Employment Programs

An eclectic group of experts, from self-advocates and service providers to employers and construction companies, were convened to set short, medium, and long-term goals towards creating a comprehensive employment system in WI. This document reports on the agenda and goals drawn up through this effort. Areas covered include organization and planning, public awareness, and policy.

A diverse team of agency administrators, partner organizations, and technical assistance providers collaborated to begin the process of creating a comprehensive and coordinated statewide employment support system. This map is the first product of the process and identifies “enabling prerequisites” for creating a more detailed strategic plan. Ten goals are articulated as guidelines for further progress.

The goal of this copyrighted program is to help those facing the most significant challenges to employment to gain economic self-sufficiency. The two-tiered “train the trainer” strategy includes career development curriculum for counselors to develop necessary skills. Counselors then conduct workshops with customers to develop portfolios of skills and strengths. Resources available here include the proposal, an introductory presentation and brochure, and trainer and participant manuals.

Here are materials used to develop a one-stop employment website to help Washingtonians with disabilities find local career information and supports. The proposal offers a needs statement, a project plan, detailed budget and staffing needs, and a draft of the top-level organization scheme for the site. The presentation slides were used as part of a focus group study to determine which information and tools would be most useful on the site.

Three focus group studies on employment support services for people with developmental disabilities are presented here. The first was conducted by self-advocates who gathered feedback from vocational rehabilitation consumers about services received . The second gathered views from consumers on which services were most effective in helping them gain employment. The final is a presentation on the perceptions of people with disabilities and employers on the meaning and importance of work.

This document sums up the funding, goals, and objectives of the MIG programs for people with developmental disabilities in Washington. It includes contact information for partner organizations, benefits specialists in each county and statewide technical assistance providers.

Find here examples of communications used to answer questions about eligibility and the application process for waiver programs. The first handout summarizes the three levels of financial eligibility and strategies for helping an individual maintain benefits. The second resource, a training presentation, provides this information in more detail and uses an anecdotal character to walk through the requirements. Finally, the chart illustrates basic eligibility requirements in a simple chart.

The Grays Harbor Job Tailoring Cooperative provides customized employment support to jobseekers with disabilities. Refer to the flowchart for a visualization of the basic project structure. The flyer was used to recruit people to take part in a participant-driven project wherein participants create and coordinate a trusted support team to assist in finding and maintaining employment.

Under the Healthcare for Workers with Disabilities (HWD) program, people with disabilities can earn more money but still receive Medicaid benefits by paying premiums based on a sliding income scale. At this website, the state offers eligibility information, instructions on applying for HWD coverage, and links to further information. The presentation gives detailed eligibility and application information and includes a tutorial on using the website.

Here is an example of a tool used to educate service providers and consumers about how SSI recipients can keep Medicaid through 1619(b) even if the earn too much to continue receiving an SSI check. The presentation covers eligibility requirements and the application process. In addition, it points people towards resources for further help and information if needed.