NEWS
 
 

An awards dinner and a planning meeting were held at the Auburn University Hotel and Conference Center June 22-23, 2000 to honor the class of 2000 and to plan for their future collaboration and association with Auburn University. The 28 students completing the program earned a total of 12 academic quarter hours credit and were awarded an "Academic Certificate in Community Employment Services". Each of the three courses required a minimum of 30 hours in class (on-campus), examinations and assignments (via distance ed), and a field-based project involving 20 (or more) hours. Susan Adams, Susan Huggins, Bess Garrett, and Doug Richardson were nominated by their peers for their excellent contributions and received special recognition plaques.

The follow-up meeting resulted in development of student committees to assist the graduates in continuing their team work and to assure the students' continued involvement in program improvement. The following work teams were formed:

Training Committee
Members: Nancy Vierling, Patricia Veal, Martha McManus, Doug Richardson, Joan Seymour, Debra Peterson, Susan Huggins, Mike Morehouse, Randy West, Tiffany Olive, and Susan Adams. This team will tackle a variety of training issues related to future classes of the Academic Certificate Program, as well as in-service components of other rehabilitation personnel, consumers, and employers. Some of the topical areas discussed were assistive technology, communications, and changes in traditional practitioner roles. Individuals on the Training Committee may also provide consultation in the refinement of the Academic Certificate curriculum and will serve as guest trainers.

Alumni Committee
Members: Jason Williams, Susan James, Amy Schwab, Beth Frantz, Ronnie Caulton, Mary Wenger, Nanacy Hawkins, and Bess Garrett. This committee will serve in a public relations and student support capacity by recommending students for participation in the Academic Certificate Program, informing potential students of the seriousness of program requirements, and mentoring new students. Additionally, this team will pursue opportunities for student reunions on-site and on-line, and will develop materials and edit an on-line newsletter.

Special Issues Committee
Members: Dianne Rawdanowicz, Diane Berry, Brenda Medley, Kelly Linton, Joan Seymour, and Loretta Latimore. This work team will address current issues of importance and interest to graduates and future students of the Academic Certificate Program. Plans are to set up a bulletin board on the web for the exchange of ideas and solutions on selected topics. The group will further serve as an informational resource regarding new legislation and grant funding opportunities.

All committees will be asked to assist the faculty and staff of the Academic Certificate Program in completing the final evaluation components of the program and in publishing a monograph of the students' field projects. The evaluations have, and will continue to be instrumental in the overall improvement of the Academic Certificate Program in Community Employment Services. In addition to providing an excellent resource for future students, the field projects monograph will be available for all regional personnel.

Plans are currently underway to recruit students for the 2000-2001 class of the Academic Certificate Program in Community Employment Services. Employees of the twelve State Vocational Rehabilitation Programs and their affiliated programs (i.e., CRPs) will be eligible for full tuition and expense stipends. The classes for 2000-2001 and their on-campus weeks for the three semesters are:

Introduction to Community Employment Services (September 11-15, 2000)
This foundation course examines various medical and cultural aspects of disability with emphasis on the historical and legislative base associated with providing community employment services for people with disabilities.

Job Development and Placement (February 5-9, 2001)
This course examines the multiple roles, responsibilities, and skill needs of employment service practitioners with respect to consumers (assessment, job matching, and placement) and employers (development, marketing, consultation). 

Supporting Individuals with Disabilities (July 30-August 3, 2001)
This course assists students to identify, plan, coordinate, and provide individualized supports and services needed by people with disabilities (and their employers) to assure long-term job retention and career opportunities.

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