Physical Disabilities

Is Project SEARCH an effective model for increasing employment among students with significant disabilities? This brief considers this work immersion model designed to help students with significant disabilities transition from school to work. Findings suggest that the model presents a promising approach but the author recommends a thorough evaluation and cost-benefit study to determine whether the outcomes are sufficient to justify the program’s high cost.

How can organizations evaluate their youth oriented programs? One way California is doing this is through surveys given to attendees of the Youth Organizing Disabled and Proud Seminar. Attached are sample letters, surveys and permission forms needed to survey attendees. See also, "Disability History Campaign-Presentation and Resources" for more information about the seminar and "Disability History Week-Activities" for sample training activities.

How is California empowering their youth with disabilities? One way is through the Youth Organizing Disabled and Proud Seminar which connects youth with disabilities to each other, organizations, resources and opportunities. The attached activities and their corresponding samples are from the Seminar. Review "Disability History Campaign-Presentation and Resources" and "Disability History Week-Surveys" for more information and surveys and permission samples from this seminar.

Increasing integrated employment opportunities and outcomes for individuals with disabilities in Wisconsin’s managed long-term care system is the topic of this grantee presentation. It discusses two major systems change initiatives, i.e., the statewide expansion of the “Family Care” managed long-term care program and the “Pathways to Independence” Medicaid Infrastructure Grant initiative.

It’s not just a matter of semantics or being “politically correct”. The language we use reflects how we feel about disability. The words you use can create either a positive view of people with disabilities or it can reinforce common myths. In this training document developed as part of Florida’s MIG grant program, communicating with people with disabilities is discussed in-depth and could be applicable to employers and service providers alike.

How are work incentives and transition planning practices being approached for the blind community? Utah is training its teachers, at the Utah School for the Blind, to prepare their students for a successful transition and work life, as early as preschool. Funded by the Medicaid Infrastructure Grant, Work Ability Utah has provided their training presentations here, which could be helpful to other states dealing with a specific population or disability.

The Governor's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities in Vermont is working towards "Promoting the employment of Vermont citizens of all abilities". Here you will find an archive of the committees' newsletter "Abilities," which focuses on programs and resources on a number of topics having to do with the employment of people with disabilities.

This compendium is the first of an annual publication of statistics on people with disabilities and government programs that serve this population. It is designed to serve as a reference guide to government publications. The information focuses on state-level statistics published by Federal agencies and presents some time-trend data. A glossary is provided to assist in the interpretation of the statistics.

This high level systems map of Indiana’s disability and employment infrastructure gives a general overview of state agency programs and services. This includes statistics on each agency program, separated into Employment and Training Programs, Health Related Disability and Employment Supports, and Other Programs Involved with Individuals with Disabilities and Employment Supports. Also outlined are the steps taken, the activities, completion date and persons responsible for these outcomes.

Working to improve coordination of services between state agencies is essential to achieving employment goals for individuals in need. In this memorandum of understanding, Arkansas Rehabilitation Services (ARS) and the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS), agree to coordinate their supported employment services.