Vermont Supported Employment Lisa Culbertson, Employment Director Upper Valley Services Bradford, Vermont, USA Dr. Bryan Dague, Ed.D. University of Vermont Burlington, Vermont, USA Elizabeth Sightler, Executive Director Champlain Community Services Colchester, Vermont, USA

Values and Philosophy Guide Policy Policies shaped by a philosophy that presumes employability for all when the right supports are provided to the individual Segregated and sub-standard wage models deemed undesirable are terminated Person-centered planning, meaningful job matches, and creative strategies build inclusion in Vermont’s workforce, shaping the cornerstone practices of Vermont Supported Employment Those historically excluded from workforce become employed Vermont’s policy began with strong values and philosophy that people belong in the community. Strong leadership from the State of Vermont and the University of Vermont guided future policy. State of Vermont, USA 2017

Leadership and Collaboration for Success Developmental Disabilities University of Vermont Vocational Rehabilitation Collaborative partnerships working for full inclusion of people with developmental disabilities since the late 1970’s University of Vermont-Center on Disability & Community Inclusion State Developmental Disabilities Services Division State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Established first supported employment pilot program in 1980 Green Mountain Self-Advocates (DPO) 1994 Statewide programs achieved by 2000 Collaboration continues today Leadership from the state and university led to strong partnerships and collaboration to support the mission of full inclusion. Today we have a strong network and partnership with the State of Vermont, University of Vermont, Green Mountain Self-Advocates and the community in general. State of Vermont, USA 2017

Vermont State Policy Guides Change PromotED with funding incentives Restricted funding of undesirable models Only individualized integrated employment Training and consulting from University of Vermont State departments collaborate to provide blended/combined funding Developed statewide specialized employment programs that aspire to 45% employment rate 1999- Access to sheltered workshops is restricted 2002- Access to group enclaves is restricted 2005- No sheltered workshops may be funded 2008- No congregate work may be funded 2011- Bonus payments for growth in employment rate % The fundamental philosophy is to promote and pay for what you want, and do not fund or support what is not desired. State of Vermont, USA 2017

Vermont’s Path Toward Community Inclusion 1980 Pilot Program Replication of Program Restricted access & funding 1993 State Institution Closed 1999: 289 Employed 2002 Last Sheltered Workshop Closed 2010 Post Secondary Education Initiative 2015: 1,260 Employed Vermont’s path toward inclusion began in the late 1970’s as leaders sought a better way to include people with developmental disabilities into the community. Supported employment expanded as sheltered workshops closed down. Continuously seeking to improve and expand services. State of Vermont, USA 2017

Employment Data (USA and Vermont) for ID/DD USA national average: 19% Vermont average: 48% Some Vermont agencies have reached 80% No sheltered or segregated work Vermont’s employment rate is double the national average. However, we continually strive to increase the number of people employed. State of Vermont, USA 2017

Impact of Policy & Practice INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES: Increased income, a sense of contribution and skill acquisition, increased confidence, independence and social connections all enable people to develop meaningful careers and lives. EMPLOYERS AND COMMUNITY: Employers and the community benefit from the social inclusion and diversity people with developmental disabilities contribute to the workforce through improved morale, customer loyalty and overall productivity and presence. A sense of belonging is essential in all walks of life Social and economic contributions develop confidence and individuality Supported employment has promoted out-of-the box thinking for community businesses. State of Vermont, USA 2017

Tiffany: TiffMark Art Tiffany has significant challenges; however she is able to manage a greeting card business with the help of her team and the greater community Tiffany enjoys and appreciates the relationships she has developed that in part, have facilitated her success. Self-employment has afforded Tiffany the ability to have a venue for expression, social interaction and economic enhancement. Small businesses are recognized and celebrated all across the state Vermont sees self-employment as a viable employment option for many people with developmental disabilities Self-employment can offer flexibility, creativity, and self sufficiency. State of Vermont, USA 2017

Ryan Ryan works at Lund Family Center caring for children We often hear “thank goodness Ryan is here today!” Ryan works between 16 to 24 hours per week and completed Child Care Development Accreditation through coursework at Think College Being born with Asperger’s Syndrome has changed my life.  My journey has taken many different roads; some were bumpier than others, but when I came to a crossroads, I took the path of acceptance, and my life then became very clear. State of Vermont, USA 2017

Next Steps Increasing/enhancing regional youth transition teams Online supported employment certification course Enhance transition and postsecondary options like Project Search and Think College Raise expectations for work and community at younger ages Pilot study regarding embedded supports in the workplace State of Vermont, USA 2017

Contacts Bryan Dague, Research Associate University of Vermont-Center on Disability & Community Inclusion http://www.uvm.edu/~cdci/ Bryan.Dague@uvm.edu Elizabeth Sightler, Executive Director Champlain Community Services, http://ccs-vt.org esightler@ccs-vt.org Lisa Culbertson, Employment Director Upper Valley Services-Bradford lculbertson@uvs-vt.org State of Vermont, USA 2017