Strategic Partnerships Derived from Common Goals (Employment Opportunities, Work Skills Training, and Transition to Employment after College)

Oklahoma currently has three Inclusive Post Secondary Education (IPSE) options for students with intellectual/developmental disabilities which are Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Programs (CTP designated) and one IPSE program for degree-seeking students with autism. The strategic partnerships that support students’ access to college and community employment are an essential component of the Oklahoma IPSE initiatives. This presentation will discuss the path Oklahoma has forged partnering with Oklahoma Vocational Rehabilitation, the Oklahoma City Community Foundation (OCCF), and the Central Oklahoma Workforce Innovation Board (COWIB). Innovative collaborations with these organizations that have similar goals tap existing resources and funding to support students, IPSE staff, and off-campus employers when students work off-campus while enrolled and pursue competitive integrated employment after graduation.

Presenter Biographies: Julie Lackey is the Director of OKIPSE Alliance. The goal of Oklahoma IPSE Alliance is to educate, advocate, assist, and collaborate for Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (IPSE) options for students with intellectual/developmental disabilities in Oklahoma. Julie is the Founder of LeadLearnLive, a nonprofit organization that partnered to begin the IPSE programs at Northeastern State University, and Oklahoma State University. She is an OKLEND Fellow, and a member of the Technical Assistance team for Think College—the national technical assistance, research, and evaluation center for IPSE programs. Most importantly, she is the parent of a young adult who walks to his own drumbeat!

Yolanda Scott is the Youth Programs Manager for Central Oklahoma Workforce Innovation Board (COWIB). She is known and respected as a champion for youth. She works with community stakeholders, industry leaders, and service providers to create training and employment opportunities for young adults in one of the state's largest populated areas. She has a wealth of experience and passion as an educator and administrator in the public education arena as well as expertise in developing programs specifically designed to reengage disenfranchised young adults. Yolanda holds a master's degree in Education Administration from East Central University and is an Oklahoma-certified teacher and administrator. She also serves as co-chair of the Oklahoma Transition Council.

This is a MIHEC Learning Community Event, hosted by the Minnesota Inclusive Higher Education Consortium.