Overview and key components of the ADOPT Toolkit

ADOPT is designed to be:

• Relationship-centered: It supports the delivery of customer-centered, family-centered, community-oriented support to Asian (and other immigrant) job-seekers with disabilities.

• Targeted on capacity building and systems change: It focuses on recognized and demonstrated gaps in access to VR services and employment and training to improve the economic status of individuals with disabilities.

• Culturally and linguistically appropriate: Its strategies and service delivery are tailored to the unique needs of diverse customers.

• Community-based, participatory, and collaborative: It promotes open discussions that allow for the input of key stakeholders from all sectors.

The information collected by ADOPT has been synthesized and incorporated into practical strategies and recommendations. Throughout its development, we took a community capacity approach to outreach as illustrated in Appendix B. With input from the project advisory board as well as key stakeholders and university students, UIC staff have compiled and summarized state-of-the-art outreach strategies that can help to build the capacity of DRS providers to work with Asian communities.

The toolkit is designed to help VR professionals and staff understand the needs, challenges, and opportunities to improve access for and participation of AAWDs. It offers an exciting approach to outreach based on evidence and fieldwork experience. It is divided into three parts that introduce VR professionals to a broad spectrum of outreach strategies and model practices and programs.

Each chapter contains practical information and cultural insights. These strategies for outreach, fact sheets, and resources all will help DRS to reach out effectively to Asian American communities in the Chicago area. The ADOPT toolkit contains educational information and resources for proactive outreach. Ultimately, this toolkit will help all DRS staff and partners to connect with disabled individuals of all cultural and linguistic backgrounds and provide them with meaningful VR services and employment. It serves as a bridge to improving VR access and outcomes for AAWDs and other individuals with disabilities.

Rather than take a passive approach to service delivery, VR professionals and their partners can use this toolkit to be proactive in reaching out to hard-to-engage communities to participate in DRS services and programs. Using a combination of strategies, VR counselors and staff can learn about the Asian American communities of Chicago and begin to think out of the box.