WINDMILLS

WINDMILLS was from the very beginning, and remains to this day, a program to shatter attitudinal barriers.  In 1981, the California Governor’s Committee on Employment of the Handicapped (Governor’s Committee) identified employers’ attitudes and misconceptions as major barriers to increasing the employment rate of people with disabilities.  With the support of an EDD and CETA grant, the Governor’s Committee developed the concept for WINDMILLS.  WINDMILLS is a non-profit product owned and managed by Friends of Californians With a Disability, Inc.  Net proceeds are used to further programs to enhance the employment opportunities for those with a disability.

Since its inception, the Governor’s Committee and Friends of Californians With Disabilities, Inc., a 501 C3 non-profit organization, have overseen several revisions that have modified WINDMILLS to reflect the most current language, laws, technology and social trends that relate to the culture of disability.

Most recently, in 2008 two new modules were added to include emotional disabilities and traumatic brain injuries.  The revision was supported by the California Health Incentives Improvement Project (CHIIP), Interwork Institute-San Diego University, and partially funded under a Medicaid Infrastructure Grant for the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

 

Read About...WINDMILLS MODULES

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Goals and Objectives

• Build a spirit of Teamwork
• Present a better understanding of legal concerns
• Lower lost time costs
• Create a pathway for conflict resolution
• Reduce human relationship differences
• Workplace accommodation issues
• Increase communications

WINDMILLS was designed to include all aspects of the workforce and accademic populations. From administrators at the highest level to frontline personnel and staff, from college deans to students, WINDMILLS has met the challenge.

How WINDMILLS is implemented

WINDMILLS is an interactive learning experience delivered by a trainer who has been well-schooled in the concept of WINDMILLS. Ideally, each trainer has begun their training experience in the WINDMILLS Training for Trainers experience (see Training for Trainers).

The key to a successful training experience depends greatly on the trainer. We are pleased to be part of a nationwide network of professionals who have many experiences in the WINDMILLS program and are the best of the best trainers. It is imperative that a qualified individual administer the training. Contact our office to inquire about receiving training and the Training for Trainers programs. 

 

The WINDMILLS Training Kit

Although several different combinations of kits can be purchased, the complete package includes:

• Hard covered WINDMILLS binder with division tabs 
• Hardcopy printout of the WINDMILLS Training Manual
• A set of three audio, narrative CD’s by Richard Pimentel
• A set of the Empathy Cards to accompany the Empathy Module  
• Pre and Post Surveys

What is Included in the manual

• Sample situations and solutions of job accommodation concerns
• A list and description of resource videos and films
• A guide to Acceptable Terminology 
• A guide to Acceptable Etiquette
• An overview of disability legislation starting with the ADA
• An extensive list of resources that cover the following areas:

 •   Employment   •     Major Federal offices with contact information   •  Each state’s Vocational Rehabilitation Office and related supportive programs    •     Making Facilities Readily Accessible    •     Organizational contacts for specific disabilities

WINDMILLS-Training for Trainers (T for T)

A T for T program is held over a minimum of two and one-half consecutive days and is considered to be a foundation on which the Trainer Each of the first two days consists of teaching the techniques and administering each of the modules, history and goals of the WINDMILLS and credentialing. The third day is generally reserved for role-playing.

Individuals who have attended a T for T session within the last two years qualify to initiate the credentialing process.

Credentials

Obtaining a credential is a new process that accompanies the publication of the 2009 edition of WINDMILLS. Credentialing consists of participating in a T for T program, a follow-up interview, and documentation of on-going training experiences.