1. Works for Me THE PENNSYLVANIA EMPLOYMENT SYMPOSIUM

2. Employment Symposium Beginnings 1996 - First Employment Supports Symposium held in Philadelphia Sponsored by Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Mental Retardation Services Networks for Training and Development, Inc.

3. Employment Symposium Beginnings Celebrate accomplishments of job coaches Learn cutting edge strategies from employment experts Share and explore innovative practices Inspiration

4. Employment Symposium Beginnings Community involvement is a must! 2006 – Philadelphia Vision for Employment 2010 Mini grants to employment support agencies Slogan – “We’re on the Job!” Local yearly symposium continues

5. 2009 Employment Symposium 2009 – PA Comprehensive Medicaid Infrastructure Grant funding Conference grows from local MH/MR symposium to statewide cross- disability conference 500 attendees from all disability sectors and regions of the state

6. 2009 Employment Symposium Pennsylvania Vision for Employment Strategic Planning Sessions – included people with disabilities, family members, government entities, human service professionals Steering Committee for PA Strategic Plan formed

7. 2010 Employment Symposium Moving Employment Forward: Building Employer Relationships –More cross-disability agency participation in planning and presentations –More statewide participation –More employer focused sessions

8. Employment Symposium Highlights Employer Awards Luncheon Octavia Green Dream Job Award Vision for Employment Mini Grants Longevity Awards –Supported employment employees –People with disabilities on the job

9. Employment Symposium Highlights Con’t Keynote speakers Disability Film Festival Entrepreneur Showcase Workplace accommodations exhibit Diverse breakout sessions Individual scholarships Calendars

10. NEXT STEPS Continue to expand and diversify sessions –Include sessions on the arts Move conference to a more central and accessible location in state. Reduce conference from 4 days to 2 days

11. NEXT STEPS More statewide inclusiveness Continue to do more employer outreach –More involvement from employers, business organizations, and BLN

12. QUESTIONS???? Further Information Diane Cashman Dcashman@state.pa.us 717-783-5755