Blessings to Share Foundation

PROJECT PURPOSE

Our program will enhance the capabilities, functionality, and employability of some of Oklahoma?s most vulnerable population ? adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), such as autism and other neurodiverse conditions. Funding from the State will specifically be used to purchase and develop technology interventions (such as Virtual Reality and fitness technology) to be used in our CARES Club. The Blessings to Share Foundation (BTS) provides professionally developed and supervised programs and services to empower adults with IDD, whom we refer to as the Uniquely Abled. Thus, they achieve their highest potential and further their independence, while also reducing reliance on government supports. BTS?s outcomes also include reduction in unemployment and underemployment as members meet their goals and grow their life and job skills. BTS has established its CARES Coach mentorship program and is in the launch process for its CARES Club program. Both programs are based on extensive, methodical research and are built in collaboration with BTS?s community partners - Oral Roberts University, Asbury United Methodist Church, and SOAR Partners, LLC. BTS has also adopted the Unite Us platform for referrals. The CARES Club will be a tech-enabled, membership-based club which adults with IDD can attend to grow in body, mind, and spirit. The initial Club will be located in Tulsa, OK, but will then be available for replication across the State. American Rescue Plan funding would be used to purchase technology solutions for the Club which are tailored specifically to the needs of the adults with IDD whom we serve. Using these technological interventions, BTS will empower this population, which faced unprecedented challenges in health, isolation, and regression during the pandemic, both to move forward in their growth and to successfully face the challenges of similar, future world-shifting events.

EVIDENCE

Research indicates that members of the IDD community are employed at a much lower rate than neuro-typical individuals. The one major factor contributing to this disparity is the failure of many IDD individuals in passing the job interview required for employment. Recent success with a Virtual Reality Job interview Training Program (VR-JIT) has been encouraging to the IDD participants. The VR-JIT program allows IDD participants to practice answering interview questions designed for the particular job they are seeking. Practice sessions are set up with the gamification equipment which simulates an actual job interview. A coach can observe how the participant is interacting with the interview process and offer advice and encouragement to help ensure a more successful outcome when the actual interview takes place. CARES Club members will be given exposure and training with the Virtual Job interview Training Program purchased with the ARPA grant. A Job Coach will monitor the progress of each member and provide tips for improvement as well as encouragement. The ultimate goal of the VR-JIT technology is to help each CARES Club member attain gainful employment. Uniquely Abled adults who are employed are far more self-confident, independent, and socially interactive, and therefore, physically and mentally healthier.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

A New York Times article published in November 2020 presented evidence from studies showing that adults with IDD are up to three times more likely than an average U.S. citizen to pass away from contact with COVID-19. Adults with IDD are not only deeply vulnerable to the physical health dangers of the pandemic, but the mental health dangers as well. The American Journal of Psychiatry explains that this population, whom they describe to be "disproportionately isolated" even prior to the pandemic, are now experiencing an entirely new level of isolation. Several CARES members reported an even deeper feeling of isolation during the pandemic because their normal routine of meeting with friends and family in restaurants and churches was curbed. Many did not have access to computers, iPads or phones and could not take advantage of email, text messages, or Zoom meetings that most neurotypical adults were using to stay connected. When interviewed about the impact COVID-19 had on the emotional health of their members, CARES Club coaches reported that the feelings of loneliness and isolation were frequently mentioned. The compounding of these challenging issues along with already underperforming employment percentages for this demographic (29% of working-age adults with disabilities are employed, as opposed to 70% of same-aged adults without a disability) reveals a deep need for tech-enabled training tailored for the neurodiverse community.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

The BTS CARES Coaching and Club Curriculums are developed in conjunction with Oral Roberts University Schools of Social Work (led by Professor Stacey Blaylock) and Special Education (led by Dr. Evie Lindberg). Further, all Coaches possess a degree in relevant field. Each member of the CARES programs goes through a formal intake process before admission. Upon admission, an individual life plan that incorporates key goals, objectives, and development activities prescribed for this individual are documented in case management system, tracked, and reported upon in a confidential manner. BTS also will be utilizing a professional services firm (SOAR Partners) with grants and financial management administration experience and a robust tool for monitoring and reporting performance (Xpanxion GMS). Funds requested in this grant for technology devices and software, such as Fitbits, for improving health along with independent assessments by CARES Coaches and ORU faculty members involved with the program will also be essential in collecting programmatic data and project performance.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma