1. Preparing for transition employment

2. OUR GOAL
To meet the needs of individuals with disabilities in ways that are person centered and community based
Supporting individuals as they strive toward working or otherwise contributing to the community, living in the home of their choice, and having meaningful relationships
Helping individuals and families through the process of transition

3. OBJECTIVES What is changing within employment?
Why are these changes taking place?
When will the changes happen?
Where do you begin?

4. THE TRANSITION
Opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities to engage in competitive employment are being made available.
Workers with disabilities regularly interact with co-workers who are not disabled.
Workers with disabilities receive at least minimum wage.

5. WHY THE CHANGE? American Disabilities Act Olmstead Decision
Health System Transformation for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities Agreement
Employment First Commission
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

6. NEW EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNTIES
Ensure full access to the benefits of community living
Meet the needs of individuals with disabilities in a more person-centered way
Increase the employment rate of individuals with disabilities
Reduce the number of individuals with disabilities living in poverty

7. THE TIME FRAME
In 2013, New York State stopped new admissions to sheltered workshops.
By 2020, it expects to end all funding for sheltered workshops.
More opportunities for competitive employment will be offered.

8. resources
NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)
NYS Education Department’s Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR)
Social Security Administration (SSA)

9. VOCATIONAL services Community Prevocational Services
OPWDD
Community Prevocational Services
Provides skill-building for individuals who want to work, but face barriers
Includes discovery activities, such as volunteer experiences
Pathway to Employment
Helps individuals identify careers
Provides job readiness training
Generates a plan for securing competitive employment
For More Information
Go to
ny.gov/opwdd_services_suppo rts/employment_for_people_ with_disabilities/employment_ opportunities_and_supports
For Pathway to Employment, go to .ny.gov/opwdd_services_supp orts/employment_for_people_ with_disabilities/pathway- employment

10. Discovery Exploring new opportunities to build skills and abilities
OPWDD
Exploring new opportunities to build skills and abilities
Setting a direction for future employment and community participation
Seeking answers to job-related questions
What are the individual’s skills?
What are the individual’s interests?
What is the individual’s support system?
What experiences has the individual had?
What does the individual like to do?

11. More vocational services
OPWDD
Supported employment (SEMP)
Supports for individuals who have less intensive needs
Typically follows participation in ACCES-VR
For More Information
Go to
ny.gov/opwdd_services_suppo rts/employment_for_people_ with_disabilities/employment_ opportunities_and_supports
Download OPWDD’s Employment Opportunities brochure from e/1173
Employment Training Program (ETP)
Paid internships that lead to a permanent job with a community business
Job readiness classes and job coaching

12. enrollment For More Information
OPWDD
Individuals must be enrolled in both Medicaid and the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver to be eligible for most OPWDD programs.
Supported employment
Pathway to Employment
Community and day habilitation
Medicaid Service Coordination
To get started with OPWDD, sign up to attend a Front Door information session.
For More Information
Call
Download Front Door Welcome: Access to Services from welcome-front-door/resource- booklet
Register for a Front Door information session at front-door/information_session

13. Medicaid service coordination
OPWDD
Care Coordinators, formerly known as Medicaid Service Coordinators (MSCs) help eligible individuals who are enrolled in Medicaid-funded OPWDD services with many activities.
Developing, implementing, and maintaining an Individualized Service Plan (ISP)
Engaging the individual’s Circle of Support
For More Information
Download the name and contact information of the person at your regional OPWDD office who can best answer your questions about Medicaid Service Coordination at node/534
Finding employment opportunities
Locating a day program

14. Self-direction For More Information
OPWDD
Designed for individuals eligible for OPWDD services and enrolled in HCBS who:
want more flexibility with services and scheduling;
are ready to make decisions, on their own or with help; and
welcome more responsibility in choosing services and in hiring and supervising staff.
For More Information
Talk with your Care Coordinator (formerly MSC)
Watch Choosing Self-Direction at direction
Download OPWDD’s brochure on self-directed services from

15. Acces-vr ACCES-VR helps individuals with disabilities . . .
For More Information
Go to nysed.gov/vr
Attend an orientation session. To find one near you, go to es.nysed.gov/vr/orientati on-sessions
ACCES-VR helps individuals with disabilities . . .
. . .secure and maintain employment.
. . .pursue independent living.

16. Acces-vr services Vocational counseling Assessments and evaluations
Rehabilitation technology
Special transportation
Adaptive driver training
Work readiness
Job coaching
Training (tuition, related fees, textbooks)
Tutor, reader, and note-taker services
Physical and mental restoration services
Modifications to homes, vehicles, worksites
Job development and placement
Work Try Out and on-the-job training
Occupational tools and equipment

17. PASS
SSA
SSA offers PASS to individuals who are age 15 or older and eligible for benefits. With PASS, they can save to pay for education and other things needed for work.
Job coaching
Transportation
Assistive technology
Equipment
For More Information
Call
Go to ssi/spotlights/spot-plans-self-support.
htm
Download Working While Disabled–A Guide to Plans for Achieving Self-Support from security.gov/pubs/EN pdf

18. ticket to work
SSA
This service is for anyone age who receives SSA benefits because of a disability.
Participants receive services from an Employment Network or the state vocational rehabilitation agency.
Career counseling
Vocational rehabilitation
Job placement and training
For More Information
Call
Go to
Download Your Ticket to Work from pubs/EN pdf

19. Self-determination
Employment goals are based on what the individual wants and needs.
Encourage the individual to think about employment preferences.
Help the individual share his or her thoughts with the people who can help.

20. Explore, explore, explore
Visit websites and call service providers.
Be alert to job and volunteer opportunities related to the individual’s interests.
Point out possible jobs as you visit libraries, parks, gyms, stores, etc.
Arrange job shadowing.
For More Information
Both OPWDD and CP of NYS offer interactive directories of services available in your area.
Go to OPWDD’s directory at
.ny.gov/
Go to CP of NYS’ directory at

21. Other ways to prepare Who to Contact Expect disruption.
Recognize that change can be hard for individuals and their families.
Seek the support of others who have gone (or are going) through similar transitions.
Accept risk.
Manage concerns.
Break down new skills and tasks into small steps.
Communicate often about what is going to happen.
Practice advocacy.
Know the individual’s rights and responsibilities.
Understand the individual’s needs and wishes for the future.
Work with the Care Coordinator (formerly MSC) and Circle of Support.
Who to Contact
OPWDD’s Front Door:
ACCES-VR District Office:
Local Social Security office: