Discovery of the Student - Interventions of each phase are built upon an initial discovery of the student. This is facilitated by the classroom teacher, inclusive of the student’s circle, and supported by project staff. The focus of this process is to “discover” the unique interests, capacities, and conditions of each individual participant.

Life Books and Visual/Narrative Profiles - Discovered information will be developed and maintained in both picture and word descriptions of the student. In Phase 1, discovery activities primarily take the form of developing a student “life book”. In Phases 2-4, discovery involves developing a Vocational Profile and representational portfolio for use in job development.

Benefits/Work Incentives Planning - Planning with the student and their family on eligible benefits and work incentives, along with assistance in utilizing SSA YTD waivers, occurs while the student participates in the various phases of the transition model.

Career Planning - Each phase of the project involves the development of an individualized plan for the targeted employment outcome. The following are the types of plans for each Phase: Phase I: a Future Vision of Work and a Vocational Plan; Phase II, III, and IV: a Work Experience Plan, Job, or Self Employment Plan is developed. This plan includes a description of the specific services and supports each participant requires to be successful.

Student Budgets - The project has a small amount of funding that will add to the student’s resources to facilitate self-directed supports and services to obtain student’s employment goals. Each student has the capability of developing a resource team to identify and support a sharing of responsibilities and resources from other funding sources to assist the student in obtaining their employment outcomes.

Development of Employment Opportunities - Each phase of the project includes specific employment outcomes to be facilitated with the student based upon the results of discovery.

Support in Jobs & Work Experiences - Each student will participate in determining the way in which they will receive support for their job or work experiences. In Phase 2, the decision making for these activities will be shared between the student, family, and teacher. In Phase 3, the student will direct those supports from their budget.

One-Stop System Coordination – MYTI Participants are supported in accessing services from the local One-Stop Career Center. Tours of the WIN Job Center are facilitated and the Disability Program Navigator is available to assist participants with using DOL funded core services for job search.

Individualized Development Accounts – Starting in project year 4, MYTI participants will have access to Individual Development Accounts (IDAs). These accounts provide an incentive-based savings mechanism with a 4 to 1 matching component for use in funding continued education, self-employment, or first-time homeownership. This IDA program is administered by MDRS, but other partners include The Peoples Bank of Biloxi and Mercy Housing and Human Development, Inc.