Blog Viewer

IARP Vocational Rehabilitation Transition Services Section Board Election Slate 2017-2018

  

IARP Vocational Rehabilitation Transition Services Section Board

Eligible voters: Individual Professional members of the association who are members of the Vocational Rehabilitation Transition Services Section.

 

Position and Candidate(s)
Chair-Elect  

Bruce Bloom

 

Member-at-Large-Secretary

Erin Bailey

Lisa Byrne

 

Member-at-Large

Giana Ferrari Ayers

           

 

Chair-Elect

Bruce Bloom

Describe your qualifications for the position

I am an M.Ed. and CRC. I have been evaluating individuals at the transition age for the last 5 years and have worked in the industry for 7. I have evaluated these individuals for state services, for independent educational evaluations and for forensic reports.

What do you hope to accomplish during your term if elected?

I would like to see the Transition Section become a more integral part of IARP. While CRC’s are highly qualified to evaluate this age group for competitive employment and for realistic career options, they are rarely used by schools or attorneys who typically defer to Licensed School Psychologists or Teachers. From observation, most forensic experts, while able to do the work are unsure about the protocols that are typically used in assessing individuals based on educational laws and regulations.

What is your vision for IARP during your term?

During my term, I hope to assist in making the Transition Services section a more vocal component of IARP. I hope to also provide resources and training to my peers about the types of protocols that are typically used in assessing individuals of this age category. I would also like to help reach out and offer training to and attorney organizations so that they can understand the value of a CRC in the transition process.

 

Member-at-Large-Secretary


Erin Bailey

Describe your qualifications for the position

I have been a vocational rehabilitation consultant for 10 years and have extensive experience providing vocational rehabilitation services to injured and disabled individuals. I have knowledge of the labor market and how jobs are performed in today’s economy. In addition to assisting individuals with suitable plan development and job placement, I serve as a vocational expert in litigation cases involving workers’ compensation, personal injury, divorce and with the Social Security Administration.

Moreover, I am the acting secretary of the VRTS Board and have attended the advanced training in Chicago in 2015 on WIOA and Vocational Rehabilitation. I have the knowledge and background in the SOP and Core Competencies and can assist with continuing to meet the VRTS board’s objectives in the upcoming year.

What do you hope to accomplish during your term if elected?

If elected as secretary, I hope to assist in marketing the VRTS section and services provided to colleges and universities throughout the country. I hope to assist in continuing to meet goals and objectives outlined in the SOP and have a webinar regarding transition assessments and vocational rehabilitation. I would like to see the CRTS section continue to grow in its membership and increased of the discussion board.

What is your vision for IARP during your term?

My vision for IARP is to have the VRTS section marketed to more colleges and universities throughout the country. I would also like to see the membership of the section increase.


Lisa Byrne

Describe your qualifications for the position

I feel qualified for this position as I have served as the Secretary of the IARP Illinois Chapter for three years, member for two years, and I previously held the same positions on the Illinois Deafness and Rehabilitation Association () for six years. I also have over 15 years of experience working with transitioning students and their families from high school to community colleges.

What do you hope to accomplish during your term if elected?

As secretary, I hope to assist the VRTS section with providing clear and professional communication and documentation for this section. I also plan to continue to grow this section given the need for quality vocational rehabilitation services that this population requires, and the IARP members have the skills to provide.

What is your vision for IARP during your term?

I have a grand vision (perhaps not achievable during my term, but…) that the board of education will recognize Rehab Counselors and as the accepted credential for working with transitioning youth. We have all the training and skills that this specific population and that IDEA law , which is far beyond certified teachers training.

 

Member-at-Large

Giana Ferrari Ayers

Describe your qualifications for the position

My career as a vocational rehabilitation counselor is focused on supporting students in employment and education. I have worked in a variety of educational settings as a college instructor, vocational and disability accommodations provider. I currently work as a coordinator for a vocational program for transition students diagnosed with mental health conditions. I provide students vocational counseling, job readiness, job placement and job retention supports. I also act as a disability counselor and consultant in private practice. I would love the opportunity to share my experience and learn from other rehabilitation professionals who are also dedicated to supporting transition aged youth.

What do you hope to accomplish during your term if elected?

I would like to have the opportunity to contribute to the conversation of increasing vocational rehabilitation services for youth. If elected, I would work with IARP members to educate and increase the resources available to other rehabilitation counseling professionals serving students in transition.

What is your vision for IARP during your term?

My vision is to encourage growth in youth transition education and training. As a young professional, I know how important it is to connect with other professionals and make use of available resources. During my term, I will work to increase active membership among professionals in transition services and all other areas of vocational rehabilitation.

 

0 comments
60 views

Permalink

Tag