For more information regarding the Employment Mentors’ Course, please contact: Michelle Sparling, M.Ed. 610-935-6626 michelles@networksfortraining.org 1.866.683.3651 (toll free) www.networksfortraining.org . Help to shift attitudes toward the be- lief that there is a job for everyone. . Build networks of local people working together to create and support employment opportunities. . Increase your confidence and skills in all aspects of community integrated employment. . Join others in the pursuit of resources, tools, and experiences that will sup- port the goals of Philadelphia’s Vision for Employment 2010! Networks for Training and Development, Inc. presents Funding for this course has been provided by the Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Mental Retardation Services (DBH/MRS) Course Description This eight month course is for individuals interested in exploring the possibilities of employment for people with developmental disabilities and sharing that learning with others in Philadelphia. The course is designed to create a network of Employment Mentors committed to the belief that employment is for all, regardless of disability label. The course will provide aspiring Mentors with a wide range of information, techniques and useful tools. Course content and experiences are intended to assist Mentors in changing negative perceptions regarding employment potential, creating a culture of employment in the Philadelphia community, and developing the drive and passion to spread the word that employment is for all. Employment Mentors Course What is My Commitment? Participating Employment Mentors and their supporting organizations must agree to the following: * Attendance at all classes (most classes meet 1 day per month, two meet 2 days consecutively), * Complete all assignments, readings, online discussions, and team projects. * Begin to work with others within and outside your organization or be avail- able to help others outside of your or- ganization as an Employment Mentor, * Assist in the facilitation of career planning which will lead to paid employment, * Actively participate in team based ac- tivities outside of class, and * Present team projects at the 10th Em- ployment Supports Symposium in May 2008. Session 1 10/15/08 & 10/16/08 Demystifying Autism William Stillman Session 2 11/13/08 11/14/08 Exploring Employment: Becoming an Employment Mentor Employability, Choice, Control & Support M. McAllister, L. Kravitz, & M. Sparling Session 3 1/8/09 Building an Array of Supports M. Sparling & J. Stover Session 4 2/12/09 Creative Job Development Norciva Shumpert, Marc Gold & Associates Session 5 3/12/09 Creative Job Development & Customized Employment Follow Up M. Sparling, J. Barol Session 6 4/9/09 The Role of an Employment Ambassador L. Kravitz, M. McAllister, M. Sparling Certificates & Team Projects 5/21/09 Moving On! Team Project Presentations 10th Employment Support Symposium Hyatt Regency Hotel Course Schedule (All Classes Meet 9:30 A.M.- 4 P.M.) Why a Mentor’s Course? T he Employment Mentors Course began last year as part of the Phila- delphia Vision for Employment 2010 Initiative. Twelve individuals holding a variety of job titles successfully com- pleted the course and are spreading the word that employment is for all! We are offer- ing the course again this year, and wel- come newcomers to the burgeoning Em- ployment Mentors Network. Our goal is to increase awareness and knowledge while helping people with disabilities in Philadelphia gain inclusive, meaningful employment. We believe that there is a need to expand our typical ways of thinking about employment. Why should only job coaches and job developers find jobs? Why can’t all of us join in, participate, assist, provide relevant training, resources, connections and opportunities? Become part of a network that will strive to make this happen! Who is This Course For? This course is designed for indi- viduals who have the interest, desire and passion to learn and explore the possibilities of em- ployment and share this knowl- edge with others. Participants must meet the following criteria: $ Have a strong desire and interest to learn about the possibilities of employment for people with disabilities. $ Have the organizational support to de- velop in the role of Employment Mentor. $ Be available to other individuals and or- ganizations as an Employment Mentor. Employment Mentors receiving their course certificates at the 9th Employment Supports Symposium, May 2008.