Building Synergy Rather then reinventing the wheel

Disability Employment Policy  Idea of individual with a disability as employable began after the second World War with the veterans  Began with individuals with physical disabilities and has evolved to encompass all individuals with disabilities

Other Key Factors  Entitlements ie Social Security Benefits and Medicaid creating long term dependency  Work Disincentives  Implications of the evolving “transitory” workforce  Concept of inclusion  Supported Employment models

Key Legislation  Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1974  Rehabilitation Act of 1973  Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

Barriers to Employment  Healthcare  Transportation  Housing  Attitudinal  Legal

New Legislation/Programs  Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Act  Medicaid Buy In  Department of Labor Work Incentive grants  Social Security Benefits Planning Assistance and Outreach  Ticket Roll Out States

Challenges  Individuals who are eligible for services across agencies  Individuals with disabilities who are not eligible for rehabilitation services but are eligible for One Stop Services  The temptation of Social Security  Funding, funding, funding

Potential Partners  Governor’s Committees  Rehabilitation Services  Service Providers  Individuals with Disabilities  Parents  Employers  State and Local Agency Representatives  Everyone is important!!

Programs that Work Business Leadership Networks High School High Tech Workforce Recruitment Program Youth Leadership Forum Other Programs

Keys to Success  Communication  Cooperation  Innovation  Seek and you will find

Final Thought  Everyone should have some thing to point to, something to be proud of—look what I did, see what I’ve done, I did the job, I was the one. Studs Terkel, WORKING