Presentation Transcript

1. Joanne Cashman, Ed.D. Director The IDEA Partnership at The National Association of State Directors of Special Education ( NASDSE) www.ideapartnership.org 1-877-IDEA INFo IDEA Partnership@NASDSE 2013

2. Get In the Picture: Connecting with Efforts to Improve Community and Employment Outcomes

   National Transition Community of Practice Webinar Team: Joan Kester, Senior Research Associate, George Washington University, Mid-Atlantic Technical Assistance & Continuing Education Center Linda Tasco, Director of Program Services at Dept. of Economic Security/Division of Developmental Disabilities, Arizona Melissa Flor, Special Education Program Specialist, SD Department of Education National Association of State Directors of Special Education, IDEA Partnership staff: Mariola Rosser, Senior Project Associate Joanne Cashman, Director Mironda Shepard, Project Assistant March 27, 2013 IDEA Partnership@NASDSE 2013
3. 2nd in a 3 Part Webinar Series First Webinar: February 20, 2013 2:00 – 3:30 PM ET - Get the Picture: Life after schooling for students with moderate and significant disabilities: http://tadnet.adobeconnect.com/p4jg930ee05/. This Webinar: Get in the Picture: Connecting with Efforts to Improve Community and Employment Outcomes 3rd Webinar: April 24, 2013 2:00 – 3:30 PM ET - Change the Picture:  A Shared Commitment to Improving Futures, Access information: Adobe Connect link: http://tadnet.adobeconnect.com/nsttac/, Dial: 1-800-201-2375, Participant code: 611914# IDEA Partnership@NASDSE 2013
4. Purpose of this Webinar This webinar will showcase many exciting national initiatives which promote integrated, competitive employment for transitioning youth with disabilities. Participants will learn about the goals of each initiative, cross-stakeholder engagement, how to connect to state and local projects, where to tap into resources, and have an opportunity for dialogue. IDEA Partnership@NASDSE 2013
5. Employment Initiatives Get in the Picture by learning about these employment initiatives: National Governor’s Association’s A Better Bottom Line: Employment of People with Disabilities Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation Transition and Employment Priorities Administration on Developmental Disabilities Systems Change Projects Employment First Social Security Administration: Youth Demonstration Projects Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration efforts IDEA Partnership@NASDSE 2013
6. A Better Bottom Line: Employing People with Disabilities NGA Chair’s Initiative 2012-13 Delaware Governor Jack Markell March 2013 Lauren Stewart, Senior Policy Analyst National Governors Association IDEA Partnership@NASDSE 2013
7. IDEA Partnership@NASDSE 2013
8. What are we doing? Work to date: Sessions with Governors at the NGA Winter Meeting; Two experts roundtables; Over 50 meetings with subject matter experts July 2012-present. IDEA Partnership@NASDSE 2013
9. What are we learning? I. Integrate disability employment within mainstream II. Raise expectations for persons with disabilities III. Share responsibility for moving the needle IDEA Partnership@NASDSE 2013
10. What are states doing now? NGA Framework to Governors: Making this part of the state workforce strategy Employment First States as Leaders and Model Employers Early Intervention and High Expectations Youth transition and culture change Ending ‘train and pray’ by securing employer partners Pathways to Employment initiative in Minnesota ConnectAbility IDEA Partnership@NASDSE 2013
11. Where are we going? Upcoming events: Two State Policy Institutes and a Blueprint to Governors to be released at the Annual Meeting, capturing what we’ve learned and outlining a framework for action going forward. IDEA Partnership@NASDSE 2013
12. How can you support this work? Use your connections to students to set high expectations for individuals with disabilities. Old expectation: “Will I get a job? New expectation: “What job will I get?” Engage your own networks to promote awareness about the skills and abilities of people with disabilities Consider each state’s policy framework and align your efforts to the maximum extent possible IDEA Partnership@NASDSE 2013
13. A Better Bottom Line: Employing People with Disabilities Lauren Stewart Senior Policy Analyst National Governors Association March 2013 IDEA Partnership@NASDSE 2013 lstewart@nga.org | 202.624.5332

14. Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)

    Andrea Guest, Chair, CSAVR Transition Services Committee & Executive Director, DE Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Joan Kester, Senior Research Associate, George Washington University, Mid-Atlantic Technical Assistance & Continuing Education Center IDEA Partnership@NASDSE 2013
15. Overview of VR Initiatives The purpose of the Rehab. Act and VR program nationally is to empower individuals with disabilities to maximize employment, economic self‑sufficiency, independence, and inclusion and integration into society Council of State Administrators of VR (CSAVR): Transition Services Committee CSAVR VR-Business Network Examples of Employment Initiatives Delaware Early Start Supported Employment Mid-Atlantic Transition Leadership Council – Models of Replication IDEA Partnership@NASDSE 2013
16. CSAVR Transition Services Committee: National Efforts VR recognizes transition as a priority Federal monitoring – one of the 3 focus areas. White paper on transition – legislative impact (career development phase) Committee focus to share best practices in transition to employment White paper: http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=4&cad=rja&ved=0CEsQFjAD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rehabnetwork.org%2Fcommittees%2F10%2Fts%2FCSAVR%2520Position%2520Paper%2520on%2520%2520Transition%2520Services.docx&ei=eDlDUbPsHoXF4APxr4D4Ag&usg=AFQjCNE_2ERZ0fnQDLPKDgjww82T1CTdxA&sig2=FUOvvDg9B4RPBkiTszO-Ng&bvm=bv.43828540,d.dmg How to connect: CSAVR Website, http://www.rehabnetwork.org/ IDEA Partnership@NASDSE 2013

17. The NationalVR-Business Network

    Nationwide Efforts Source: PowerPoint developed by Kathy West-Evans, Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR), Director of Business Relations, http://www.rehabnetwork.org/busrel/ IDEA Partnership@NASDSE 2013
18. Key Concepts Customer-Driven Networks Building and Sustaining a Business Partnership Network: “One Company” Approach
19. Dual Customer Approach This term describes a customer service strategy that recognizes both INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES and EMPLOYERS or business as a customer. We are responsible for educating employers about the benefits of accommodations and assistive technology. This requires a dual customer approach in the delivery of services. 32nd IRI, "The VR-Business Network: Charting Your Course“ located at http://iriforum.org/download/32nd%20IRI_VRBusiness_Network.pdf IDEA Partnership@NASDSE 2013
20. National VR-Business Network Through this national network, there is a Point of Contact in each public VR state agency. Beyond this VR initiative, there may be many other priorities and projects of the public VR agency. Here is a link to the state contacts: http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/vrpractices/busdev.html IDEA Partnership@NASDSE 2013
21. Mid-Atlantic Transition Leadership Council: Regional Initiative The GW Technical Assistance & Continuing Education Center supports this learning community, comprised of VR and Special Education State-level Transition Coordinators The purpose of the group is to create a venue to brainstorm with peers, to share existing resources, to develop needed tools/resources, and to share effective practices. IDEA Partnership@NASDSE 2013
22. Mid-Atlantic Transition Leadership Council: Models of Replication Models of Replication Webinar Series: First one showcased the Start on Success model from Maryland, a partnership between VR and a provider agency to create paid internships for recently transitioned youth, which leads to competitive employment. To date – Delaware and Virginia are replicating the model! The group is working on developing a series of webinar to showcase models of replication. IDEA Partnership@NASDSE 2013
23. Delaware Early Start Supported Employment Project: State Initiative The Early Start to Supported Employment (ESSE) project started in 2005 with the goal of providing a more seamless transition for students who would benefit from supported employment services when leaving school and entering the adult workforce. An interagency project team was established to guide the pilot work. IDEA Partnership@NASDSE 2013
24. Delaware Early Start Supported Employment Project Team The team was instrumental to the success of the project, and included representatives from: Delaware Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS) Delaware Department of Education (DOE) Higher education Participating local school districts A parent of a young adult IDEA Partnership@NASDSE 2013
25. Delaware Early Start Supported Employment Project Funding The agencies pledged to creatively use existing funds to achieve their goals. As the transition-aged young adults pass predefined checkpoints (milestones) on the way to their employment goals, DVR uses allocated transition funds. DDS provides follow-along funds to ensure individuals and families receive support, information, and counseling as needed and to maintain continuous contact through the various stages of the individual's life. DOE contributes funds on a case-by-case basis with the emphasis on primary funding from the other two systems. IDEA Partnership@NASDSE 2013
26. Delaware Early Start Supported Employment Project Impact A range of providers have successfully collaborated within existing rules and resources, committing to involve a wide range of entities, including the adult service providers. This team met regularly to identify successes, challenges and solutions. The need for accountability and input from everyone is supported and expected as a condition of participation and has led to the project's evolving success. IDEA Partnership@NASDSE 2013

27. Projects of National Significance:Partnerships in Employment Systems Change

    Presented by Larissa R. Crossen, Program Specialist Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Administration for Community Living U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (202) 690-5999 larissa.crossen@aoa.hhsgov
28. Agenda Discuss the purpose and objectives of the Partnerships in Employment Systems Change grants Identify AIDD’s Partnerships in Employment Systems Change grants, Employment T&TA grant, and Employment Evaluation contract Discuss AIDD’s Community of Practice (CoP) grant
29. PNS: Partnerships in Employment Systems Change grants Purpose: To enhance collaboration across existing State systems, including programs administered by State Developmental Disabilities agencies, State Vocational Rehabilitation agencies, State Educational agencies, and other entities to increase competitive employment for youth and young adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
30. PNS: Partnerships in Employment Systems Change Grants Objectives: Development of policies that support competitive employment in integrated settings as the first and desired outcomes for youth and young adults with developmental disabilities and intellectual disabilities Removal of systemic barriers to competitive employment in integrated settings Implementation of strategies and best practices that improve employment outcomes for youth and young adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities Enhanced statewide collaborations that can facilitate the transition process from secondary and post-secondary school, or other vocational training settings, to competitive employment integrated settings.
31. PNS: Partnerships in Employment Systems Change grants:Design Required Partners for Consortium State Developmental Disabilities Council State Department of Rehabilitation Agency State Intellectual Disabilities/Developmental Agency State Educational Agency
32. PNS: Partnerships in Employment Systems Change grants: Design Optional Partners: Protection and Advocacy Systems University for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service Non-profit organizations lead by individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, and/or families of such individuals, who have demonstrated expertise and experience in improving outcomes for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities State Agency supported by the U.S. Department of Labor administering an employment training program
33. PNS: Partnerships in Employment Systems Change grants: Design Optional Partners Continued: Entities providing pre-vocational, supported employment services to youth and young adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities, and Community Rehabilitation providers Public and Private Employers Other entities with demonstrated expertise and experience in improving competitive employment outcomes in integrated settings for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities
34. PNS: Partnerships in Employment Systems Change grants: Requirements: Develop innovative strategies to exchange and transfer knowledge and best practices between member of the consortium and other statewide systems Develop an employment work group aimed at developing and implementing new policy and systems change necessary to translate that policy to practice Develop support models for providing education, pre-vocational services, and training that effectively prepare and transition youth with developmental and intellectual disabilities from secondary or post-secondary education to competitive employment in integrated settings.
35. PNS: Partnerships in Employment Systems Change grants: Requirements: Explore ways to stimulate the development of a wider array of service providers supporting access to, and maintaining retention, in competitive employment in integrated settings Develop a method to provide on-going training and technical assistance to State systems Develop on-going partnerships with provider organizations which actively encourage organizational transformation and reallocation of resources to programs and services that emphasize competitive employment in integrated settings.
36. PNS: Partnerships in Employment Systems Change grants: Current Employment Grants 1) Regents of the University of California 2) Mississippi Department of Mental Health 3) Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities 4) Iowa Department of Human Services 5) Curator of the University of Missouri 6) University of Rochester, NY 7 Governor’s Council on Disabilities ands Special Education, AK 8) Vanderbilt University, TN
37. PNS: Partnerships in Employment Systems Change grants: Training and Technical Assistance In September 2011, AIDD awarded a Training and Technical Assistance grants to support the employment efforts of the grants. The Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) currently serves as the Training and Technical Assistance provider for the Partnerships for Employment Systems Change grants. In their efforts to provide training and technical assistance, ICI will develop communities of practice designed to share knowledge and resources for systems change, discuss ideas to address employment challenges, promote collaboration and understanding, and build skills. ICI will also provide assistance in developing performance benchmarking.
38. PNS: Partnerships in Employment Systems Change grants: Evaluation Contract In September 2011, AIDD also awarded an evaluation contract. The Lewin Group currently serves as the third party evaluation contractor has developed a systems change evaluation of the Partnerships for Employment Change grants to inform AIDD and its partners how to best work to support competitive, integrated employment systems for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
39. Community of Practice (CoP) In September 2012, AIDD will awarded a CoP with the purpose of Recruiting and establishing formal agreements with between 5 and 10 State partnerships. Developing a consensus across the CoP to define the needs of individuals to support competitive integrated employment outcomes Indentifying challenges in the service system and in communities, including Federal and State policy and practice barriers Covening in-person meetings of all CoP members annually. Establishing and support implementation plans of the CoP States. With CoP members to implement, adapt, and promote strategies, policy

40. AIDD Website links

    http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/aidd/programs/pns http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/aidd/resource/fact-sheet-aidds-employment-first-initiatives
41. Get In the Picture:Connecting with Efforts to Improve Community and Employment Outcomes David Hoff Program Director Institute for Community InclusionUniversity of Massachusetts Boston 617-287-4308 - david.hoff@umb.edu www.communityinclusion.org - www.seln.orgBoard PresidentAPSE – www.apse.org
42. Employment First: What Is It? General theme:Employment in the community is the first/primary service option for individuals with disabilities APSE Statement on Employment First Employment in the general workforce is the first and preferred outcome in the provision of publicly funded services for all working age citizens with disabilities, regardless of level of disability.
43. Employment First2013 35+ states have some type of “Employment First” movement About 3/4 of efforts are directed by state policy units or are legislatively based About 1/4 of efforts are grassroots based – i.e., outsiders working to influence state policy and practice At least 21 states (including Oklahoma) have official Employment First legislation and/or polices Push for a Federal Definition in Rehabilitation Act
44. Employment First Policies:A Closer Look States with a policy: AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, KS, LA, MD, MA, ME, MI, MO, MA, NJ, OH, OK, PA, TN, UT, VA, WA 7 states have passed legislation (CA, DE, KS, PA, VA, UT, WA) Remainder are Executive Orders, policy directives, etc. 8 state polices are cross-disability; remainder ID/DD Extensive variation in policy substance & clarity
45. Employment First Policies:Relation to Outcomes States with policies vary extensively in terms of progress and outcomes Partially due to timing: many are less than 2 years old Others:lacking in commitment/follow-through
46. The Challenges of Employment First Clarity and scope of efforts vary Example – Some include group employment, sub-minimum wage It’s easier to change policy than practice Overly identified with ID/DD In danger of becoming just the latest fad and “buzz word” Cases of misapplication: Focus is not on employment as first priority Used to simply promote good employment strategies not focused on policy and systems change
47. Turning Employment First Into Reality: Polices & Practices that Presume Employability Eliminate criteria and professional judgments regarding work “readiness” Consideration of employment mandated part of any type of individual planning for persons of working age Documentation for non-consideration of employment is required Decision to not consider employment is re-visited on regular basis
48. Employment First & Transition Policies Prohibit use of facility-based services during transition Allow facility-based services as outcome as exception requiring high administrative approval Employment addressed as a core element of IEP starting no later than age 14 Require high level of documentation if decision is made not to pursue employment Effective Indicator 14 measurement and monitoring
49. Employment First & Transition Practices Presume that all students can succeed in employment Support typical student work experiences Jobs after school and weekends; summer jobs No more job “programs” Integrate students into school-to-career opportunities available to all students Internships, job shadowing, etc. Link with vocational education programs
50. State Employment Leadership Network
51. What is the SELN? National membership network of state intellectual and developmental disability agencies Currently 27 member states
52. SELN Member States 3/2013
53. Strategy Policy Funding Outcome Data Capacity Development Innovation Leadership Integrated Jobs Values Collaboration
54. How The Network Works Assessment and development of strategic plan for each state Ongoing technical assistance Monthly network calls Topical webinars Ongoing availability of peer support
55. SELN:What We’ve Learned Systems change must fit within overallculture of state Systems change requires both: big picture perspective and leadership willingness to get into “nitty gritty” policy and practice details Slow and steady wins the race It’s not one thing, it’s a lot of things
56. “ A ship in harbor is safe ---but that is notwhat ships are built for. ” John A. Shedd

57. Youth Transition Demonstration (YTD)

    Jeffrey Hemmeter March 27, 2013
58. YTD-What is it? The Youth Transition Demonstration (YTD) is a random assignment research study to promote and rigorously evaluate promising strategies to help youth with disabilities become as economically self-sufficient as possible as they transition from school to work. YTD is part of a broader initiative to encourage disability beneficiaries to work. Partners: Mathematica Policy Research, Inc. (MPR), MDRC, TransCen, Inc.
59. YTD-Who and Where? Population Youths ages 14 to 25 Receiving or at risk of receiving: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Six Sites Colorado Erie County, NY Bronx County, NY Miami, FL Montgomery County, MD West Virginia
60. YTD Logic Model
61. YTD Waivers Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE): For YTD participants the age limit is waived. Individual Development Accounts (IDAs): For YTD participants, the qualification criteria for IDAs includes a wider range of savings objectives than usual and includes IDAs that do not receive federal matching funds. Earned Income Exclusion: SSA disregards $65 plus three-fourths of additional earnings by YTD participants. Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS): For YTD participants there are more allowable goals for a PASS, including postsecondary education and career explorations. Section 301: The effect of a negative continuing disability review or age-18 redetermination is delayed until the end of waiver eligibility.
62. Bronx County, New York Lead Organization: John F. Kennedy, Jr. Institute for Worker Education of the City University of New York (CUNY) Population: SSI, SSDI, and CDB beneficiaries 15-19 years old Length of Services: Up to 20 months Program Model: School-year oriented; Saturday workshops on empowerment, benefits planning, person-centered planning, recreation; guaranteed 7-week summer employment; follow-up as needed
63. Colorado Lead Organization : Colorado WIN Partners/University of Colorado Denver (Colorado Youth WINS) Population: SSI, SSDI, and CDB beneficiaries 14-25 years old Length of Services: At least 18 months Program Model: Case-management oriented; located in One-Stops with Disability Program Navigator that assisted with referrals to VR and other providers
64. Erie County, New York Lead Organization : Erie 1 Board of Cooperative Educational Services (Erie Transition WORKS) Population: SSI, SSDI, and CDB beneficiaries 16-25 years old Length of Services: At least 18 months Program Model: Self-determination program; job experiences; system linkages and coordination with VR; benefits counseling
65. Miami-Dade County, Florida Lead Organization : Abilities, Inc. of Florida Population: SSI, DI, and CDB beneficiaries 16-22 years old Length of Services: 9 to 18 months Program Model: Strong employment focus and strong benefits counseling and financial literacy components
66. Montgomery County, Maryland Lead Organization : St. Luke’s House, Inc. Population: High school juniors and seniors with an SED diagnosis by the public school system or a significant mental illness determined by the public mental health system Length of Services: 9 to 18 months Program Model: Focused on competitive paid employment; highly individualized services; Partnered with VR and had a VR counselor that dealt with all the CTP cases
67. West Virginia Lead Organization : Human Resources Development Foundation, Inc.; Partnered with Centers for Excellence in Disabilities (CED) WVU Population: SSI, DI, and CDB beneficiaries 15-25 years old Length of Services: 18 months Program Model: Strong benefits counseling and social events.
68. Paid Employment in Year Following Enrollment *** indicates significance at the 1% level.
69. Service Intensity *** indicates significance at the 1% level. a Source: Efforts-to-Outcomes management information system. b Source: 12-month survey.
70. Early YTD Outcomes-12 month Surveys (Phase 1 Sites) *** indicates significance at the 1% level. Treatment group average in parentheses.
71. Early YTD Outcomes-12 month Surveys (Phase 2 Sites) */*** indicates significance at the 10%/1% level. Treatment group average in parentheses.
72. Summary of 12-Month Findings Youth are receiving employment services It may take time for those services to translate into employment and a reduction in SSI/SSDI participation Waivers work as intended More treatment youth remain on program Treatment youth have higher payments We see an impact on employment in some sites This is positively correlated with employment service hours
73. More Information http://www.ssa.gov/disabilityresearch/youth.htm Descriptions Interim Reports Evaluation Design http://www.mathematica-mpr.com/disability/ytd.asp Research Briefs Final report due in Sept. 2014
74. Questions & Wrap-up:Employment Initiatives Do you have any questions for our presenters about the initiatives we discussed today? National Governor’s Association’s A Better Bottom Line: Employment of People with Disabilities Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation Transition and Employment priorities Administration on Developmental Disabilities Systems Change Projects Employment First Social Security Administration: Youth Demonstration Projects Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration efforts Thanks to our presenters for sharing valuable information about how we can Get in the Picture of employment initiatives! IDEA Partnership@NASDSE 2013
75. Follow us on www.sharedwork.orgsite Webinar Series on Employment Get the Picture: What is life after HS like for students with significant disabilities? Get in the Picture: Who is working on these issues? Change the Picture - April 24, 2013, 2:00 – 3:30 PM Eastern IDEA Partnership@NASDSE 2013
76. For more information about the IDEA Partnership Visit the website: www.ideapartnership.org Call toll free line at: 1-877-IDEA INFo The IDEA Partnership is funded by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and is part of the Technical Assistance and Dissemination network IDEA Partnership@NASDSE 2013