SWTCIE Illinois

SAVE THE DATE: Join Donka, Incorporated for ADA 101 for Employers and learn everything you need to know about ADA from an expert speaker who has over 15 years of experience. 📅 May 7, 1-2:30 p.m. CT There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. Space is limited. Register today ▶️ https://lnkd.in/grjPyJzf #SWTCIEIllinois 🔸 #Innovation 🔹 #CIE 🔸 #Webinar 🔹 #Community 🔸 #Discovery 🔹 #Resources 🔸 #ADA 🔹 #Employers

#WhySWTCIEWednesdays with Kyle Menke! Kyle shares how SWTCIE Illinois is paving the way for a more inclusive future—one where people with disabilities have true access to integrated, meaningful work in their communities. He’s seen firsthand how employment can boost confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging. SWTCIE inspires him by challenging outdated practices and offering the support individuals need to reach their goals and live more self-directed lives. Stay tuned for more stories from our incredible team! #SWTCIE

One of the key components to the success of SWTCIE Illinois has been the creation of an evaluation team within the Illinois Institute for Rehabilitation and Employment Research. The team exists to document the relationship between participant engagement with competitive integrated employment (CIE) practices and the strategies implemented by the project in facilitating its key outcomes. Learn more about the role of SWTCIE Illinois evaluation in advancing CIE ▶️ https://lnkd.in/gVFT-id3 #SWTCIEIllinois 🔸 #Community 🔹 #IIRER 🔸 #Evaluation 🔹 #Innovation 🔸 #CIE 🔹 #Discovery 🔸 #Research

Finding worksites for students with disabilities in the community can sometimes be challenging. Jessica Sipovic of the Illinois Center for Transition and Work shares how to explore large businesses in the area to develop integrated, immersive, and multifaceted work-based learning opportunities. ⤵️ #SWTCIEIllinois 🔸 #Innovation 🔹 #SchoolToWork 🔸 #ICTW 🔹 #Community 🔸 #Collaboration 🔹 #Discovery 🔸 #TransitionTuesday

Many employers see the value of a workplace that includes people with disabilities, but they may not know how to recruit, hire, or support them. Vocational rehabilitation service providers can help by showing businesses the benefits of hiring workers with disabilities and connecting them with qualified candidates. They can also support workers by offering guidance on hiring, accommodations, retention, and other key workplace needs. Learn more in QE: Technical Assistance for Quality Employment's Partnering with Businesses to Advance Disability Employment: A Guide for Community-Based Organizations and Workforce Development Professionals ▶️ https://lnkd.in/gjcpndeq #SWTCIEIllinois 🔸 #Innovation 🔹 #CIE 🔸 #Guide 🔹 #Community 🔸 #Discovery 🔹 #Resources 🔸 #Partnerships 🔹 #WorkforceDevelopment

GET THE FACTS 🔍: Communication processes can be enhanced by having regular structured meetings, defining and documenting roles and responsibilities, and establishing clear communication protocols. Learn more in the Illinois Center for Transition and Work's Collaboration Between Educators and Vocational Rehabilitation fact sheet ▶️ https://lnkd.in/g6AG3s2k #SWTCIEIllinois 🔸 #Innovation 🔹 #SchoolToWork 🔸 #ICTW 🔹 #Community 🔸 #Collaboration 🔹 #Discovery 🔸 #TransitionTuesday

#ICYMI: Laura Hart from the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission presented on supported decision-making, a less-restrictive alternative to guardianship for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD) who need assistance with daily living decisions, and The Workshop's Kathy Thimmesch shared a customer highlight on a client who is currently employed by a local automotive dealership at the March 2025 COP. #SWTCIEIllinois 🔸 #Innovation 🔹 #COP 🔸 #Resources 🔹 #Community 🔸 #Discovery 🔹 #CommunityOfPractice

GET THE FACTS 🔍: The learning community model fosters collaboration to address vocational rehabilitation challenges. SWTCIE Illinois can apply this approach to help workers transition from subminimum wage jobs by forming a learning community to identify barriers, develop strategies, and create a transition toolkit, ultimately improving employment outcomes. Learn more in our latest VRIDRS brief, The Learning Community Model: A Resource for Enhancing Vocational Rehabilitation Practices in SWTCIE Illinois and Beyond ▶️ https://lnkd.in/gyRCdn5u #SWTCIEIllinois 🔸 #Innovation 🔹 #LearningCommunityModel 🔸 #VRIDRS 🔹 #Community 🔸 #Resources 🔹 #Discovery 🔸 #FactFriday

#WhySWTCIEWednesdays with Jim Knauf! He highlights how SWTCIE Illinois is creating real opportunities for people with disabilities to work in competitive, community-based jobs with fair wages and the right supports. By focusing on meaningful employment, SWTCIE has already improved the quality of life for many individuals—and there's even more progress to come in the next two and a half years! Stay tuned for more stories from our incredible team! #SWTCIEIllinois #swtcie

WHAT THE RESEARCH SAYS: Meaningful activities help students connect their academic work with career and personal goals. These purposeful experiences create opportunities for deeper collaboration between students, families, and professionals, strengthening the overall transition process. Learn more in the Illinois Center for Transition and Work's Implementing Effective Pre-Employment Transition Services research brief ▶️ https://lnkd.in/eDxvTBT3 #SWTCIEIllinois 🔸 #Innovation 🔹 #SchoolToWork 🔸 #ICTW 🔹 #Community 🔸 #PreETS 🔹 #Discovery 🔸 #TransitionTuesday