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April 2012 AFP and Employment Strategies. I. Alliance for Full Participation. AFP is a formal partnership of leading national I/DD organizations with a common vision – to create a better and more fulfilling quality of life for people with I/DD.
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April 2012 AFP and Employment Strategies I
Alliance for Full Participation • AFP is a formal partnership of leading national I/DD organizations with a common vision – to create a better and more fulfilling quality of life for people with I/DD. • Vision: That People with I/DD and their families realize the promise of integration, productivity, independence and quality of life choices.
AFP History… • Founded in 2003 as a collaboration of key stakeholders. • 2005 hosted first national summit. • 2009 launched a new campaign: “Real Jobs – It’s Everyone’s Business”. Goal: Double employment by 2015! • 2011 Employment First Summit.
AFP Vision for Employment • Employment expectations are the same for all; • Education settings assist in raising expectations; • Person is the focus of the employment process; • Discovering interests and experiences are important; • Customization, choice, and natural supports ensure satisfaction and retention; • Career development is always a consideration; • Employment is in regular, competitive, inclusive settings. • Interactions and relationships are valued; • Compensated at or above minimum wage, up to prevailing wage.
AFP - Illinois State Team • 30 diverse members statewide and growing; • Team includes self advocates and families; • Completed “score card” (IL did not score well…); • Identifying priorities; • Advocacy role and provide input and leadership on the development of key public policy; • Governors Task Force (overlap of membership and collaboration); • Illinois – Employment First Summit
Olmstead Supreme Court Decision • As described the DOJ website: Olmstead v. L.C. is a ruling that requires states to eliminate the unnecessary segregation of persons with disabilities and ensure that persons with disabilities receive services in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs. • Where do sheltered workshops fit in?
National Efforts to End Subminimum Wage for People with Disabilities • “Ensuring that Americans with disabilities receive equal pay for equal work is more than a matter of basic fairness, it’s a long-overdue acknowledgement of the value disabled Americans contribute to our workplaces every day,” said Rep. Tim Bishop, D-N.Y., who introduced the bill along with Rep. Cliff Stearns, R-Fla. (disabilityscoop, Oct. 2011)
Join Team AFP-Illinois Email Kim Zoeller kimz@raygraham.org
Think outside the box… • Yes, you can transition your sheltered work program to a more beneficial model of services (it’s about people not programs). • Micro-Business Development is a great option for people. • Use existing fund streams creatively!! • Collaboration! • Willingness to take a risk and think outside of the box! • Encourage families to push….