Community Based Work Transition Program - KDE

The CBWTP is a cooperative effort between participating local school districts, the Kentucky Department of Education, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, and the Human Development Institute at the University of Kentucky. Established originally in 1984 as the result of a federal grant serving eight central Kentucky counties, the program has grown to 56 school districts in 2013-2014 with approximately 700 students starting the program. The Community Based Work Transition Program (CBWTP) is designed to provide a positive beginning in the world of work for special education students with significant disabilities during their last two years of high school. It serves students having a range of abilities who need personalized support exploring potential careers, pursuing challenging work experiences, maintaining employment, and seeking job advancements in their communities. Through the CBWTP, students are provided with 160 hours of individual career exploration and training in their community from a job coach. During the first year of the program, up to 80 hours are devoted to the student exploring career interests and options. During the second year, the job coach provides up to 80 hours of job training and transition assistance to help the student maintain employment in their chosen career path. The CBWTP is jointly funded by the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), the Kentucky Department of Education(KDE), and Local Education Authorities (LEA). The Kentucky Department of Education provides funds for CBWTP personnel, all training opportunities and one third of the technical assistance provided through HDI at the University of Kentucky. Funds provided by the OVR are used to pay local education authorities (school districts) for services provided to students through the program as well as for two thirds of the technical assistance provided through HDI at the University of Kentucky. School districts that have been approved to participate in the program submit an annual program budget to the OVR and pay a local match of 25% or more. Ultimately OVR provides from 25% to 75% of school district budgets for the CBWTP.