A Professional Development and Case Management (PDCM) Model for Seamless Transition Planning: Improving Postschool Outcomes

This proposal is developed in support of Kent State University’s Center for Disability Studies grant from the Administration of Community Living’s National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research to evaluate the efficacy of a Professional Development and Case Management (PDCM) Model for Seamless Transition Planning. The target audience is transition professionals and special educators working with adolescents receiving special education services. The PDCM Project focuses on improving employment outcomes for youth identified as having cognitive disabilities through a collaborative approach to Individual Education Plan and Individual Plan for Employment development, coordinated case management, and service delivery. The Human Development Institute (HDI) at the University of Kentucky promotes the inclusion, independence and contributions of people with disabilities through research, training, leadership and advocacy. The HDI has a strong history of interagency collaborations, with an emphasis on transition from school to work and higher education for students with disabilities in Kentucky. As such, we are pleased to collaborate with Kent State University to improve postschool outcomes. Timeframe November 1, 2020 – September 30, 2021 Scope of Work 1. Assistance with the development and delivery of content via virtual delivery of 2-3 hour sessions to multi-agency teams as part of project workscope. Particular emphasis will be placed on interdisciplinary nature and the distinct needs, perspectives and requirements across systems that include education, vocational rehabilitation, and DD authority, and; 2. Ongoing virtual coaching to the teams following delivery via office hours for targeted technical assistance and successful strategies used in first round of trainings.