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accommodation - provision of alternate equipment or environment for a person with a disability
adaptation - modification of an environment that helps an individual with a disability be more at ease or more productive
adult education - education that extends beyond high school
advocate (noun) -
an individual with a disability who stands up for his/her right to be treated
as an equal, given the same decisions, rights, choices, rights, responsibilities
and chances to speak up and empower themselves, make new friendships, and learn
from their mistakes like everyone else. (Self Advocates Becoming Empowered,
www.sabeusa.org)
affluent - wealthy
agency - an organization that provides direct services to individuals with disabilities
aptitude - a natural ability or talent
artificial - an approach used by an employment specialist or job coach that are unusual or disrupt the normal atmosphere of the work environment
assessment - to evaluate the performance of an individual using formal (written) or informal methods
assistive technology - equipment used by an individual with a disability to help him/her function within any environment
The Arc (www.thearc.org) - The Arc is the national organization of and for people with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities and their families. It is devoted to promoting and improving supports and services for people with mental retardation and their families. The association also fosters research and education regarding the prevention of mental retardation in infants and young children.
Association for Persons in Supported Employment (APSE) (www.apse.org) - The Association for Persons in Supported Employment is a membership organization formed in 1988 to improve and expand integrated employment opportunities, services, and outcomes for persons experiencing disabilities.
attitude - a state of mind or feeling toward a person, fact or object
authority - the ability for a person with a disability, with a social support network or circle if needed, to control a certain sum of dollars in order to purchase these supports. A principle for successful self determination (Monadnock Self Determination Project, New Hampshire (1996)).
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baseline data - information collected on the amount of steps an individual completes in a task without intervention or instruction from a job coach
behavior programs - a plan of action that serves to increase or decrease an individual's behavior
behavior technology - selective use of reinforcement, redirection techniques, response-cost, over-correction, time out, and other highly technical approaches
behavior change - when an individual acts differently than he/she had acted in the past
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capacities - maximum production or output on any given task
career planning - a formal process of assessing strengths and goals to reach a vocational objective
career advancement - the achievement of strategies that lead to the accomplishment of career goals - moving up the ladder to better pay, more benefits, more company or community recognition, and/or increased responsibilities
caretaker - a person (paid or unpaid) who is responsible for the livelihood of an individual
chaining - reinforcing a series of related behaviors that can be linked together
Chamber of Commerce (www.uschamber.org) - the world's largest not-for-profit business federation fighting for business interests before governments and regulatory agencies, in the courts, and in the media.
choice - There are sufficient options related to people's interests and desires in life in order to exercise control and autonomy over their life's direction. The choices made by an individual are the result of being fully informed through direct personal experience and/or considering information on potential alternatives.
Choose-Get-Keep (Anthony, et al., 1990) - a less formalized process used in the mental health field where job developers learn about the dreams and goals of an individual. In this process the job developer is a resource used to present alternatives and consequences, leaving the choice up to the job seeker.
collaboration - to work jointly with others
commonality - the recognition of having something (a thought, a dream, a preference, etc.) in common with another person
community - an area (or perceived area) that is made up of a variety of people
community setting - Services are designed to support persons in their pursuit of a quality life in natural settings in ways which minimize artificiality or restrictiveness.
comparable - similar, about the same
compensation - normally a monetary payment for work completed; however, it can take other forms such as time off, tickets to concerts, dinner, etc.
competence - the demonstration of a skill, attitude, or knowledge of principles related to a field of practice
competitive work
- involves paid work consistent with the abilities, capabilities, and interests
of the individual of at least minimum wage and consistent with wages paid to
nondisabled workers with similar job functions. Competitive work also involves
full or part-time schedules determined on an individual basis
conditioned reinforcer - something that has become effective as a reinforcer by being consistently paired with another reinforcer
confidentiality - keeping information to yourself; not talking about a person or disability to anyone without permission
consistency - harmony of conduct in a repetitive task
consultant - someone outside of the organization or work group who is relied upon to bring in information or other viewpoints
contingency -the relationship between a behavior and the reinforcer that will follow based on the behavior occurring
continuing education - an ongoing approach to learning in a field. Continuing education "units" (CEUs) can be arranged through participation in community trainings sponsored through university affiliated projects. CEUs are required as proof of continued training/learning in some accredited fields of study.
continuous reinforcement - reinforcement after every target behavior
crew - a group of individuals who work as a group, usually under a subcontract (see work crew)
crisis response - a plan used in an emergency
cue - a signal to start or cease an activity
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data sheets - usually a collection of numbers that are grouped together to identify trends. Words and phrases can be grouped for the same purpose.
data collection - the recording of completed or uncompleted steps in a task
devalued - the perceived idea that something or someone is less valued
Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior (DRO) - reinforcing general behavior that does not include non-preferred behavior
Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behavior (DRI) - reinforcing behavior that is incompatible with non-preferred behavior, making the non-preferred behavior difficult or impossible to perform
direct service staff - a person who works with the individual being served
disclosure - to make known or public
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eligible - for those people who have historically had difficulty gaining employment due to the severity or nature of their disability; funding for supported employment is generally limited to those people for whom employment would not be a likely outcome without ongoing support
employer consultation - the act of discussion employer's needs in relation to community rehabilitation provider (CRP) services
employer coordination - the act of scheduling employment meetings with a number of support staff
employment history - the name and dates of where a person has worked
employment specialist - also know as a Job Developer, the person who helps an individual obtain employment
employment incentives - Employers receive money like Work Opportunity Tax Credits (WOTC) or ARC Work Incentives to modify their building and increase accessibility. Employees might receive money from social security (SSI and SSDI incentives) such as IRWE and PASS.
empower - the act of positioning someone in such a place that he/she receives the information they need and "permission" to direct his/her life
enclave - a small group of 4 to 8 individuals who work as a group in a permanent job, usually under subcontract
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) (www.eeoc.gov/) - the government agency that oversees the employment provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act
evaluation - looking at what an individual is doing; judging how well it is done and what barriers might need to be overcome
existing supports - supports that may already be in place at a job site
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facilitation of social and work support - One of the tasks for a job coach to ensure success on the job for the job seeker. People walk away from jobs because they do not feel part of the workplace culture.
facilitator - any individual who in an objective position leads others to a defined goal
fading - the act of providing less intense supports to empower the employee to gain independence on his/her job
financial incentives - money that helps someone to do or accomplish something
fixed interval - reinforcement at the end of a set time
fixed ratio - reinforcement at the end of a set number of targeted behaviors
formal assessment - a formal assessment requires a written format
freedom - the ability for individuals with freely chosen family and/or friends to plan a life with necessary support rather than purchase a program. A principle for successful self determination (Monadnock Self Determination Project, New Hampshire (1996)).
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goal - the end toward which effort is directed
gradient of reinforcement - the reinforcing properties of a reinforcer effect behavior that precedes the target behavior, although in a lesser way
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hiring decision - when an employer chooses to employ a person
holistic life support - the process of identifying and providing individualized supports in every aspect of an individual's life - not just employment goals but family supports, home/living supports, recreational supports, etc.
home site visit - going to an individual's home for an appointment
human resource - the use of another individual as a source of assistance
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individual support plan - (ISP) outlines supports needed to help someone succeed
Individual Plan for Employment - a Vocational Rehabilitation term, it is a formal document that is a road map for an individual, VR Counselor and Community Rehabilitation Provider to use to obtain employment.
individualized - to look at an individual as one person not as a group. Supports should be based on a person's individual needs, wants, etc.
informal assessment - an informal assessment requires community-based work assessments
intake - the process of interviewing a new referral to obtain pertinent information to begin services
integrated work setting - an area that has both people with and without disabilities
intermittent - every so often, not every time
interview - a meeting to explore the feasibility of working at a business. Most often it is the employer asking questions and getting to know the individual. The individual should also be thinking whether this is a good place to work by asking questions.
IRS Tax Credit - a tax credit (IRS Code Section 44) entitling small businesses to apply for a 50 percent tax credit for expenditures establishing barrier-free access costing from $250.00 to $10,250.00. The maximum credit is $5,125.00. This credit not only covers the removal of physical barriers but also "auxiliary aids and services."
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jargon - technical terminology of a special activity or group
job development - In Supported Employment job development takes place through building relationships. You have to get to know the business and what is important to each business and how can you fill those needs. Job development could mean job creating, job carving or job sharing.
job - employment that occurs within the local labor market in regular community businesses at commensurate wages and benefits
Job Accommodation Network (JAN) (http://janweb.icdi.wvu.edu/) - an organization whose sole purpose is to assist individuals to determine strategies or techniques that will help them work more independently on their job
job accommodations - changes or modifications made to a job or position that enable an individual to work more independently or with less support
job acquisition - to obtain a position of employment
job analysis - breaking apart a job into tasks that are performed
job bank - a list of job opportunities
job coach - normally a paid professional that helps a job seeker learn about work. The duties can include learning the job, helping the job seeker have an improved production rate, role model communication with a supervisor, role model interaction with the job seeker, develop natural supports and contact Vocational Rehabilitation.
job development - the process of identifying employer hiring needs and employment opportunities suited to a specific job-seeker based on the interests, skills, and needs of a specific individual
job matching - matching the non-negotiables of a job seeker with the duties, tasks and environment of a job. The opposite of this is giving a job to the person who has been with your program the longest.
job modification - a job can be modified by changing the tasks, hours, adding assistive technology or making other changes to a job
job permanency - long term employee
job placement - the act of accepting a job offer
job requirements - the basic skills to be successful in a job
job seeker - an individual who is presently looking for community employment. In supported employment a job seekers is an individual who is asking you to provide supports in his/her search, obtainment, and training of a community job.
job site training - teaching strategies that are tailored to the unique support needs and learning style of the individual to learn new tasks on a job
job support - See also work support. The act of identifying areas of assistance that an individual may require in order to be successful on a job.
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learning style - the preferred way a person obtains information: e.g., written, verbal, visual, kinesthetic (activity)
leisure - freedom provided by actives
letters of introductions - normally used in the job development area, where a business that knows you will send another business a letter of reference. Sometimes an individual will receive a letter of introduction from one business asking another similar business to interview the job seeker.
life goals - those areas of interest identified to be worked toward. People identify things they want such as a home of their own or a new car. Goals are set to achieve those items. Life goals as opposed to employment goals focus on a holistic fashion - every aspect of life.
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marketing - advertisement to a general audience
marketing plan - an outline of activities that serve to promote a service or organization. For example, a community rehabilitation provider (CRP) may develop a marketing plan to inform employers of their services.
mentor - someone who has more experience and acts as a guide for learning
minimal intrusion - to disrupt as little as possible
minimum wage - set by the Federal Government. In 2002, the minimum wage was $5.35 per hour.
misperception - the act of misunderstanding a comment or situation
modeling - the act of performing a desired skill or behavior
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natural cues - things in the environment that remind a person to do a certain task, e.g., a red light
natural validity - comforming to accepted principles
negotiation - used by a job developer to address the ability and capacity of an individual, as to what part of a job the individual would be responsible to complete. Used by a job coach and job seeker to indicate how much involvement the job coach would have in the completion of a task or interview.
network - an interconnected or interrelated chain, group, or system that can be used to exchange information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions
networking - the act of talking with anyone or a number of people to share common beliefs or interests
non-negotiables - things a person must have
nonintrusiveness - a welcome or inviting attitude
normalization - the process of making the hiring and employment of a person with a disability as similar to the hiring and employment of all employees.
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observation interval - a predetermined time set to watch a task or activity being completed
observation period - a predetermined amount of time to watch and record behaviors or activities (such as work behavior) of an individual
observer - a person who watches
on-the-job training - a person with few skills would be hired and will learn the job as s/he does it. Also, a Rehabilitation Program that will pay the wages for a negotiated number of weeks.
ongoing support services
- identified areas of support determined to assist an individual maintain
a job after initial training has been successful. For example, an employment
consultant may support an individual with banking or budgeting issues after
primary job training has ended.
orientation - an activity to introduce an individual to something that is new. For example, a new employee should receive an orientation to his/her new job (including meeting coworkersand supervisors; observing work tasks, break areas, time clock, supply area, etc.).
ostracism - excluding an individual from common privileges or social acceptance
outcome measures
- away to gauge the effectiveness or goals a person wants to obtain
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participation - a person with a disability is involved in the employment process as much as s/he is able
peer - someone who you perceive as your equal. Someone you share a commonality such as a job, an interest, etc.
perceptions - a thought or idea that is believed to be true, but may not necessarily be based on facts
perform - to complete a task or engage in an activity
person-centered goals - the person has say-so in the goals they would like to obtain
person/environment match - this is a process and a form. The employment consultant gets to know a job seeker and an employer. By filling out a form of what the job seeker deems important about a job and matching that with what an employer has to offer.
personal interest - something an individual has identified as liking or having a desire for obtaining
placement - the acceptance of a job offer
postsecondary education - education gained after college
preferences - the power or opportunity of choosing
Premack Principle - the opportunity to engage in a preferred (high frequency) behavior can serve as a reinforcer for a less preferred (lower frequency) behavior.
principles of reinforcement - Conditioned Reinforcer, Contingency, Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible Behavior (DRI), Differential Reinforcement of Other Behavior (DRO), Premack Principle, Shaping, Chaining, Gradient of Reinforcement
Principles for Successful Self Determination (Monadnock Self Determination Project, New Hampshire (1996)) - freedom, authority, support, responsibility
prompting - prompts are brief instructional signals given before an action to help the person when learning something new.
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recreation - a physical or mental activity that a person does to relax.
references - also know as personal references. Someone known to you who will attest to your skills, character, etc.
referral - a person who is seeking services, usually sent to a service provider through another source
Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) (www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS/RSA/) - oversees grant programs that help individuals with physical or mental disabilities to obtain employment and live more independently. RSA's major grant program provides funds to state vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies to provide employment-related services for individuals with disabilities, giving priority to individuals who are significantly disabled.
reinforce - a "reward" for accomplishing a behavior or task
reinforcement schedules - the selection of appropriate times to provide a reward to job trainees to encourage continued progress. There are two types of reinforcement schedules: ratio schedule and interval schedule. In a ration schedule a reward is delivered after a predetermined number of steps have been achieved. In an interval schedule a reward is delivered after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed.
reinforcer - a reward of sorts that acts to maintain a chosen behavior or action, such as a task completed
residential staff - people who are paid to support an individual in his/her home
respect - to hold in high regard
responsibility - the acceptance of a valued role in a person's community as well as accountability for spending public dollars in ways that are life-enhancing. Principle for Successful Self Determination (Monadnock Self Determination Project, New Hampshire (1996)).
resume - a formal document that lists activities, tasks, job duties, education and experience in chronological order. Some people prefer to list vocational accomplishments in a non-chronological order, which then emphasizes skills.
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schedules of reinforcement - continuous, fixed interval, fixed ration, variable interval, variable ratio
segregation - the act of separating. Individuals with disabilities have long been separated from the general community. Integration or inclusion of people with disabilities is more appropriate for social development.
self advocates - individuals who take the initiative to speak up for themselves and their rights
self-determination - making up your mind about what you want
sequential job placements - the order in which jobs were obtained
service supports - an agency and a person enter into an agreement, where the agency will provide personnel so that the individual can receive medical, residential, vocational, community participation vocational, an other support.
service coordination - the act of identifying and providing supports to individuals
severe disability
- a worker with a history of intermittent or interrupted employment, a worker
who is unable to gain and maintain employment without support, or a worker who,
because of his/her disability, needs ongoing support.
shaping - systematically reinforcing closer approximations to the desired behavior.
skill building - learning new skills
skill development - to learn a new skill or ability effectively
skills - the ability to accomplish a vocational task. Skills are normally acquired through repetition, assistive technology, education, job coaching and mentoring.
social contact - the act of being in an environment to develop relationships with people in a community setting
social inclusion - the act of being included in society and social activities; not segregated
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) - The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program pays benefits to disabled workers and their families. To be eligible for SSDI, you must be disabled and must have earned a minimum number of credits from work covered under Social Security. (The required number of credits varies depending on your age at the time you became disabled.)
stabilize - when an individual has been on the job at least 30 days and the employers is happy with attendance and work. Job coaching is at a minimum for the past 10 days.
stigma -perception based on an individual having a difference that is seen as negative
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) - The SSI program provides monthly income to people who are age 65 or older, or are blind or disabled, and have limited income and financial resources.
support - the arranging of resources and personnel, both formal and formal, that will assist an individual with a disability to live a full life in the community. Principle for Successful Self Determination (Monadnock Self Determination Project, New Hampshire (1996)).
supported employment -a process whereby people traditionally denied career opportunities due to the perceived severity of their disability are placed in jobs and provided long-term, ongoing support for as long as needed
systematic instruction - an approach in training that precisely defines for each individual each step of what is to be learned, what supports will be most effective for the person to perform it, and how the learner can be best reinforced to be successful.
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tactile prompts - touching or guiding through a skill
task analysis - breaking a job into small learnable tasks. This is individualized for each person.
Tax Credit on Architectural and Transportation Barriers - tax deduction on expenditures up to $15,000 to make a workplace or public transportation vehicles physically accessible for employees and customers.
teaching skills - having the ability to teach specific skills
telephone contact - a correspondence via the use of the telephone; not face to face communication
temporary job placement - a work situation with a time limit
time management - the proper and productive use of time
timeline - a record that is inclusive of beginning and ending. A timeline records the history of a project or entity.
token systems - a process of rewarding a person for acting in a predetermined manner, a reinforcement system is better than a token system. In a reinforcement system a person is rewarded with something he/she enjoys. In a token system the person is rewarded only with an item that may or may not mean anything to him/her.
training/follow-along - a process of using teaching techniques to assist individuals on the job learn job tasks, social contacts, etc, followed by continued support once training has been completed
transition services - a coordinated set of activities for a student designed within an outcome-oriented process that promotes movement from school to post-school activities, including postsecondary education, vocational training, integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation.
transitional employment
- a job that leads to another job
transportation - How will a person get to work. One of the barriers to employment for people with disabilities. The other barriers are loss of Social Security and lack of parent/family/caregiver support.
troubleshooting - the act of identifying problem areas and then problem solving to determine how those areas can be worked out to a positive solution
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values - a set of beliefs . Core values of supported employment include: Individuality, Choice, Respect, Participation, Competence, Social Inclusion, and Community Settings with Minimal Intrusion.
variable interval - reinforcement at varying times that average a predetermined amount during the target behavior
variable ratio - reinforcement at varying numbers that average a predetermined amount of target behaviors
visual prompts - pictures, gestures, or demonstrations.
vocal prompts - verbal instructions or hints.
vocational training - formal education to learn a job
Vocational Rehabilitation On-The-Job Training Program - shared payment of an employee's wages for a limited time on a negotiated schedule. Worker must be a VR client. Position must be permanent, full-time, with pay at or above minimum wage. May not claim WOTC and On-the-Job-Training (OJT) for the same wages.
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wages - a payment of money for labor or services
work - an activity in which a person is compensated for doing.
work crew - a group of individuals who work together, usually under a subcontract
work support - See also job support. The act of identifying areas of assistance that an individual may require in order to be successful on a job.
work culture - the environment of the company or business
Work Opportunities Tax Credit (WOTC) - Tax credit of up to 25 percent of qualified wages for members of target groups, including workers with disabilities, employed at least 120 but fewer than 400 hours, and 40 percent of the first $6000 in wages paid for those employed 400 or more hours. (Must be reauthorized by US Congress annually; replaced Targeted Jobs Tax Credit in 1996.)
written contact - a written an binding agreement between two or more persons
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