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Published bySharyl Armstrong Modified over 9 years ago
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Alaska’s Experience
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Lack of policy that promotes work as an expectation (or employment first) Fear of losing health benefits Financial disincentives Lack of knowledge of existing work incentives Lack of access to needed resources Lack of holistic vocational services Fragmented services Work incentives counseling, 1-stop job center resources, assistive technology, asset building, transportation and housing Limited employment opportunities Limited access to employment and training programs Self-employment often viewed as “option of last resort”
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Gathered variety of information to prioritize activities Took comprehensive approach Strategic planning (“Summits R Us”) Technical assistance Training Outreach Policy assessment Worked within existing systems, initiatives and partnerships Identified and leveraged resources to strategically address areas of need Built on what’s learned
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Share data Overview specific activities Discuss role of self-advocates Discuss outcomes to date and next steps Share 3 systems change tips A LASKA ’ S J OURNEY S PECIFIC TO P EOPLE WITH D EVELOPMENTAL D ISABILITIES
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The number of people in integrated employment settings increased from 266 in 2001 to 396 in 2010 (a 48.9% increase) However, the percent of people receiving supported employment services decreased from 48% in 2001 to 35.9% in 2010 (dropped to 23.7% in 2007 – national average) Alliance for Full Participation goal to double the number of people in integrated employment in 2015 (792) Also want to increase percent of people receiving supported employment services by 50% (53.9%) Sheltered workshops not as big an issue as day habilitation
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A CTIVITIES TO D ATE Developed Supported Employment Action Plan Reviewed best practices used in other states Assessed Alaska’s practices against best practices Developed set of recommendations for change Hired non-perm position to help implement action plan recommendations Developed supported employment work plan Drafted supported employment standards for staff Provided input to inform waiver reapplication
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A CTIVITIES TO D ATE Collaborated with Division of Vocational Rehabilitation on Customized Employment Grant Secured research and demonstration grant from ODEP to increase the self-employment of Alaskans with disabilities (StartUp Alaska) Helped plan annual Full Lives Conference Helped Employment Security Division secure Disability Employment Initiative grant Secured funding to start two Project Search pilot sites Held Peer Power planning meeting
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Planning Alaska Works Initiative Supported Employment Action Plan Peer Power Alliance for Full Participation State Plan R OLE OF S ELF -A DVOCATES
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Helped plan and organize 3 federal job fairs Sent information about the job fairs to the media Put flyers up Had a phone tree Helped with set-up and take-down Welcomed people Wrote thank-you notes R OLE OF S ELF -A DVOCATES
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Planned and organized Peer Power meeting Brought self-advocates together from around the state Talked about ways working people could help non- working people and youth get and keep a job Used Peer Power recommendations as a starting point for Alaska’s AFP State Plan R OLE OF S ELF -A DVOCATES
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2 nd Peer Power meeting scheduled for December Discuss work done to date Discuss what was learned at AFP Summit Identify specific actions Peer Power members will take to help non-working adults and youth get and keep a job Who, what, where, when and how R OLE OF S ELF -A DVOCATES
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DVR policy changes Discovery as a reimbursable service Work Incentives Counseling as a reimbursable service Self-employment policy more friendly to would-be entrepreneurs Annual Full Lives Conference includes employment track Expansion of Project SEARCH (3 sites) 1-stop job centers secure Employment Network status Secured funding for microenterprise grants and virtual business coach S OME O UTCOMES TO D ATE
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Continued policy development Implement asset building strategies Waiver Plan amendments Training for individuals and families, providers, vocational rehabilitation counselors, care coordinators and State DD staff Unemployment Insurance data run Development of data tracking system Development of Employment Network Partnership Plus arrangement with DVR N EXT S TEPS
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Implement Alliance for Full Participation Plan Mentor/Peer-to-Peer Services Policy Changes Policy to Practice Business Collaboration Transition to Adult Life
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Systems Change Tip #1 A small investment can pay a BIG return Invested around $5,000 for speaker at annual Transit Conference Resulted in establishment of Alaska Mobility Coalition Successfully advocated for state and federal funding Influenced the passage of SAFETEA-LU Governor created Coordinated Transportation Task Force
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Systems Change Tip #2 “Glom” onto existing initiatives and activities Had strong working relationship with Department of Education & Early Development (EED) Joint goal to improve transition of youth with disabilities into jobs and adult life EED provided 100% of Project SEARCH start- up costs 3 operational sites 2 other communities interested Secured Youth First grant from Division of Business Partnership for expansion, technical assistance and job coaching
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Systems Change Tip #3 Tip #3: Sometimes it doesn’t take money Influence State Plan priorities and strategies DVR’s State Plan reflects AWI activities to improve employment outcomes of people with DD Comment on proposed policy DVR changed self-employment policy to make it more friendly to would-be entrepreneurs Present results and data DVR agreed to participate in development, implementation and evaluation of Project SEARCH
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