Florida’s Long-Term Commitment to Advance Employment for Individuals with Disabilities

“If no mistake have you made, yet losing you are… a different game you should play” Yoda

 Individuals with disabilities, like everyone, have innate abilities, skills and aspirations to contribute to Florida’s economy.  “Employment First” is a shared vision that employment is the first priority and preferred outcome for them to be successful in life.  This shared vision provides a framework for carrying out a long-term commitment to improving their employment outcomes.

1. Start w/ a fundamental understanding of the employment disparity 2. Identify the elements to improving outcomes 3. Examine how these elements are being applied in Florida 4. Understand the implications to the coordinated transportation system

A Fundamental Understanding of the Barriers

Persons with a DisabilityPersons with No Disability  8 in 10 did NOT participate in U.S. labor force in 2011  15% national unemployment rate in 2011  6 in 10 did NOT participate in state labor force in 2010  24.8% state unemployment rate in 2010  3 in 10 did NOT participate in U.S. labor force in 2011  8.7% national unemployment rate in 2011  2 in 10 did NOT participate in state labor force in 2010  12.5% state unemployment rate in 2010

 The Commission approached this disparity as an outcome stemming from unique “barriers.”  These barriers are largely attributable to misperceptions of the individuals’ “inabilities” to do the job.  This can encourage many to seek benefits from public programs, which can further discourage workforce participation.  These barriers prevent them from competing on a “level playing field.”

 These barriers also represent lost opportunities for employers.  Going by the state figures cited earlier: ◦ If individuals w/ disabilities participated at the same level as their peers, Florida’s workforce would expand more than 433,000 (5%). ◦ If the state unemployment rate of individuals w/ disabilities then receded to the same level as their peers (12.5% in 2010), the number of employed would increase just fewer than 435,000 (6%).  This represents the untapped potential this population offers Florida’s economy.

A Framework for Improving Employment Outcomes

 Every economic transaction in a free market is designed to be “win-win” for both sides.  Commission took macroeconomic approach to help Governor Scott set a vision of job creation for this population, which could be carried out by various organizations.  The Commission identified 3 key elements to creating successful outcomes: ◦ A Long-Term Commitment to Employment; ◦ Collaboration among All Players; and ◦ Outcomes Driven by the Individual’s Experience.

 State’s disability system not conducive for most employers to recruit candidates and learn about recourses.  Perceptions are driven by information and personal experience.  Individuals should have firsthand work experiences to better compete in workforce.

1. Identify “single-point of contact” in state gov. to help employers navigate disability system to: a)Find candidates w/ disabilities ready/able to work; and b)Learn about resources that support them on the job. 2. Adopt a long-term communications plan to: a)Motivate employers to hire individuals w/ disabilities; b)Promote a consistent message of awareness; and c)Highlight resources (like “single-point of contact”) to support their hiring needs. 3. Promote internship/work experiences to: a)Improve perceptions among employers; and b)Provide candidates with skills to better compete.

 Individuals and organizations that can impact the employment of individuals, including: ◦ Self-Advocates and their Families; ◦ Employers and advocates in the business arena; ◦ Employment Development/Placement Agencies; ◦ Human Services Agencies; ◦ Educational Institutions; and ◦ Provider Organizations (including transportation).  Each player contributes services/products that can support an individual’s employment and independent living goals.  No individual receives services in a vacuum!

 Collaboration needed during development of service plans, esp. during transition process.  There also needed to be a more coordinated effort in communicating with employers.  The Commission recommended the development of a cooperative agreement to facilitate collaboration among the state players.

 Most state agencies collect/report data on employment and similar outcomes of individuals who receive public services.  Data on outcomes mostly used for compliance and accountability purposes.  Individual’s experience spans a long period of time and is impacted by numerous variables that contribute to a particular outcome.  In order to effectively capture this experience, data should be used beyond measures of strict compliance…

 Present data in a way that is “Actionable, Accurate, and Accessible” for decision-makers.  Longitudinal data needed to capture individual’s experience & identify other variables supporting goals.  Decision-makers can use to improve outcomes, reduce barriers, and foster innovation in services.

Applying the elements to Florida’s disability employment system

 Called for creation of an interagency cooperative agreement to est. long-term commitment to improving outcomes.  Ensured collaboration would be instituted into the state agencies’ policies and programs.  Defined employment outcomes.

 Partners formed workgroups to develop and implement cooperative agreement.  Created a grassroots group to gather input from the local level on various topics.  Developed the long-term communications plan to accompany the agreement.  Supported other collaborative initiatives, including “single-point of contact.”  Identified baseline data by each Partner agency to develop targets for improvement.

 Five-year agreement took effect July 1,  Partners’ top priorities for Year One: ◦ Training and Technical Assistance; ◦ Strategic Goals and Operational Policies; and ◦ Interagency Collaboration.  Encourage local agencies to develop (or expand) Interagency Cooperative Teams.  Commission recommended Partners use longitudinal data to improve outcomes.  Partners will provide annual performance report to the Governor.

Improving Transportation & Mobility to Employment

 Get involved and ensure your staff/constituents are informed of these efforts.  Evaluate your employment- related trips and outcomes.  Identify barriers and service gaps, and identify facilitators who can help reduce these challenges.  Make recommendations to our state Partners.  Become a game changer in the jobs market…

“Humans are tool builders, and we build tools that can dramatically amplify our innate human abilities” Steve Jobs

Building Tools for the Future

David Darm