Community Access, Incorporated (CAI), working in partnership with the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (WVDRS) will implement the Pathways to the Future Program throughout the state of West Virginia. This program will support the design and implementation of programming and outreach while addressing the new direction mandated by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Specifically, this program will address the five mandated pre-employment transition services for Vocational Rehabilitation clients, aged 16-21:

1. To expand vocational knowledge and determine a specific vocational goal.
2. To explore job functions and duties through work-based learning experiences.
3. To expand knowledge of post-secondary training and educational training programs.
4. To develop social skills and independent living skills through workplace readiness training.
5. To develop greater knowledge of self-advocacy.
   
   

Pathways to the Future will ensure that all school districts in West Virginia are offered training and technical assistance in setting up community-based work experience programs for high school age youth with disabilities. A strong statewide outreach component will be included utilizing a variety of venues including billboards, social media, and direct marketing to teachers, parents, and students.

While the majority of transitioning Vocational Rehabilitation customers are students with developmental disabilities, a concerted effort will be made to include historically under-served groups including: students in the foster care system, those returning from out-of-state placements, and those students on the Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) track.

The Pathways to the Future Program will help level the playing field between resource-rich metropolitan areas and isolated rural settings that often have few services available.

PATHWAYS TO THE FUTURE PROJECT GOALS:

1. To assist school districts in setting up community-based Work Exploration programs.

• Increase community-based training options for students with disabilities.
• Focus on one school district in each of the six WVDRS districts during year one.
• Place and train in community settings up to 48 students per year.
• Develop print and electronic training and evaluation tools.
• Teach self-advocacy/choice in community based settings.

2. To develop a statewide parent training network utilizing the Parent Educator Resource Centers (PERCs).

• Increase community knowledge of WVDRS services and training options for students who have been under-served.
• Train PERCs statewide about WVDRS, Workforce WV, and Adult Education services available.
• Support parents to actively participate in meetings, trainings, and/or workshops offered by the Pathways Program.

3. To develop a network of transition specialists to work with WV Division of Rehabilitation Services, Workforce West Virginia, and local school districts.

• Hire and train six transition specialists (one per WVDRS district) during year one.
• Assist WVDRS staff with recruitment of students and eligibility determination to increase the number of students served.
• Assist local school districts in activities pertaining to pre-employment transition services.

4. To develop a statewide cross-sector outreach program with a strong emphasis on traditionally under-served populations.

• Communicate key provisions of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) across systems to various stakeholders.
• Disseminate information about the Pathways Program and services provided by the WV Division or Rehabilitation Services, WV Department of Education, and Workforce WV.
• Target students age 14-21 who are eligible or may be potentially eligible for WVDRS services.
• Target parents and family members, teachers, guidance counselors, and providers.
• Develop outreach materials including brochures, fact sheets, digital, and social media.
• Develop resource website with linkages to WVDRS, WVDE, and Workforce WV.
• Develop Pathways Navigation & Planning platform to navigate services/resources available.

5. To establish and strengthen partnerships between government and private stakeholders to better identify eligible students and develop strategies for enrollment and service provision.

• Hold cross-sector stakeholder meetings in all six WVDRS districts.
• Support the alignment and integration of cross-sector efforts and networks.
• Convene statewide summit for stakeholders to share information and provide overview of services, linkages, and best practices.