benefits of hiring Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late Deafened, and Deaf-Blind employees. IL staff also advocates for the provision of effective accommodations and can provide information and training to employers as needed.

23 LIFE Program OVRS Focused Services Deaf Job Club: Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing ILS provide Career Exploration, Job Preparation, and IL Skills Training services to a group of individuals. This provides an opportunity for participants to gain experience in effectively communicating with others, to discuss past experiences and current concerns, receive and give peer support, and prepare for employment in the community. Job Coaching: ILS mentors consumer on the job, clarifying employer and employee expectations, advocating for clear communication, and providing instruction in consumer s language of choice. Disability Awareness: IL staff seek to maximize each encounter with employers and community members, developing relationships, sharing information about disability related topics, and dispelling myths.

24 Oregon Grows it s Own Peer Mentors EUGENE PEER MENTORS

25 Advocacy and Support Consumer Peer Mentor Counselor

26 Advocacy and Support Working in partnership with Audiologist JM.: Sometimes they talk too fast and I don t understand what they mean and can t remember everything afterwards. Audiologist: I really appreciate having a Peer Mentor help me to better understand how the patient is really feeling.

27 Advocacy and Support 1. LF did not want a Cochlear Implant. Peer Mentor noticed she had In The Ear (ITE) hearing aids. Tested Assistive Listening Devices (ALD) and LF could hear for the first time in years. Requested appointment with Audiologist and stronger hearing aids were recommended. 2. GK needed a T telephone coil in his hearing aid for work and using ALD s. Audiologist had given him smaller aids without T coil. 3. TDAP telephone for HOH does not work with neckloop. 4. Independent Peer Mentors answer the call of a grassroots effort made by local Deaf and Late Deafened Adults in our community.

28 Advocacy and Support Peer Mentors leading ASL class - no one left behind Grassroots effort by HOH/Deaf Community

29 Advocacy and Support Breaking the Sound Barrier Deaf/HOH Choir

30 Advocacy and Support Hearing Loss Association Participating with the Hearing Community

31 Disability Skills Training Assistive Devices have changed over the years Todays Assistive Listening Devices

32 Disability Skills Training Testing and comparing new devices what works in real life situations? Self-identification acceptance and awareness.

33 Disability Skills Training 1. Information and Referral: Oregon TDAP, HLA, BOLI, State of Oregon Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program - ODHHS, etc. 2. Clients are taught to use accommodations: Assistive Listening Devices along with T (telephone) coils and neckloops, Video Relay, and using ASL interpreters. 3. Clients are made aware of their rights and accommodations under the American s with Disability Act (ADA). 4. Clients are given an opportunity to practice new skills using their increased awareness of hearing aid technology and electronic/digital hearing.

34 Rehabilitation Technology Devices and Services Real Time Captioning Williams Sound DiGi Wave and Neckloop

35 Devices and Services How does this work with a multi-line phone? We figured it out!

36 Job Development 1. Motivated, Reliable, Dependable and able to get along with other employees on a daily basis. 2. Self awareness and accommodation awareness = success. 3. Job-ready clients need to be comfortable with their own accommodations.

37 Job Modification/ Employer Training Bluetooth Connection for digital telephones Closed Captioning for Videos Assistive Listening Devices Disability Awareness Training for Employers and Staff

38 Job Modification / Employer Awareness 1. Peer Mentors go to job site and identify needs of employee. We make recommendations, offer training, and help set up accommodations. 2. Peer Mentors have studied and used different accommodations and have come up with real life solutions. We work with Harris Communications and Williams Sound as well as local interpreters and Deaf service providers. 3. Disability Awareness training is available to employers and staff. Example: Local mental health facility staff is interested in learning how to better communicate with the Hard-of-Hearing/Deaf population.

39 Vestibular Education and Support 1. Accepting limitations of this invisible disability is a difficult first step. 2. Finding the right doctor is challenging. 3. Lifestyle changes are hard to do. 4. Realizing this isn t going away is not easy for hard- working people to accept.

Vestibular Education and Support We can live a good life even if it is the New Normal. Diet is essential: low sodium, no caffeine, moderate eating habits.

40 Vestibular Education and Support We can live a good life even if it is the New Normal. Diet is essential: low sodium, no caffeine, moderate eating habits. Don t push through the vertigo. No more working under florescent lighting. Walking sticks /walkers for balance. Pace yourself, rest periods, job share. Vestibular Education Association: V.E.D.A.

41 Why use Hard of Hearing and Deaf Peer Mentors? Peer Mentors provide real life answers to real life situations because of their own personal experience with hearing loss. Peer Mentors have the ability to compare accommodations and make recommendations based on real life experiences. Consumers may not fully open up to a Hearing Person. Peer Mentors build trust and facilitate understanding for people with communication challenges and the hearing world.

42 Vocational Rehabilitation Perspective on Independent Living Unique Needs of Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Job Development Process Address crucial areas on which to advise employers to allow proper accommodations for Deaf/HOH employees cultural identity language myths and stereotypes reasonable accommodations

43 Common Concerns o o o o o o Deaf Consumers Consumers low awareness of jobs available Consumers low awareness of job search etiquette Difficulty with written English Perceived need for high cost accommodations Communication barriers with Job Development staff Tendency toward placement in lower skilled positions Hard-of-Hearing Consumers o o o o o Tendency to fill in rather than ask for clarification Lack of knowledge about appropriate accommodations I understand them fine we don t need any accommodations to work together Reliance on hearing aids alone for communication access Workplace environment is crucial consideration

44 Keep in Mind The problem with communication is the illusion that it has occurred. - George Bernard Shaw When someone in the family has a hearing loss, the entire family has a hearing problem. - Mark Ross, Ph.D.

45 Unique Needs of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Consumers It became clear that the Traditional services used to meet the needs of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing consumers were a bad fit. Job Developers with little background who do not understand cultural uniqueness struggle to provide effective services. Communication misunderstandings occur frequently and need addressed. Inability to represent an individual with hearing loss to an employer in a positive light

46 Unique Needs of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Consumers Continued Common assumptions which should be avoided: Assumption that Deaf clients are proficient readers and therefore they can conduct business via extensive s. Assumption that a client is not motivated for employment when they become confused and do not follow through. Assumption that with a hearing aid, the individual has restored normal hearing.

47 How to Grow Your Own Peer Mentors Early 80 s no Center for Independent Living in Eugene University of Oregon & OVRS partner to develop Peer Mentoring Services Identifying potential peer mentors Training for RCD & Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Peer mentors are private contractors

48 How to Grow Your Own Peer Mentors Lane Independent Living Alliance (LILA) Established 2002 RCD advocated to hire Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing peer mentors LILA Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing peer mentor program grew; Hard-of-Hearing coordinator, two Deaf peer mentors, and support staff LILA begins providing limited Independent Living services in Salem through Living Independently for Empowerment (LIFE) Program located in South Salem OVRS Office.

49 How to Grow Your Own Peer Mentors Advantages of working with a CIL Training Employee vs Small Business Challenges of working with a CIL Communication Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing accommodations Disability Culture

50 Working with WorkSource Contracted services with WorkSource and OVRS

51 Video phone

52 Amplified phone

53 Peer Mentors as Private Contractors Small business development: For profit, Hard-of-Hearing & Deaf Service of Oregon For profit, All Hands Interpreting Services offers Deaf peer mentor services

54 How to Grow Your Own Peer Mentors Partnerships

55 Resources and Citations All Hands Services - Disability Resource Center of Fairfield County, Inc. - Hard-of-Hearing and Deaf Services - Hearing Loss Association of Oregon - IL USA - Lane Independent Living Alliance - Marian Center for Independent Living - National Council on Independent Living - Oregon State Independent Living Council - Vestibular Disorders Association -

56 Productive Partnerships through Peer Mentoring Question & Answers Session with Pannel Wrap-up

57 Presenter Contact Information Melita Green: Cynthia Coleman: Becky Emmert: Linda Diaz: Kathryn Eckert-Mason: Leela Davis:

Engage for Change local a conversation in Spartanburg, SC. September 6, 2018

Engage for Change local a conversation in Spartanburg, SC September 6, 2018 Engage for Change Spartanburg 2 Overview of the National Deaf Center The National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes (NDC)