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Having trouble viewing the newsletter as an email? Click here to be directed to the web version.
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Promoting Equitable Employment for People with Developmental Disabilities Through Innovation, Training and Technical Assistance
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Washington Initiative for Supported Employment Insights Newsletter
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March 2009
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Jo-Ann Sowers: The Real Deal
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business, the more I know if I can help you out.’ Make the job about hiring the person, not your agency or the disability. The information for jobs must come from the employer and what makes sense to them,” Dr. Sowers continues. “Ask lots of questions. ‘Tell me about the jobs that are done here, how much time does it take, at what cost?’ Be conversational, genuinely interested, and learn. Actively listen and pay attention to everything – the jobs, the culture, and relationships. Ask them to show you their business operations. Pay attention to their openness, their welcoming or non-welcoming attitudes, and their likeliness to provide natural support.”
Dr. Sowers also very strongly related to the group her feeling of the next big movement that must occur in supported employment: “Right now, most job coaches out there provide the on-the-job training. But, the coworkers, from the beginning, as a matter of course, need to provide that training as it is done with everyone else. The job coach’s role needs to be to train and support the coworkers to train the person.”
“A big part of this is a leap of faith,” she says about working with people who at first seem to have insurmountable challenges to quality community employment. “Take the next step, do not make assumptions, and dig below what people have done in the past. Go out and get the best job you can for the people you work with. Expect the greatest job, and then try getting it. Be creative. Make miracles happen.”
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Save the date!
The 32nd Employment Conference, "It's A Jungle Out There: How to Create Jobs in Difficult Times"
will be held June 17-19, 2009. Its purpose is to meet, learn, and collaborate.
The Pre-conference Job Development will be June 17th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hal Holmes Center. Click here for the flier There is an Early Registration Discount if you sign up by March 20th!
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SSA Stimulus Payments... 
President Obama recently signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. This act provides for the one-time payment of $250 to individuals who get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security benefits. We expect everyone who is entitled to a payment to receive it by late May 2009. No action is required on your part. Stay tuned to... http://www.ssa.gov/payment/
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Feeding The Future, The Able Teens (TAT)'s Second Annual Fundraiser, will be held March 13th, 2009, see the flier here.
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Jo-Ann Sowers, Ph.D., is the Instructor Research Professor at the Regional Research Institute, Portland State University. Her practice and research experience involves youth transition to postsecondary education and work, mentoring, inclusion, policy impacts, staff development, and employment for adults with disabilities.
Clallam County employment service providers got a treat in January. Jo-Ann Sowers came to town, hosted by Clallam County Developmental Disabilities, and spent a day with them discussing and brainstorming ‘Quality Jobs for People with the Most Significant Disabilities.’
“You have to have an open mind with every person, a clean slate, and always find new ways. You have to bite your nails, toss and turn at night, explore the community, ask employers what they do, and come up with new ideas. You need to get that person a quality paid job in the community,” Dr. Sowers says.
And she has been successfully planning and developing jobs for individuals with the most significant disabilities for over 30 years. Every story she tells is based on the person, how they found an open employer, and then designed and created a new quality job. One of the stories she tells is about a young man whose pathway was anything but clear at first. He experienced severe cerebral palsy, and had very limited movement and communication ability. Through a team planning process, creativity, and a continual search for new ideas and resources, he got his job before leaving high school. He works at a large bookstore scanning books and inputting the scanned information into a computer using a head switch and a customized conveyor belt and scanner designed for him. After a period of time, his productivity matched that of his coworkers. Read his story and many others at: http://www.dhs.state.or.us/dd/supp_emp/storybook6.pdf
“My passion is quality community jobs. Whatever it takes is the process. You do not have to follow the rules. This is about creative thinking, problem solving, thinking on your feet, and courage.”
As a matter of practice she starts with informal person centered planning, discovery, and deeply getting to know the people she works with. She then approaches their communities, searches for matching interests, makes linkages, and meets with businesses to ask them about what they do.
“In a recession you are able to carve tasks out and reduce expenses. You are not a salesman as a job developer or job coach. You are an employment consultant, a career counselor, who is looking to understand business needs. How do you help that business get more business, and make more money to support their employees and work? How can the skills of the people you are counseling serve that business’ need?
“Once you have an idea, try it, get people involved, and brainstorm every step of the job. Make jigs. Help the person practice at your office and at home. Ask the team ‘How can we do this?’”
“Our approach to employers should be: ‘What do you do here? I’m an employment consultant and I work with people looking for jobs. The more I know about your
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Web-Based Training Series!
W.i.S.e. is now offering a web-based training series for Supported Employment Stakeholders across Washington State. The purpose of this platform is to ensure cost-effective availability of training and technical assistance even in difficult times.
Please join us on iLinc… 
What is iLinc? iLinc is an online video teleconference platform which allows you to log on,
call the toll free number, and join our virtual classroom from anywhere you have an internet and
phone connection. The instructor hosts the session on a live video feed. Instructional materials
include on-screen PowerPoint presentations, documents, internet searches, white board
features, open discussion, and breakout discussions. Check it out!
State News Release
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
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Date: January 25, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kristin Alexander, (360) 902-9307, kalexander@esd.wa.gov
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Bergen -
A Man with a Plan
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EITC can mean a fat refund for Washington workers - Free resources help families get quick payments
OLYMPIA -- Money from the federal government? Many working families and individuals can get up to $4,300 from the Internal Revenue Service even if they owe no income tax. In a world of too-good-to-be-true offers, this one stands. But to cash in, workers have to file a tax return and claim the Earned Income Tax Credit.
Last year, 21 million people with low and moderate incomes in the United States qualified for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and received $36 billion in refunds. IRS studies indicate millions more Americans are eligible but fail to receive a refund.
To close that gap, Washington state is providing free resources to help families take advantage of the EITC, including a toll-free information hotline, referrals to local tax assistance sites, and a link to Web-based software that helps workers electronically prepare taxes at no cost.
"The Earned Income Tax Credit rewards people for working," said Joann Hairston, coordinator of the state's EITC outreach campaign. "But millions of federal dollars are going unclaimed because deserving families and individuals simply don't know the credit is available. Others are needlessly paying to have someone prepare their taxes. Government agencies and nonprofit organizations are working together to educate Washington residents and make it easier for them to get the money they deserve."
Several free resources are available to help qualified families:
Toll-free information hotline: As in past years, the Employment Security Department has set up a toll-free hotline to answer questions about the EITC and direct callers to free tax assistance sites and WorkSource centers. Hotline staff can also answer questions about the Child Tax Credit, which can save families up to $1,000 per child.
The EITC hotline number is 1-800-755-5317. Calls are answered 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday. Hearing impaired persons can call 1-800-833-6388 for TDD/TYY.
Free software for preparing taxes: WorkSource, Washington's comprehensive career resources partnership, is offering free software on its Web site that helps low- and moderate-income workers electronically prepare taxes and informs them whether they qualify for the EITC and how much money they will get back. The program is called I- CAN! and is available in both English and Spanish at www.go2worksource.com. Click on "Earned Income Tax Credit."
Filers can use computers at any of the 23 WorkSource centers and 50 affiliate offices throughout the state, print out forms, and mail them to the Internal Revenue Service. Or users with a personal e-mail account can access I-CAN! at www.go2worksource.com from a home computer and file their taxes electronically for a quicker refund.
Free tax assistance sites: Workers who qualify for the EITC can receive free help filing their taxes at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites statewide from January through April.
IRS-trained volunteers will help complete and electronically file returns at no cost, for a rapid refund. Services are available in a variety of languages. A list of free tax assistance sites in King County is available on the United Way of King County's Web site at www.uwkc.org/eitc. For other areas, contact the state EITC hotline at 1-800-755-5317.
To be eligible for the EITC, a qualified filer must have worked in 2004 and have a Social Security number. The amount of the tax credit depends on family size and gross income. Following are eligibility requirements:
Single adults:
- With more than one child can qualify with an income less than $34,458.
- Maximum refund is $4,300.
- With one child can qualify with an income less than $30,338. Maximum refund is $2,604.
- With no children can qualify with an income less than $11,490. Maximum refund is $390.
Married couples, filing jointly:
- With more than one child can qualify with an income less than $35,458.
- Maximum refund is $4,300.
- With one child can qualify with an income less than $31,338. Maximum refund is $2,604.
- With no children can qualify with an income less than $12,490. Maximum refund is $390.
Workers who aren't required to file taxes because their incomes are below the threshold can claim the EITC - but only if they file. Also, workers who expect to qualify for the EITC and have at least one qualifying child can choose to receive part of the credit in each paycheck, rather than an annual refund.
The number of EITC filers in Washington has increased a little each year since 2000. Nearly 335,000 Washington workers filed for the EITC in 2004 and received more than $539 million in returns.
The state is also reaching out to qualifying families, employers, and community organizations through phone calls and direct mail to inform them about the tax credits.
More information about the EITC is available on the state's WorkFirst Web site at www.workfirst.wa.gov and from the Internal Revenue Service at www.irs.gov.
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Bergen Delisi has worked at the City of Seattle Personnel Department since the fall of 2008. He works 30 hours a week with full benefits. “Everybody is supportive,” he remarks.
Bergen sorts and distributes the department’s incoming mail, prepares the outgoing mail, manages the employee termination files, assures confidentiality, stocks the office supply rooms, organizes records, and works on MS Word, Excel, and the city’s email system on his computer.
He got his job through Mainstay, a supported employment agency from Seattle Central Community College, funding from the WA State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and the city’s Supported Employment program run by Heather Weldon. He is supported on the job by employment specialists Diane King and Jim Smith of Mainstay.
“So far, so good!” says Judy Keefe the office manager. “Bergen has caught some mistakes others missed. We are pleased to have him and enjoy working with him.”
Bergen graduated from Eastside Catholic High School in 1999. Throughout high school he volunteered with Youth Volunteer Corp, was active in Ski-for-all and Special Olympics, and won several awards for his hard work, and great attitude. He then earned certificates from Bellevue Community College (BCC) in Business Software and Office Assistant, and graduated with honors from the BCC Continuing Education program, Venture, in 2008. He earned an Associates Degree in Occupational and Life Skills.
His pathway to employment has included numerous part-time unpaid and paid jobs while attending school. He even started, with some friends, a social event business which was nationally recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor. His unpaid internships included data entry, scanning, working with MS Excel spreadsheets, working as an assistant teacher for young children, and shelving books at the library.
His paid part time jobs included making Excel spreadsheets for a University of WA Medical Research Lab, shelving items at the Bellevue Regional Library, analyzing video data and data entry as a research assistant at Northwest Research Associates, and scanning parts and planning as a quality aide assistant at Skills, Inc. prior to his current job with the City of Seattle.
Bergen’s mother, Adele, says about his pathway: “Every possible contact we heard about, I pursued. It is important for a parent to follow all leads because you just don’t know what can happen. I am also concerned about these possible budget cuts which would affect not only his ability to have a job coach, but also his Medicaid Personal Care services. Without these resources, he wouldn’t be able to keep his job or probably live independently.”
Asked what his future plans are, Bergen smiles and says he just asked Amanda, his girlfriend of five years, to marry him. She accepted! “I also want to start a travel agency with my roommate Zack.”
We have no doubt he will…
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The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Declares Good Jobs for Persons with Disabilities a Priority!
2008 SEIU Convention Resolution 119A:
“SEIU Supports Good Union Jobs For Persons with Disabilities”
ADOPTED June 4, 2008
Whereas, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) recognizes that the ability of individuals to contribute to their communities through productive work for which they are paid a living wage is a basic human right, and this basic human right should never be denied based on gender, race, religious belief, sexual orientation, or physical or mental disability; and
Whereas, as part of its organizing goal SEIU has been working with members of the disability community to bring members of this community into our union; and
Whereas, according to 2000 U.S. census data only 55.8% of adults with disabilities in the U.S. are currently afforded the dignity of employment; and
Whereas, persons with disabilities who are employed are often placed in segregated work settings, paid less than the minimum wage, and denied access to promotion; and
Whereas, persons with disabilities often place their public health benefits at risk when accepting employment (1); and
Whereas, the loss of health benefits when losing employment can lead to increased hardship and more severe disabling conditions due to lack of access to medical services; and
Whereas, access to employment for persons with disabilities is often limited by misguided assumptions and lowered expectations of the value and productivity that persons with disabilities bring to the workplace, in spite of repeated, recent studies showing that workers with disabilities are just as productive and valued by their employers as their non-disabled co-workers.(2) ; and
Whereas, numerous artificial barriers to employment of persons with disabilities persist as the result of public policy and labor management agreements that end up excluding disabled workers from the marketplace. These barriers include public and private health care benefits policy at the state and federal level; civil service testing and hiring procedures; job classification requirements; federal Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income benefits policy and work incentive rules that don't work (3) and few understand; and
Whereas, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) are laws that were enacted to give equal access to the workplace to people with disabilities but employers often fail to meet existing requirements under the ADA and FMLA, and many union rank and file members and stewards are unaware of how to inform and protect members' rights under the ADA and FMLA.
Therefore be it resolved:
SEIU will take an ongoing leadership role to contribute to policy change that removes artificial barriers to the employment of persons with disabilities and emphasizes the abilities and innovations of people with disabilities who engage in any paid work.
SEIU will work in partnership with other groups to develop initiatives and policy that support employment of persons with disabilities in good union jobs with access to benefits.
SEIU will support health care policy such that no individuals lose insurance when they lose a job, change jobs, or lose existing insurance when they get a job.
SEIU staff and membership will be given the information they need to work with employers with respect to health benefits, COBRA health continuation protections, HIPPA, and pre-existing condition exclusionary policies and protections.
SEIU will develop and provide training and training materials for staff, stewards and members on:
- Federal laws on inclusive employment and relevant state initiatives
- Americans with Disabilities Act and reasonable accommodations
- Family Medical Leave Act
- Information on protecting and retaining access to benefits for
persons with disabilities who are employed and/or self-employed
SEIU through its publications, websites, and other communications with staff members, employers and policy partners will address cultural barriers and misinformation that limit the acceptance of persons with disabilities in the workforce. These will include highlighting:
- The positive contributions made by disabled workers who are SEIU members
- Innovative initiatives and best practices that support the employment of persons with disabilities in good union jobs with access to benefits.
SEIU will work with employers to create more flexible job descriptions and work rules that facilitate the employment of persons with disabilities. SEIU will create and share contract language that facilitates employment of persons with disabilities.
SEIU locals will reject contract language that would create unnecessary barriers and de facto systemic exclusions that limit the employment of persons with disabilities.
SEIU will support the establishment and operation of worker with disabilities caucuses or committees at the levels of chapters, locals, the International, and Change To Win.
(1) For example, a 2001 Urban Institute study found that 20.1% of non-working adults with disabilities cited "fear of losing health insurance or Medicaid" as a reason for not looking for work.
(2) (De Paul University, Exploring the Bottom Line: A Study of the Costs and Benefits of Workers with Disabilities, 2008)
(3) For example, the Social Security Administration reports that in 2003 and 2004 just 0.5% of SSDI beneficiaries had a change in cash benefit because of employment.
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Kyle and Steppin' Out Salon
Kyle Ellis had always dreamed of being a hair stylist. He chose Pierce, Jones & Associates (http://www.piercejones.net/) in Port Angeles to help him with his employment planning. He put together a team to assist him in making his dream a reality. Kyle didn’t just want a job coach, he needed to find a hair stylist who could be trained to be his job coach, and that is what Pierce Jones & Associates did. After assembling Kyle’s team, which included his supportive parents, Karen Pierce, DVR, DDD, and his new job coach through Enso, Kyle was ready to start his own business.
Kyle rented a chair in a hair salon for several years and then decided it was time to take the next step. With his parents and Pierce Jones’ assistance, he rented a storefront in downtown Port Angeles, remodeled it into a beautiful salon, bought furniture, equipment, and supplies, got a salon license, and opened his doors. He rents chairs to other stylists and services include hair styling and care, manicures and pedicures, and coloring.
In business for less than a year, he has been recognized by the Port Angeles Downtown Association with several awards: Business of the Month in August 2008, Best Window Scene, and Excellence in Design for Interior Decoration. He has done the hair and makeup for several fashion shows in the area as well – one for Gottschalks, a local department store, and two for the local premiere of the movie Twilight, which was filmed in Forks and Port Angeles. He has also helped with the annual Esprit Conference in Port Angeles for the last several years.
“By this summer we’re turning it into a spa salon,” Kyle says. “We’re going to build a separate room and bring in aestheticians to provide facials, body wraps, waxing, and other spa services. We’re also looking at turning the downstairs into a beauty supply store.”
Take a video tour of Kyle’s salon…
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Teresa and Ted working on an order for her business Sweet Dreams Products
Reaching Independence through Self Employment (RISE)Ted Hancock of Elmview, http://www.elmview.org/, a supported living agency in rural Ellensburg, Washington, shared with us their new RISE program designed to assist people to become self employed.
Elmview, funded by the Washington Developmental Disabilities Council, partnered with Provident Horizon Group, a Community Rehabilitation Provider in Yakima, about a year and a half ago. To date, they have eight businesses in various stages of development.
Ted says, “We started with people who had hobbies which could be turned into businesses, people who preferred to work alone, or people who had business ideas. It is very organic to the person, something that really fits with their personalities and the things they enjoy. Provident Horizon had a great DVD and workbook from Washington CASH to help conceptualize ideas, and the workbook walks you through how to start a small business and what to plan for. We start from there.”
“We have people at the very beginning of the process and those further along,” Ted continues. “The businesses are very individualized. We are working with a landscape photographer who had been doing it for quite some time - we have been helping him figure out how to market his photographs. Another person hand paints one-of-a kind art and greeting cards, all originals, which she is marketing as art not connected with disabilities at all. We are working with a landscaper/gardener. We are also working with a woman who runs a small candy vending business combined with hand-crocheted, top-notch, very nice items. She can do her work while she is at meetings, is making a profit, and now has orders to fill, which can be stressful but that’s a good thing! One person is starting a nonprofit agency to raise money for people with disabilities who want to own pets – he has great networking skills.”
“RISE capitalizes on each individual’s traits and strengths. Elmview supports them to find an unmet need and niche in our community, get started, and achieve more independence as time goes on. If you find the right job match, the work is easy. We are not coaching the work itself. It really has to be something they can do exclusive of us. People haven’t needed much start-up funding, and there is not a lot of overhead required. The struggle and anxiety for people is around recordkeeping, the bureaucracy, the technicalities of running a business, the effects on benefits, etc. We help with the technical aspects of the business, which all businesses usually need help with - bookkeeping, taxes, and marketing. We are more the business managers- that is our commitment. Elmview keeps things very real, and asks what support do you need?”
“In rural areas, this is a good fit, because there are not a lot of businesses and not a lot of competition. Consumers still want the products/services and do not want to drive to Seattle to get them. There are more open niches in rural communities, and people need those products and services. In a small community, word of mouth also travels faster, and there is more communication from person to person. Plus it gives people a valuable role in the community. We also seek out mentors in the community for their input and help. Here, life is at a slower pace and people have the time and interest to help.”
“Lots of the people we work with tried many jobs which didn’t work out, but through RISE they are interested in work again. There has been a lot of return on our investment in energy and motivation. For example, the woman who crochets was really burnt out by the employment options available to her. Once she became self employed, her whole attitude has changed – from burnout to enthusiasm.”
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News Release
ODEP News Release: [01/16/2009]
Contact Name: Bennett Gamble or Richard Manning
Phone Number: (202) 693-4667 or x4676
Release Number: 09-0062-NAT
U.S. Department of Labor leads new work group of 18 agencies focused on federal employment of people with disabilities
WASHINGTON — A U.S. Department of Labor-led interagency work group to increase the number of people with disabilities in the federal workforce was formed this week as part of a continuing commitment to encouraging opportunities for workers with disabilities.
The initiative was established by Disability Employment Policy Assistant Secretary of Labor Neil Romano under the direction of Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao, resulting in 18 federal agencies sending representatives to the initial working meeting.
Romano set the tone for the meeting, stating, "We need to encourage leaders in every federal agency to take strong, proactive and immediate steps to bring more people with disabilities into the federal workforce, ensure that they are receiving the most effective accommodations available, and be supported as they work and advance their careers."
The 40 attendees participated in discussions and heard presentations on comprehensive centralized accommodations funding programs; tools for recruiting, hiring, retaining and advancing people with disabilities in the federal workforce; and leadership and innovative practices in federal employment for people with disabilities.
Deputy Labor Secretary Howard Radzely commented on behalf of the secretary of labor, "We in the federal government have the opportunity to be a role model for all employers in the employment of people with disabilities."
The work group plans to meet again in the next few months.
The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is leading a 21st century federal response to the historic underemployment of people with disabilities. In collaboration with other government agencies, public and private employers, and additional stakeholders, ODEP facilitates the development and implementation of innovative policies and practices necessary to achieve a fully inclusive workplace. ODEP's work primarily falls into three categories: employers and the workplace; workforce systems; and employment-related supports, which include education and training, health care, reliable transportation, affordable housing and assistive technology. For more information, visit www.dol.gov/odep.
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Becoming an Employment Network (EN):
A Potential Resource for Providers, Employers, and Organizations
In an effort to continuously seek additional resources to assist local supported employment efforts, the following information is provided about How to Become an Employment Network under Social Security’s Ticket To Work Program. Many people see the process as confusing and too complex to be worth it, with little value as a resource. However, there are people locally and nationally who can assist you to strategize and make it worth the effort. If you are interested in exploring this option, please contact Susan Harrell from W.i.S.e. at susan@theinitiative.ws.
Employment Networks In Social Security's Ticket To Work Program
SSA Publication No. 05-10065, January 2007, ICN 463278 [View .pdf]
Ticket to Work is an employment support program for people with disabilities who are interested in going to work or increasing their work. Its goal is to increase opportunities and choices for Social Security disability beneficiaries to obtain vocational rehabilitation, employment and other support services from public and private providers, employers and other organizations.
What is an employment network?
An employment network (EN) is an entity that contracts with the Social Security Administration to either provide or coordinate the delivery of the necessary services to Social Security disability beneficiaries who assign their tickets to the EN. The EN can be a single individual, a partnership/alliance (public and/or private) or a consortium of organizations collaborating to combine resources to serve Ticket-holders.
Does it cost anything to become an EN?
No, the application process is free and MAXIMUS, Inc., the Operations Support Manager contracted by Social Security to administer the Ticket to Work program, provides free consultation and assistance in understanding or completing the request for proposal.
How many ENs will be approved?
There is no limit. Social Security is contracting with as many qualified entities as possible from both the public and private sector.
Do ENs receive upfront funding?
No, the Ticket to Work program is a performance-based program. ENs receive payments when the Ticket-holder achieves certain employment-related milestones and/or outcomes.
ENs that need upfront capital can use the Employment Capitalization Resource Directory, www.yourtickettowork.com/en_cap_resource, which we provide to them at no cost. The directory provides information on potential funding sources.
Are beneficiaries required to use the Ticket?
No, the program is voluntary. A Ticket-holder can choose if, when and where to use his or her ticket.
How do ENs and Ticket-holders connect?
When Ticket-holders receive notice in the mail from Social Security that they are eligible to participate in the program, they are encouraged to contact the Ticket to Work Operations Support Manager to learn about the ENs in their area and the services they provide. Ticket-holders can also view an online directory that is open to the public. Interested Ticket-holders can contact any EN they wish.
ENs have access to basic contact information on Ticket-holders who are in their service area and not working with another EN. ENs are encouraged to reach out and inform Ticket-holders and the community of their services.
In addition, Social Security will periodically conduct local outreach event to connect motivated beneficiaries with ENs.
Are ENs required to serve everyone?
No, unless otherwise mandated by other legislation or rules governing their organization. ENs elect which specific services they want to offer, which people they are capable of serving and in which geographical area they will work.
What if the Ticket-holder decides to work with a different EN?
A Ticket-holder can choose at any time to seek the services of a different EN. The previous EN may be eligible to share in the payments.
What if the EN decides no longer to work with the Ticket-holder?
The EN simply needs to notify the Operations Support Manager in writing that it wishes to end its agreement with the Ticket-holder. The Ticket-holder is then responsible for finding a new EN to continue in the program if the individual wishes to do so.
Can an EN continue to receive referrals from state vocational rehabilitation agencies?
Yes, a provider can serve as an EN and continue to partner with the state vocational rehabilitation (VR) agency. There are rules regarding Ticket assignments and EN payments for those Ticket-holders served by both state VR agencies and ENs.
Will Ticket to Work program payments affect other funding streams?
Organizations or individuals wishing to become an EN should check with their funding sources to determine if EN payments will impact the funding they receive from other funding sources.
How do ENs get paid?
When a Ticket-holder achieves certain employment milestones or outcomes, the EN submits a request for payment and evidence of the Ticket-holder’s earnings to the Operations Support Manager. A notice will be sent when the request has been approved. The payment will then be deposited electronically to the EN’s financial institution.
See the payment guidelines at: http://www.ssa.gov/work/paymentsystem.html
Where can I find out more about being an EN?
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To remove your email from this newsletter list, click here and type “unsubscribe” in the subject line. To subscribe, click here and type “subscribe” in the subject line. Got an idea for a story? Know someone doing great work for people with disabilities in Washington State? Questions? Comments? Contact: jim@theinitiative.ws or call 206-343-0881 x109 THANKS!
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