Success Stories
Competitive Employment
Kyle, who works at Streator Unlimited, was recently promoted from a Direct Service Provider (DSP) to a Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIDP). Kyle was able to receive the education and assistance needed with his training thanks to the help of DRS.
Kyle has also just recently written an essay on people who have Cerebral Palsy and also developed a YouTube video on Tips for new DSP's. Says his supervisor, "The level of insight from someone who's only been a DSP for a couple of years and isn't even 30 yet just blows me away".
A YouTube video of Kyle, a Qualified Intellectual Disability Provider (QIDP), sharing tips for other Direct Service Providers (DSP).
Supported Employment
Matthew is doing very well at the Target in Niles. He is a cart attendant with several other responsibilities that he manages when not out collecting carts. He works anywhere from 22 to 30 hours a week.
Sarah Meyerson, a job coach from Search Inc., made all the difference in the world. She was with him at every stage of the process from finding job openings to tweaking his resume to practicing for his interview and then she spent as long as it took being hands on when he started his job. She was knowledgeable, firm, caring, intuitive, creative, etc. In a nutshell, she did anything she could to help Matthew be successful at his job.
Transition Training
Project Search
Ethan has been the intern who has made the most improvement this year. I was unsure if employment would be an outcome for him. We discovered that Ethan enjoys working in a kitchen and were able to place him in the Food Service department at Kish, where he has grown exponentially. Ethan interviewed for a dishwasher position at DeKalb High School this week and got the job!
A You tube video of Ethan's job offer: Project Search- Ethan - YouTube
STEP Transition Program
Apprenticeship Story
Keyshawn
Keyshawn was the first to earn his Department of Labor apprenticeship certificate. Since Keyshawn, six more students have been awarded their Department of Labor apprenticeship certificates.
Keshawn received his Apprenticeship Certificate and was honored by members from all levels of government. The City also honored his coworker for being such a wonderful mentor and trainer for Keshawn.
Madison County's Employment and Training Department serves as lead agency on a four-year $5.8 million grant award from the U.S. Department of Labor to launch the Gateway Registered Apprenticeship Programs Hub. In addition to building capacity and awareness for apprenticeships as an 'earn-as-you-learn' model for workforce development, the Gateway Hub will emphasize the inclusion of underserved populations in apprenticeship opportunities. METC partnered with the Collinsville STEP Program and the City of Collinsville to create a positive and innovative apprenticeship program for students with disabilities. Full Story:
Madison County apprenticeship programs fulfill pivotal role in developing next generation workforce - Illinois Business Journal
Collinsville Employee Honored
College Training
Sarah
Sarah started benefitting from the different services she received in high school, it only seemed appropriate to continue receiving support through her transition into adult life. As the end of high school grew near, Sarah was provided information about The Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation (IDHS-DRS). IDHS-DRS connected Sarah with a vocational rehabilitation counselor, to learn about programs and services. After an initial interview and career assessment, the counselor explained that DRS would be able to pay for Sarah's tuition & fees, and books and supplies towards an Associates of Arts degree. In 2017, Sarah accomplished that goal, graduating with a degree in General Studies from the College of Lake County. In 2020, Sarah continued down her path to success and graduated from Northeastern University in Chicago with a bachelor's degree in social work. Upon graduation, Sarah began working for Lutheran Social Services of Illinois as a Child Welfare Specialist. She is working full time as a social worker and is working on her master's degree. Read Sarah's full story here.
