Education / Training

Disability Equality Training Series (DETS)

DETS 101 Class focuses on Self-Advocacy and Disability Laws

Six self-advocates are taking the DETS (Disability Equality Training Series) 101 class that’s currently being offered thru Arc Northland’s Adult, Children, and Family Services Department. These participants are strengthening their self-advocacy and assertive communication skills; exploring their values and strengths; and learning about disability laws from our history including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act),

Participants learn a great deal in the 8-week class which runs thru May 9, and they also have fun with activities including making an “About Me” Values Collage; ruling on legal issues involving disability laws in a “You Be the Judge” role-playing activity; and answering “Would You Rather?” questions in a game that helps players determine what’s truly important to them.

Makayla Hoffman (Arc Northland Intern) and Alison Stucke (Adult, Children, and Family Program Coordinator) are facilitating the class.

“It’s a wonderful class, packed with interesting topics, activities, and discussion opportunities,” Alison said. “Participating in the class is a fabulous group of self-advocates who make many interesting points and insights in discussion. I will be sad to see the class end—but participants can later go on to take DETS 102, if they’re interested!”

If you or someone you know might be interested in participating in the next DETS 101 class (to be offered starting May 2022), please contact Alison at 218-726-4746 or astucke@artnorthland.org .

Arc Northland’s Pre-ETS Program is up and running to help students transition to work

It’s official: Arc Northland’s new Pre-ETS (Pre-Employment Transition Services) program is now up and running! An area high school student referred to us by the State of Minnesota’s Vocational Rehabilitation Services is exploring careers by viewing Virtual Job Shadow videos, participating in Self-Reflection and Goal-Setting Activities at Explore-Work.com, and completing the Career Clusters Interest Survey (CCIS) that matches a person’s interests to career clusters based on the activities they most enjoy. Adult, Children, and Family Program Coordinator Alison Stucke facilitates pre-ETS with students referred to Arc Northland by VRS staff from the counties that we serve.

“Working with a student in pre-ETS is one of the most rewarding parts of my job,” Alison said. “It’s fabulous to see students discover their career interests and then explore jobs that they’re excited about in those fields.”

Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) are activities that provide an early start at job exploration for students with disabilities ages 14-21 to assist with transitioning from school to postsecondary education or employment. Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) are available to students who are eligible and potentially eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation Services.

Pre-ETS includes these five services: Job Exploration Counseling; Work-Based Learning Experiences; Postsecondary Education Counseling; Workplace Readiness Training; and Instruction in Self-Advocacy. Services are available to students who have one of the following:

-An Individualized Education Program (IEP)
-A 504 plan
-A record or note from a mental health or medical provider
-A Social Security Administration (SSA) beneficiary award letter

For more information on Arc Northland’s Pre-ETS Services, contact contact Alison at 218-726-4746 or astucke@artnorthland.org.

To learn more about Pre-ETS, Click on the following link:  pre-ets-desk-aid_tcm1045-308172