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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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May 2009
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A Community of Action:
You are the Leaders,
Regional Events
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DVR: Looking to the Future
We recently spoke with the Director of the WA State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), Lynnae Ruttledge, about new resources coming into the state and her advice to Community Rehabilitation Providers.
“Washington is receiving $10.4 million as part of the $540 million in federal stimulus funding designated for public rehabilitation nationally, distributed by the Department of Education. DVR and the Division of Services for the Blind (DSB) will be sharing this money. We received the first half in April and the other half will come in September. Funds need to be obligated by Sept 2011 and fully expended by December 2011. That gives us two and a half years to do some great things. On the national level there is a lot of interest in the accountability and transparency of the use of these funds, which is great – I am proud of our work at
DVR. Everything will be posted on the national website, on the Governor’s office website, and our own.
Our goal is to extend our current work and set a framework to assist 1000 DVR-eligible clients into good jobs, with medium to high salaries, full time, and with benefits, with the first 200 placements by December 2009. We are looking at helping the state prepare for the 21st century in “high demand occupations,” or occupations businesses have a higher demand for than the labor force can provide. These include healthcare, information technology, green jobs, and others. Looking into the future, there will be a strong push for sustainability, energy efficiency, and weatherization. We are also looking at businesses which are core to our state’s economy, such as aerospace, agriculture, and international trade, and strategizing how to get people with disabilities more involved as a part of the economic engine.
We realize the economy has stalled. So, we want to start early and make sure people with disabilities get connected with other stimulus projects, including transportation, other initiatives, and Workforce Investment Act programs for youth and adults with disabilities. The best thing for Community Rehabilitation Providers to do is to connect with your local Workforce Development Council (WDC). The 12 WDC’s in our state are putting out Requests For Proposals (RFP’s) and other information about this funding. There is a great deal of new opportunity in the Workforce Investment Act.
We recognize that many individuals with significant disabilities rely on social security benefits and do not think that full time work at higher wages is possible. Taking advantage of this opportunity is an excellent time to challenge people’s thinking about what is possible. Part of this is for people to do an honest assessment – do they want to work full time and earn a medium to high wage with benefits?
We also want to make sure there are more state jobs created, and it is not going to be in the Department of Social and Health Services which already has the most supported employees. In other departments of state government, there is clearly growth potential. For example, in the Employment Security Department (ESD) there is huge growth during this time due to the increase in unemployment. Create relationships with your local ESD. Look at The Department of Ecology around green, sustainable, jobs. Look at the Department of Transportation. Look at where the stimulus funding is going – there will be growth there. The state hiring freeze does not apply to Supported Employees. Departments need work done, can’t hire regular FTEs, but are able to hire supported employees. (Note: supported employees do not count toward a department’s FTE’s, but the department must still have the budget to pay for them).
We want to align all our efforts, be partners, and create more supported employment in Washington State."
Please visit DVR's website at...
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Co-sponsored by the Washington Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and Washington Division of Developmental Disabilities...
A Community of Action: You are the Leaders is a series of one-day follow-up events to last spring’s leadership conference in Tacoma, to be held in all six regions throughout May and June. By nearly all accounts, what we experienced in Tacoma last April was special. Several of us have made bold moves during the past year and many of us continue to ask the question that became the theme of the conference, "What time is it?" One answer that we’ve been hearing lately is "it’s time to get back together to check in with each other." So, we are convening activists interested in inclusive communities to explore at six regional events, our common values and potential actions around leadership and responsibility. Our goals are clear: solidify our commitment to our vision and values, seek new community partners, and further clarify our individual and collective leadership roles as we work to create healthy communities.
While often rewarding, building inclusive communities is difficult. Ironically, in these challenging economic times, there could be unforeseen opportunities working to our advantage; and with things changing ever so rapidly, it is critical to spend more time thinking collectively with our community allies about how to move forward. While only for one day, these follow-up gatherings in each region have the potential to build upon our energy from Tacoma and help us further re-align how we think about our responsibility to our work and our communities. They promise unique, challenging and rich conversations with people who do similar work to ours, as well as those who do not, but are guided by similar values.
From the standpoint of design, the gatherings will be a conversational brainstorming and planning experience for the breadth of participants expected to attend. By emphasizing a Community of Action we are encouraging groups of people from each county/community interested in working together differently to attend, so there is greater potential for subsequent collective action. By focusing our conversations on leadership and action, there will be plenty of opportunities for exploration of new ideas during each gathering and beyond.
These conversations are not only about people with disabilities or how we can do our current jobs better. In the spirit of our Tacoma experience, You are the Leaders challenges us to focus on collective and personal growth: What might our roles be in a forward-looking community? Am I ready for new relationships and alliances? What’s required? The conversations are totally about how people can work differently and together for the betterment of our communities as a whole. What you give is as important as what you get.
We would be honored if you could join us. Space is limited.
Scheduled Events:
Region 1: May 8, Spokane
Region 2: May 15, Kennewick
Region 3: June 26, Burlington
Region 4: June 23, Seattle
Region 5: June 24, Bremerton
Region 6: June 17, Chehalis
For more information, please contact Jim Corey at jim@theinitiative.ws, or (206) 343-0881 x109
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APSE's 20th Annual National Conference
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Free Business Planning Webinar Series for People with Disabilities
Are you an entrepreneur who needs a Business Loan for your home-based business? Need help writing your Business Plan?
Then sign up for WATF’s FREE Web-based meetings!
Call or e-mail for more information:
TTY: 888-808-8942,
Phone: 206-328-5116, or
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U.S. News and World Report article: "Teenagers with autism want a job!"
Some national exposure for supported and customized employment...
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Right to Risk...Freedom to Choose Life's Adventures
Project MOVE, Community-Minded Enterprises and W.i.S.e. will host a Community Event in conjunction with the Bloomsday Race on Saturday, May 2, 2009 in Spokane, Washington. The event will feature KJR Media’s documentary “Right to Risk”, which chronicles a 15-225 mile whitewater rafting adventure through the Grand Canyon by eight individuals with disabilities.
Come celebrate Diversity and Inclusion in Spokane!
Saturday, May 2, 2009, Saranac Building,
25 W Main Avenue, Spokane,
10:00 am - 6:30 pm
(stop by our booth at the Bloomsday Trade Show)
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Employment for All: A
Celebration in the City of
Festivals
June 30 - July 2, 2009
Hyatt Regency Milwaukee
The 20th Annual National APSE Conference will take place from June 30 - July 2, 2009 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The APSE conference focuses exclusively on facilitating integrated employment outcomes for people with significant disabilities. This year, Milwaukee will be the place to share your knowledge and expertise on the latest and best innovations related to employment!
- Come network and celebrate with other APSE members from across the country as our conference turns 20!
- Join together to make APSE the national membership organization on employment!
- We can make "Employment for All" a reality!
Register online now! (APSE Conference Sponsors, please contact the APSE office for Registration Assistance: 804-278-9187)
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To meet the need for a comprehensive, portable, and easy to understand guide for employers who are looking to recruit, hire, and retain employees with disabilities, ODEP just released its new Four-Step Reference Guide. The online version of this valuable resource, which covers topics such as Incentives & ROI, Recruiting, Interviewing & Hiring, and much more, also provides a wealth of links and other resources.
The print version of Diversifying Your Workforce, A Four-Step Reference Guide to Recruiting, Hiring & Retaining Employees with Disabilities will be available later this year. In the meantime, the PDF and Word versions are available.
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Joe D. Lowther
Letter of Introduction
Hello, my name is Joe, and I want to sell Harley Motorcycles. I was born in Alaska but have lived most of my adult life in Washington. I have called Olympia home for many years. You may not be able to tell from the photo but I have exaggerated mobility provided by a hopped up electric wheel chair. I can get from here to there faster than most people, I can bob and weave through obstacles with cat like agility and I can stop on a dime and give you nine cents change. I control my super sled with a joystick in my mouth because I have no use of my arms or legs. I don’t let that slow me down much, just when I am recharging my batteries once a day. My spirit is just as freewheeling as my abilities in my wheel chair. My customers in Capital Mall have been buying coffee from me since 1997. I take their orders, they are filled at Sertino’s, where I am currently employed, and I deliver them back piping hot along with baked goods and sandwiches.
I am amazingly independent. I am currently working 2 days a week for Sertino’s and I get myself to work on Dial-A-Lift. Sometimes after work I stop off at a local pub where I spend some time with friends. As much as I like working at Sertino’s and in the mall I have always loved motorcycles, Harleys to be specific. I can only imagine the thrill and freedom of rolling down the open road on a Harley.
It only seems natural with my love for Harleys and since I am looking for more hours to work each week, that I come to see you. I want be part of the Harley sales process. My speech can be hard to understand at times but my smile never lets me down. I am bright and have a positive attitude. There could be many things that I can do to make life easier or better for you and your staff. I am great at running errands, making near-by deliveries, distributing brochures and sales literature. I am very safety conscious and have a perfect track record. I will work hard and I never get tired of running around. I would love to meet with you personally and discuss the possibilities.
Respectfully
Joe
Joe Lowther
(Joe’s Employment Consultant is Gary Franzen at GaryFranzen@team-efi.org, 360-426-0077 Ext 124, located in Shelton, Thurston County, www.Team-efi.org )
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Whatcom County Road Shows
For three years and counting, representatives from several agencies in Whatcom County have joined forces to create what they call “The Road Show.” Jennifer Johnson of DVR, Jan Driscoll of DDD, Jessica Lee of Whatcom County DD, and Beverly Porter of the Arc of Whatcom County have traveled to every school district in the county at least once a year for informal evening meetings with students, parents, and teachers. People come back year after year and seem to learn something new each time. Middle school students are now attending as well. “It is never too early to start,” says DVR VRC Jennifer Johnson. “We talk about DVR and DDD services, long-term funding, Social Security, guardianship, transportation, employment, everything they need to know. Families get to know each other, start thinking about what needs to be done, and take action. Students start trying new things and, by the time graduation approaches, they are ready to try out jobs right away.”
The group also hosts a transition fair every year, and regularly get together for lunch to discuss issues and figure out how to help the schools.
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Ability
by Scott Shinsato,
Assistant Executive Director of Goodwill,
Kennewick, WA
Sometimes the best measure of a person can be determined by what co-workers have to say when the person’s not in the room. And for Chris, hearing what his co-workers have to say about him speaks volumes about who his is. “Exceptional at customer service,” “gets along wonderfully with everyone,” “completes his job every time,” and the list goes on.
However, when describing Chris, two words never come up. Disability or limitations.
Chris has Asperger’s Syndrome and it doesn’t stop him from being, well, Chris.
Adopted at the age of seven, the first thing he said to his new parents Robin and Jim was “Hi mom and dad. You’re supposed to call me son.” What we call them today is very proud.
In 2006, Goodwill assisted Chris in obtaining employment at the Fred Meyer store in Kennewick, working as a part-time stockman. Following some initial job-coaching, Chris was determined to make it on his own. Hardly did he know how much of a difference he would make at the store.
Today, Chris is part of the new employee training program, past recipient of the Fred Meyer Employee of the Year Award (2007) and has since moved into a new adult family home.
We are all proud of Chris and know that whatever he does, he will make a positive impact not only in the job he is doing, but on the people around him.
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MORE FROM ODEP:
ODEP Releases Roadmaps II for Enhancing Employment of Persons with Disabilities Through Accessible Technology
Roadmaps II is a report that looks at the issue of AT and employment from the perspective of AT service providers and disability stakeholders who work directly to assist individuals with disabilities. Roadmaps II is a result of the work of the AT Collaborative – a group of national organizations funded by ODEP and CESSI to address AT issues and provide policy recommendations related to the employment of individuals with disabilities. Roadmaps II follows the January 2008 release of Roadmaps I, which is a report on the consensus Roadmaps developed by participants in the 2007 Business Dialogue on Accessible Technology and Disability Employment for how best to enhance the hiring, retention, and advancement of persons with disabilities and others through accessible technology.
Read more about the Roadmaps here
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 Top White House Aide Talks Disability Policy (excerpts)
By Michelle Diament
In February Vice President Joe Biden announced the selection of Kareem Dale as the first ever special assistant to the president for disability policy.
Now, in an exclusive interview with Disability Scoop, Dale defends the president following his misstep on The Tonight Show last week and talks about what's next in the administration's plans for people with disabilities.
Disability Scoop: What is your role as special assistant to the president for disability policy?
Kareem Dale: I sit in the office of public liaison here at the White House and also sit in the Domestic Policy Council working on disability policy. I'm responsible for disability outreach to the community, letting the community know what's going on in the administration related to disability issues and disability policy.
I'm also responsible for making sure that folks with disabilities are included into what we do here at the White House in terms of public events like inviting people to participate in our regional health care summit or fiscal summit or (bill) signings such as the stem cell signing, SCHIP legislation signing and things of that nature. Also, working from the policy angle and making sure the policy folks know about the real important policy issues as related to education and employment for people with disabilities.
Disability Scoop: I understand that you have a visual impairment yourself. What does it mean to be a person with a disability serving the Obama administration in this capacity?
Kareem Dale: To me it means that the president understands that in order for there to be really good representation for people with disabilities, it generally starts with a person with a disability working at the White House. Now, that's not always the case. There are plenty of great advocates for people with disabilities who are not themselves people with disabilities. But it says a lot that we have actually two people with disabilities here at the White House working on disability issues, a total of three but two who are with disabilities. And, it means a great deal that President Obama has shown faith in me to help drive his vision for the community for people with disabilities with the first time a person who is blind is working in the White House at a senior level.
Disability Scoop: Does the government have a responsibility to people with disabilities? If so, to what extent?
Kareem Dale: Sure, the government should play a role and a responsibility for people with disabilities, just as the government has a role really for all Americans. It's not really different than it is for non-disabled persons than it is for persons with disabilities. And that's to make sure that people with disabilities are integrated and included into the overall effort of the government across federal agencies and at the White House. That really is the goal - to make sure that folks with disabilities are integrated and included into what we're doing and not segregated out and separated into silos. And so that is the responsibility of the government to make sure that what they're doing includes people with disabilities at every level...
Disability Scoop: During the campaign there was an emphasis on fully funding IDEA. Is that something that the administration is still committed to, especially considering the current economic times?
Kareem Dale: The administration is still committed to funding and enforcement of IDEA.
Disability Scoop: What about fully funding?
Kareem Dale: I think that once the budget comes out and we will certainly be looking at all of the options related to funding. The president has released some of the top line budget issues but we haven't released all of our budget issues so I would say stay tuned. I think people will see what our funding plan is for IDEA and all of the other important funding issues that relate to people with disabilities.
Disability Scoop: Right now there are a huge number of people on waiting lists across the country for Medicaid waiver services. People qualify for services, but the tap has just run dry. Is the current system for dispersing these funds effective?
Kareem Dale: Well, I think that all of our systems have to be examined. What the president has said is that every facet of government needs to be re-looked at and re-analyzed and determine where is there waste, where are there inefficiencies and figure out how we can best deliver services to all Americans and particularly for Americans with disabilities. We're going to be looking at all of these issues related to delivering of services and efficiencies in the government, where there are not efficiencies, whether it's in Medicare, Medicaid, whether it's in Social Security and there are going to be changes to those if it's warranted.
Disability Scoop: Is the Medicaid waiver something that has been looked at?
Kareem Dale: I don't know whether it's been looked at, you mean in the first two months, I don't know.
Disability Scoop: Is that something that you feel is a priority?
Kareem Dale: I think that all of the federal government systems whether inefficiencies need to be explored and taken a look at if it's appropriate.
Disability Scoop: Last month the Department of Labor began releasing employment data on people with disabilities. The unemployment numbers for this population are quite extraordinary. What can be done to reverse this trend?
Kareem Dale: I think there are a lot of things that we're going to be looking at. Honestly the president is still putting together a comprehensive team related to his administration across the federal government. There's a lot that can be done but I think that some of the things that can be done is a change of perception of hiring people with disabilities. I think that the president at least in the first few months has started to demonstrate that folks with disabilities should be and can be hired. Just by appointing three folks to deal with disability issues at the White House, I think he set a personal example. You start with an example and then others will follow.
There are many more things that can be done in terms of changing perception. There's an education component too in terms of educating companies and corporations about the benefits of hiring people with disabilities in terms of diversity, in terms of some of the business credits and some of the other benefits that are out there for people with disabilities. But it's got to be an overall comprehensive effort across the government and I think there are going to be many good things to come from this administration for employment of people with disabilities. We're looking forward to working on it...
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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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