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ABOUT PROJECT TEAMS

Since 2002, Project TEAMS (Transition, Employment, Advocacy, Mentoring and Self-Determination) has been working to promote self-determination among transition age youth with developmental disabilities. using the Take Charge for the Future model, developed by Oregon Health Sciences University, and modified by Project TEAMS, our staff works side-by-side with Special Education teachers and other school staff, parents, and supports to encourage students with developmental disabilities to explore their futures. The students develop skills such as self-advocacy, problem solving, dreaming about the future, setting short and long-term goals, asking for support, and most importantly, believing in themselves as they prepare to TAKE CHARGE of their futures. 

Project TEAMS is in its third cycle of funding through grants awarded by the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities. The current grant, Beyond Project TEAMS, is a continuation of Project TEAMS and is funded through January 31, 2007. This program is offered by PRIDE Industries, a private non-profit corporation committed to creating jobs for people with disabilities. In addition to working in Special Education classrooms, Beyond Project TEAMS promotes systemic change through collaboration with university staff and future Special Education teachers, sponsoring a Northern California and Southern California conference and hosting four teleconferences.

 

What are the requirements of being a participant of TAKE CHARGE?

Project TEAMS is funded by the State Council on Developmental Disabilities; students who have an identified developmental disability are able to participate at this time. Students should be able to respond verbally, physically, through an electronic device or with support. (top of page)

How can students participate in TAKE CHARGE?

TAKE CHARGE is currently being offered in high schools in fourteen Northern California counties: Sacramento, Placer, Yuba, Sutter, Nevada, Yolo, El Dorado, Colusa, Alpine, Sierra, Solano, Napa, San Joaquin, and Stanislaus. Targeted schools were chosen for the 2004 – 2006 year based on the service design for the State Council on Development Disabilities grant. Please call the Project TEAMS office at 800-550-5005 ext. 2246 or email TEAMS@prideindusties.com for more information. (top of page)

For more information about the Take Charge Curriculum created by the Oregon Health Institute on Disability and Development, Oregon Health Sciences University Center on Self-Determination, please contact:
 

Alison C. Turner M.Ed.
Portland State University
P.O. Box 751
Portland, OR 97207
503.725.9608
turneral@pdx.edu


Why was TAKE CHARGE chosen as the curriculum for Project TEAMS?

TAKE CHARGE was selected due to its successful history with students with disabilities, as well as its reputation for being an innovative and adaptable curriculum for students with developmental disabilities. (top of page)

What will a student learn going through TAKE CHARGE?

In the TAKE CHARGE program, students learn how to express their dreams, set goals, organize and facilitate an education planning meeting (IEP) or a transition--planning meeting (ITP) and advocate for themselves. (top of page)

How long are the classes?

In general, training sessions are 90 minutes long, twice a week, for 6 weeks. Alternately, a 3-hour workshop is an option. (top of page)

How can I get involved?

Parent or guardian volunteers are always welcomed by Project TEAMS. Please contact us if you would like to volunteer in the classroom; Project TEAMS will coordinate your involvement with the school staff in compliance with district policies. Also, Project TEAMS schedules Parent Orientation and Parent Workshops. (top of page)

How can I reach Project TEAMS?

By phone: PRIDE Industries 800-550-6005
By email: TEAMS@prideindustries.com
By mail: PRIDE Industries, 10030 Foothills Boulevard, Roseville, CA 95747

Or reach a TEAMS member personally:

Sally Bain, Project TEAMS Grant Manager
(916) 788-2286
sbain@prideindustries.com

Cheryl Kitowski , Project TEAMS Trainer
(916) 788-2240
ckitowski@prideindustries.com

Elisha Rurka, Project TEAMS Trainer
(916) 788-2226
erurka@prideindustries.com

Tori Jo Bates, Project TEAMS Trainer
(916) 788-2227
tbates@prideindustries.com 

What can you tell me about PRIDE Industries?

PRIDE Industries was founded in 1966 by parents whose vision for their children with developmental disabilities was vocational training, work experience and self-sufficiency. PRIDE Industries embraced the vision of these parents, creating a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting personal independence and individual contribution to community. Throughout our history, PRIDE Industries has created employment opportunities for individuals facing personal, social, and physical challenges. We have received recognition for “Best Practices” in customer services, operations, and service delivery. An individual with a disability has the opportunity to choose from an array of employment-related services: assessment, vocational exploration, situational assessment, career counseling, on-the-job training, work experience, job seeking skills, job placement, on-the-job support, and independent living skills.

For more information on PRIDE Industries opportunities and services call 800-550-6005 or log on http://www.prideindustries.com
(top of page)

What schools have participated?

Colusa County:

  • County Transition Program

El Dorado County:

  • El Dorado High School
  • Golden Sierra School
  • Oak Ridge High School
  • Union Mine School
  • Ponderosa High School

Napa County:

  • Napa High School
  • Napa Transition Program
  • Redwood Middle School

Placer County:
  • Challenge High School
  • Colfax High School
  • Del Oro High School
  • Oakmont High School
  • PCOE - Post-Secondary Special Day Class
  • Placer High School
  • Rocklin High School
  • Roseville High School
  • Sierra College
  • Woodcreek High School

Sacramento County:
  • Arden Middle School
  • Bella Vista High School
  • Center High School
  • Center Junior High School
  • Cordova High School
  • CSUS - Community Transition Program
  • Edward Harris, Jr. Middle School
  • Encino High School
  • Florin High School
  • Folsom High School
  • Highlands High School
  • Hiram Johnson High School
  • Laurel Ruff High School
  • Luther Burbank High School
  • Mitchell Middle School
  • Monterey Trails High School
  • Rio Americano High School
  • Samuel Jackman Middle School

Solano County:

  • Armijo High School
  • Dixon High School

Sutter County:

  • Yuba City High School
  • Yuba College

Yolo County:

  • Davis High School
  • Pioneer High School
  • River City High School
  • Washington Unified School District Transition to Adult Living Program
  • Woodland High School

Yuba County:

What are participants saying about Project TEAMS?

Here are some quotes from participants about Project TEAMS:

Stephanie, Regional Center Service Coordinator:
“This was, hands down, the best IEP I’ve ever attended.”

Tawnya, Parent:
“TAKE CHARGE has helped Carlos’ self-esteem so much. He was so proud of himself. His Papa was so proud that he could get up in front of a group and read so well. Carlos said to me, I miss Tuesday and Thursday…you know, PRIDE. Tell them I miss them. He has gained so much confidence and empowerment from doing TAKE CHARGE. Thank you.”

Chris, WorkAbility staff:
“You guys have done a great job, a really great job. I would be happy to support you. You guys are the best.”

Kathy, Classroom Aide:
“You guys deserved a lot of credit, I mean, these guys have come such a far way. This has taken a lot of hard work and patience on your part. You all should be commended.”

Pam, Teacher:
“The thing I liked the best about Project TEAMS was that you came into my classroom believing in each and every one of my students.”

Gail, Parent:
“Thank you for the time you spent with the students; your validation that each person is important is empowering.”

Maureen, Assistant Superintendent:
“Thank you for all you do for our folks.”

Terri, Special Education:
“Thanks for your outstanding efforts.”

Nakie, Special Education:
“With Project TEAMS coming in we are making students more accountable for their own future.”

Cathy, WorkAbility:
“As we were starting the goal planning process I thought, how are these kids ever going to get this? Then as I was driving Shannon to her job she started talking out a problem that she was worried about and verbally went through the steps that she needed to take and solved her problem and set a goal, right before my eyes. She would never have been able to do that without TAKE CHARGE, I was just so amazed and impressed. I thought, this stuff really works.”

Donny, Special Education:
“I have to tell you, I am totally blown away by this TAKE CHARGE thing. I have seen big changes in my students, and Kristina even brought her goals and dreams to her IEP, I was so impressed. This never happened before, you guys are doing a great job! Thank you.”

Student:
"My favorite part of Take Charge for the Future was learning and having fun and planning my meeting.

Student:
"This taught me how to speak to others without being scared and not being shy to talk to others. I was the MC."

Student:
"I liked talking in front of the group and doing the dream poster. I like the microphone and liked learning how to look people in the eye."

Student:
"Like learning how to set goals, was good step by step."

Student:
"I liked the work we did and how we could show our family."

Parent:
"When my daughter led her own IEP, it was as if her value barometer went up a thousand points. Everyone was focused on my daughter, and I loved that."

Parent:
"Kids did a great job, very happy to hear my daughter speak in public for the first time."

Parent:
"What a great experience to see the students setting goals and asking for support. What a wonderful class!"

Parent:
"TAKE CHARGE is a great program. It made my son realize what he wanted to do after high school. I used to make all the decisions, now he is telling me what he wants."

(top of page)


PRIDE Web Logo Project TEAMS funded by a grant from California State Council on Developmental Disabilities