About RSA Region V CRP-RCEP

View the RSA Region V CRP-RCEP PPTs

The Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) Region V Community Rehabilitation Providers Rehabilitation Continuing Education Program (CRP-RCEP) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign facilitates integrated employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities on several different levels, including continuing education and technical assistance, externships, replication activities, and leadership development. A brief description of each project component follows:

Technical Assistance and Continuing Education

Project staff provide extensive training and technical assistance to employment programs throughout RSA Region V.  A current listing of all project activities can be found at http://www.ed.uiuc.edu/illinoisrcep/activities.htm.  Utilizing and building upon a network of professionals established through 12 years of RSA-funded training programs related to supported employment, transition, and natural supports, project staff will conduct two-day technical assistance visits to several localities in RSA Region V each year. These visits include an interactive workshop and assistance in planning for programmatic change. Additional technical assistance is available via telephone, the project website, and online courses.

Continuing education training activities and workshops provide practicing professionals access to best practices, training, and information by keeping them current in their respective field and refreshed with new strategies. Continuing education and training opportunities include several different service delivery variations, including traditional face-to-face workshops, web-based courses, and teleconference workshops.

Please let us know if you are interested in co-sponsoring a training event in your community. The benefits to you include maximizing your resources, customized training to your local audiences and needs, and free registrations. We ask you, in turn, will help us target participants, as well as identify the appropriate training venue in your area.

Externships

The project proposes to develop and collaborate with at least three intensive externships in each state in the region each year to develop a model demonstration focusing on person-centered planning and the systematic development of intensive workplace support networks. The project proposes to assist 18 individuals with severe disabilities obtain and maintain employment during each project year.

Replication Activities

The project includes an ongoing evaluation component and thorough documentation of activities and outcomes. These activities will lead to the replication of demonstrated best practices. Case studies documenting outcomes and related activities will be disseminated regionally and nationally.

Leadership Development

Finally, the project includes a pre-service component that offer a variety of training modes for both undergraduate and graduate students in rehabilitation, special education, and other related fields. Pre-service training activities will include: (a) active participation in all RCEP activities, (b) a unit on the workplace supports in a transition-related course, (c) a summer seminar and internship related to customer-driven job development, and (d) opportunities to complete independent studies focused on either the provision of services or the evaluation of project activities. Potential new students will be identified through the RCEP for graduate study based on interest, leadership potential, and those from traditionally underrepresented populations. The blend of continuing education participants and pre-service students provides opportunities for a rich sharing of information, ideas, and experiences.

All four components of the project will include a strong ongoing evaluation component that will allow for identification of successful strategies and procedures. Formative and summative evaluations will be widely disseminated to facilitate regional and national replication of activities during and after the project-funding period

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