Summary: The Arc Oregon create and implemented a statewide train-the-trainer curriculum on Supported Decision-Making (SDM). This project focused on educating key leaders in the area of school-to-adult transition, such as case managers and transition coordinators, about SDM and how it relates to the future independence and self-determination of transition-age youth. Through its community partner workgroup and a facilitated student/parent focus group, this project identified barriers families are experiencing during the transition from school relative to making informed decisions, and what they need to help overcome those barriers. With that information, this project: (1) developed simple visual tools and information sheets for students, families, and professionals ; (2) developed a train-the-trainer curriculum for agencies to use to train their own staff who are supporting families and students through transition; (3) identified candidates from key agencies from around the state to participate in the train-the-trainer project: (4) developed trainers as content experts through the train-the-trainer program, so they understand how to talk about SDM in a way that makes sense for students and families; and (5) offered public education opportunities as the trainer candidates co-train the curriculum with mentors from The Arc.
Final Report available [here – Link to Attachment 5 to this email]
Contacts: Emily Braman, GAPS Program Director, The Arc Oregon, ebraman@thearcoregon.org, and Jennie Heidrick, Program Director, Oregon Training and Consultation (OTAC), jheidrick@otac.org