WOA 100: Systematic Instruction: Teaching, Learning and Retaining Jobs

Washington State Registration

Even the most complex tasks, if broken down and taught using the techniques of Systematic Instruction, can be learned and mastered by people with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

Here is a chance for those who support people with disabilities to learn and practice these powerful techniques, and dramatically enhance their ability to teach people new tasks at home, in the community and in the workplace.

The course consists of 4 instructor-led webinars and offline skill-building activities. The instructors will guide the learner through concepts including:

designing tasks
analyzing how and where to focus teaching
different teaching strategies
facilitating job starts
fading supports
use of diverse supports such as natural, visual and customized supports
long-term retention and follow-along services

Instructors will also cover intersecting topics such as learning styles, teaching strategies and understanding behavior throughout the series.

This Course is part of the Wise Online Academy Customized ACRE-certified Employment Specialist Core Training Series. Read more about the series and ACRE certification by clicking here.

Winter Course Dates:

March 3 - 1-2:30pm PT, 4-5:30pm ET
March 6 - 1-2:30pm PT, 4-5:30pm ET
March 13 - 1-2:30pm PT, 4-5:30pm ET
March 20 - 1-2:30pm PT, 4-5:30pm ET

Virtual location

You will receive a confirmation email with a URL.

Meet the Trainers

Robyn Slocom, Wise, Senior Training & TA Manager

Robyn joined Wise in 2015 with over 25 years of comprehensive field experience serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a myriad of roles. BA degrees in Psychology and Sociology/Social Work and a Master’s degree in Business Administration seem like an odd combination, but not for Robyn; she loves to both explore the “big picture” of any situation and to figure out how to make the “details” really work. She found a perfect fit with Wise, where she can focus on change management, consulting, training, and empowering people. She loves to apply Lean Management techniques to organizational and employment program practices, focusing on value-added and person-centered activities while requirements are met in a more manageable way. Robyn lives near Portland and loves to enjoy natural beauty with her family, whether it be camping, fishing, traveling, or her personal favorite, visiting a beautiful beach!

Seeking more independence or more success at work? Not sure how to set up a fading plan from the beginning? Need some additional teaching and assessment strategies for success? Struggling to break down steps in a way that works for the business and the employee? Wondering how to foster natural supports? Robyn would love to put her over 25 years of experience in the field to work and explore how person-centered application of systematic instruction and lean management techniques can answer these questions and more with you.

Heather Wvans, Wise, Training & TA Manager

Heather Evans is rooted in the intrinsic worth of all humans, and has had the joy and privilege of working for people with I/DD and their communities for over 20 years. She joins Wise with extensive experience in Supported Employment, from developing new SE Programs, Customized Employment, and leading teams to Legislative Advocacy, certifying direct service providers as Mental Health First Aiders and managing Organizational Development. She has provided technical assistance to organizations around Systematic Instruction, Customized Job Development, Mentoring Leaders, Mental Health First Aid, Person Centered Planning, Program Development, and several other best practices in Supported Employment. Heather is proud to have completed her Work Incentive Practitioner Credentialing Certificate from Cornell University and is excited to work with the BenefitU team.

She is especially passionate about the inherent right of people to have agency in their lives, and helping Supported Employment practitioners understand how centering the job seeker makes the work of Supported Employment so much more successful. As president elect for the Pacific Northwest Partners for Work Rotary club, she is also learning about how powerful Rotary is for Supported Employment!

When she is not working, you will most likely find her hanging with friends and family or with her hands in the dirt. She is a plant enthusiast and has an extensive indoor plant collection in addition to full front and back yard gardens. She grows plants for fun, medicine, and food. She is an avid backpacker, spending time in the woods and mountains. Lastly, she is very active in community mutual aid.