Field Based Technical Assistance

• What happens when a request is made?
• Who are Field Based Consultants?
• FBC Profiles
• Becoming an FBC

When a request for technical assistance is received, the FBTA Coordinator determines whether the request falls under the auspices of the Network. If so, the coordinator matches the request with an appropriate Field Based Consultant. Geographic location and Consultant expertise for addressing the request are considered when making a match. The FBC coordinator follows up each request and helps the Field Based Consultant, as needed, to negotiate a working agreement and plan activities to meet the desired outcomes.

Who are Field Based Consultants?

INKS Field Based Consultants are a group of educators, speech and language therapists, behavior support specialists, augmentative communication specialists, assistive technology specialists, and inclusion specialists across the state of Kansas who have experience with:

• Students with severe multiple disabilities and deaf-blindness

• Students with severe disabilities or low incidence disabilities and significant support needs who have benefited from positive behavior supports

• Students with severe disabilities who have benefited from transition from school to adult services

They are skilled consultants who

• understand how to encourage collaborative teaming
• know and demonstrate research-based and recommended practices in their areas of expertise
• are committed to promoting inclusion-oriented practices
• participate in ongoing, action oriented professional development
• are interested in sharing their skills and learning with others

FBC Profiles

Currently our FBCs include the following areas of expertise and experience:

Download a complete listing of Field Based Consultants and their profiles (PDF)

INK FBCs have provided services to 53 Kansas counties impacting 144 schools.
Download a complete listing of Kansas cities and number of schools impacted (PDF)

Kansas counties impacted by an INKS Field Based Consultant

Becoming an FBC

We solicit new candidates to become Field Based Consultants year-round, with application review occurring continually.

To be considered to become a Field Based Consultant (FBC) applicants are required to submit a portfolio. Your portfolio will be reviewed by a group of people familiar with the Network, its requirements, and its current geographical and content area resource needs. We evaluate applicants according to the following criteria:

1. Effective communication and interpersonal skills
2. Experience working in and developing collaborative educational teams
3. Expertise in current exemplary practices in your profession, including inclusively oriented education and community based services
4. Expertise in working in inclusive settings, like general education classrooms or community work sites
5. Understanding and supporting student's progress in the general curriculum and toward valued community roles
6. The match between the applicant's geographical location and skills with the anticipated resource needs

If you were selected as an FBC, you would be expected to spend 3-4 days a year in professional development activities, typically scheduled on weekends. In addition, you would be asked to spend up to 6 days in consultation outside your own district or employ, for which your employer would be reimbursed at your current rate of pay. If your consultation activities occur outside your typical contractual obligations, then a standard professional fee is offered. The Network reimburses travel expenses for both consultation and professional development events, and when possible, stipends are provided during non-contract professional development days.

If you are interested in applying please complete the steps of the Consultant Application Process.

An application begins with the submission of a professional portfolio. If your portfolio is favorably reviewed and your skills and location represent a good match to the Network's needs, you will be contacted for either a personal interview or observation.

Professional Portfolio
Below is a list of content materials to include in your portfolio.

• Resume or Vita
• Letters of reference (from families of current/former students, colleagues, supervisors)
• Statement of educational or professional philosophy
• Examples of your application of exemplary practice
• Schedule of your week, including team meetings
• One student's schedule or case that demonstrates your belief about exemplary practice.

You may include additional materials indicative of your skills and qualifications. We highly recommend discussing your application with the relevant representatives of your employer's administration (principal, special education director or coordinator, agency administrator, etc.).

Completed Portfolios should be mailed to:
Peter Griggs, Coordinator
Inclusive Network of Kansas
The University of Kansas
Beach Center on Disability
1200 Sunnyside Avenue - 3140 Haworth
Lawrence, KS 66045-7534

You may submit your portfolio at any time.

When you submit your portfolio you will receive confirmation and an indication of when your portfolio will be reviewed.

Assistance in developing your professional portfolio is available. Please contact Peter Griggs at griggs@ku.edu for assistance.