National Data

~~This webinar discusses the process of how to start the process of provider transformation beginning with the decision to move forward, taking the first step and finding champions.  Other topics include leadership buy-in, and funding alignment and sources.

~~This webinar has presentations on how organizations in Iowa and Vermont went through the process of provider transformation

~~A critical priority for the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) and other Federal agencies is to invest in systems-change efforts that result in increased competitive, integrated employment opportunities for individuals with significant disabilities. This priority is reflected in the growing national movement called Employment First, a framework for systems change centered on the premise that all youth and adults with disabilities, including those with the most significant disabilities, are capable of full participation in competitive, integrated employment and community life. Under this approach, state government entities are urged to align policies, regulatory guidance, and reimbursement structures to promote and support competitive, integrated employment as the priority option of publicly-financed day and employment services for all youth and adults with disabilities.

Understanding the rights of individuals with disabilities and the responsibility of state and local entities to comply with the civil rights obligations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) can provide a framework to support the implementation of Employment First initiatives in states. The following brief highlights various legal actions by Federal enforcement agencies that have significant implications for how states prioritize and deliver services for individuals with disabilities. These actions relate to the organization, financing, and provision of employment and long-term services and supports consistent with an Employment First framework, and reinforce the principle that competitive, integrated employment is a critical component for citizens with disabilities in developing a full and meaningful life in the community.

This technical brief is the second of a four-part series highlighting current Federal policies, regulations, resources, and the legal framework that collectively promote Employment First initiatives across the country.

Federal public policy has consistently promoted the vision that all individuals with disabilities have access to the supports they need to secure and sustain a job in the community, earn a livable wage, build assets, and advance socioeconomically. This focus reflects a growing national movement called Employment First, a systems change framework for improving service delivery systems that is centered on the premise that all youth and adults with disabilities, including those with the most significant disabilities, are capable of full participation in competitive, integrated employment and community life. Under this approach, publicly-financed systems are urged to align policies, funding structures, and service delivery practices toward a commitment to competitive, integrated employment as the priority outcome of education and long-term supports and services for youth and adults with disabilities. Many states have formally committed to establishing an Employment First framework through official executive order or formal legislative action.

The following technical brief is the first in a four-part series, and provides an overview of Federal policy guidance and administrative regulations that support systems change efforts to enhance competitive, integrated employment outcomes for youth and adults with disabilities.

~~This webinar has two parts. Dr. Stephen Hall speaks on “How to Succeed When Not Everyone Agrees with You”.  Then Genni Sasnett presents “Decentralizing Service Delivery to Support  Employment and Other Community Based Services.“

~~This webinar has three presentations: one by Dr. Douglas Klayman on the DRIVE site and two by Dr. Rachel Pollock on “Community Pre-Vocational Services” and “Consortium for Customized Employment.”

~~This webinar has three presentations:  Rick McAllister speaks on “Building an Outcome-Oriented Vision by Developing Mid-level Management”; Tom Wilds discusses “The Role of Governing Boards & Senior Staff in Provider Transformation”; Nancy Gurney covers “Using Benchmarks to Create Your Vision.” 

~~Presented by Serena Lowe, ODEP, Genni Sasnett from St. John's Community Services, andThomas Macy, an EFSLMP National Subject Matter Expert, this webinar covers such subjects as the mission and value of fully community-based services for persons with disabilities becoming employed 

~~Serena Lowe, Senior Policy Advisor, ODEPCary Griffin, Griffin-Hammis Associates, MontanaEllen Condon, Project Director, Rural Institute on Disabilities, University of MontanaIssues discussed in this webinar include: staff training opportunities; competencies in skills such as communications, problem solving, planning and organization, and support strategies; and leadership development that promotes community employment.

~~Using examples, the presenters discuss how established agencies have changed to a community-based program to help persons with disabilities get and retain employment. Other topics include barriers to employment for persons in day services, how to bridge service gaps, and the benefits of braiding services.