1. 1 Partnerships and Collaboration Strategic Service Delivery Component Disability Employment Initiative

2. The following chart highlights the core elements associated with this service delivery component and includes the names of the states that will be implementing this approach: Access the following link to learn what each DEI project proposed in their statement of work around this component: http://dei-ideas.org/chapter2-1/page8a_pandc.cfmhttp://dei-ideas.org/chapter2-1/page8a_pandc.cfm

3. Collaboration is…. A mutually beneficial relationship which involves people from different sectors of the community joining together to achieve a common goal. Involves joint planning and shared resources, funding & accountability. Occurs through shared understanding of issues, open communication, mutual trust & tolerance of differing points of view. The most intensive level of partnership.

4. Collaboration is not … Co-location of two or more service providers in the same office, without effective integration of programs/services One person’s design or strategy Compromise or consensus Simply a one-way or two-way information exchange (nor does it imply supervision)

5. Fostering Systems Collaboration Communication: Meet with leaders of local organizations & listen for shared goals Building Trust: Invite persons with disabilities & providers to One-Stop workshops, tours, orientations & assistive technology demonstrations Participation: Represent One-Stop’s commitment to collaboration by participating in other events, networking groups & consumer advisory councils

6. Establishing Partnerships – State Level Office of Workforce Investment/ Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Department of Labor Social Security Administration Department of Education Department of Transportation Housing and Urban Development State Medicaid Office Dept of Health & Human Services Governor’s Commission o People with Disabilities Advocacy Organizations Faith-based & Community - based Organizations Disability Program Navigators Disability Resource Coordinators Individuals with Disabilities

7. Establishing Partnerships – Local Level Independent Living Center(s) Community Work Incentives Coordinator (CWIC) Adult Literacy Programs Community Colleges - Offices for Students with Disabilities Veterans Counselors Older Workers Programs Employment Networks Community-Based Providers (Job Developers, Job Coaches, Service Coordinators, etc.) TANF Counselors Local Workforce Investment Board Executive Staff Representative from the Business Sector One-Stop Career Center Director, Manager, WIA Counselor & Business Service Staff Vocational Rehabilitation Commission for the Blind & Visually-Impaired Commission for the Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing Department of Mental Health Department of Mental Retardation

8. Possible Roadblocks to Collaboration Lack of relationship building & trust Lack of common interest & values Lack of purpose, mission & goals Lack of leadership Lack of communication; unclear about each other’s roles Lack of resources & time The fear of loss of position, power & resources Lack of an investment culture-we don't always think about the future (we are here & now focused, crisis oriented)

9. The Role of DRCs Competencies needed to Establish Effective Partnerships: Ability to analyze needs of customers and workforce system Knowledge of potential partners and their organizations/services Ability to negotiate and communicate Ability to share decision making Ability to develop performance measures

10. Benefits of Strategic Partnerships Leverage strengths Share responsibility Gain competencies Increase potential for innovation Enhance competency sets Increase organizational visibility

11. References Virginia Commonwealth University (2005). Developing Collaborative Community Partnerships http://www.worksupport.com/research/viewContent.cfm/489 Butterworth, J., Foley, S., & Metzel, D. (2001). Developing interagency agreements: Four questions to consider. The Institute Brief, 11(1). Institute for Community Inclusion, University of Massachusetts, Boston. http://www.communityinclusion.org/article.php?article_id=14 Rick Dove, (1998) Collaboration: Are More Heads Better? Paradigm Shift International http://www.parshift.com/Essays/essay047.htm