Employment First Frequently Asked Questions- NEW!

May 2017 Monthly News and Updates

In my travels I hear many questions and misconceptions about Employment First. Go here to see our new Frequently Asked Questions page. These questions and answers will be updated regularly. Have a question that you would like to see answered? Let me know at [email protected] Employment First Resources- Updated Links

Click here to go to our updated Employment First Resource page. Do you have a resource you think is worthy of sharing? Let me know at [email protected] Employment Data Collection- Reminder

As a reminder, the next Employment Data Collection cycle for providers is any 2 week period in the month of May. Deadline for entering the May data will be July 3, 2017.

All data is now available to the public. A brief introduction to the new Data System site occurred during the first 15 minutes of the April Employment First Webinar, which is now archived and available for viewing here.

In the coming months, more information related to new data requirements for the fall of 2017 will be sent to all Day and Employment providers. DDA’s Organizational Transformation Webinar Series- Reminder

The first in a series of webinars, focused on organizational transformation and self-assessment for providers was held April 21rst. If you didn’t get a chance to view the first one, it’s available here on our website. Do you have pictures and/or stories of your organization’s Employment First Transformation Team you can share for a future highlight story? Send them to [email protected]

Register for the rest of the series by going to the DDA training calendar .

May 19, 2017 10:00am-12:00pm- Webinar #2 (Self-assessment continued) June 16, 2017 (location: The Meeting House, Columbia, MD) all-day in-person mentoring meeting (bring your self-assessments) July 21, 2017 (10:00am-12:00pm- Webinar #3 (Using self-assessment to build action plans) August 18, 2017 (10:00am-12:00pm- Webinar #4 (Part two of building action plans) September 15, 2017 (location: The Meeting House, Columbia, MD) all-day in-person mentoring meeting (bring your action plans) (Link to Deputy Secretary Simons’ memo about the transformation series here)

ODEP EFSLMP Provider Transformation Manual NEW!

The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) Employment First State Leadership Mentoring Program (EFSLMP) has developed a Provider Transformation Manual here.

Based on ODEP’s Criteria for Performance Excellence in Employment First Systems Change, the manual is intended to help guide and support provider organizations interested in transforming their service delivery models to have an Employment First approach. The new manual features eight modules, written by ODEP’s Employment First Subject Matter Experts, on the following topics:

Module 1: Leadership and Setting the Tone for Change Module 2: Strategic Planning Module 3: Making It Happen (Operations Focus) Module 4: Funding Module 5: Individualized Planning and Services (Customer Focus) Module 6: Reorganizing Staff for Transformative Change Module 7: How Are We Doing? (Measuring Results) Module 8: Beyond Transformation

Employment First and Community Inclusion Stories

The Arc of Washington County supports Community Membership

John is a personable, receptive and determined man that makes an impression on everyone he meets. He enjoys being connected with everything and everyone around him. John participates in various athletic events throughout the year, including bowling, basketball, track and field and flag football to name just a few. Anyone who’s had the opportunity to get to know John more personally knows that he appreciates athletic achievement and sheer fun of sport in all environments. So, when John started working at CrossFit 301 Elite, it proved to be a natural fit. John has gained acceptance by a community of people who see John for who he is, just another guy who enjoys being connected who cares about fitness and sports.

Employment Specialist, Kelly Kershaw, noted that developing the job for John was about finding the environment that he would appreciate and where he would be appreciated. A few weeks after hiring John, Tim Kellinger, part owner and Head Coach of CrossFit 301 Elite had this to say, “I wanted to hire John because I believe in what the Arc is doing. I wanted John to benefit from everything CrossFit has to offer, however we are the ones who gained the greater benefit by having John around.” John works 3 days a week, and before his shift starts, he participates in the 9am CrossFit class as Tim reviews the workout and then joins the class in their warming up and stretching routine. John has become a regular staple at CrossFit 301. Susan Daughtridge, member of CrossFit 301 Elite said, “We love having John around. He motivates as and we motivate him. I don’t think you could get a getter partnership!”

Dove Pointe Hiring Strategies Symposium

Dove Pointe, in the Eastern Region, recently held their first Hiring Strategies Symposium breakfast. Aside from a lovely breakfast spread, the purpose of the event was to raise awareness among local employers about the benefits of hiring people with disabilities. There was a wonderful turnout of employers, other service providers and job seekers. Several employers that currently employ people with disabilities spoke about their experience and encouraged those employers in attendance to make the commitment to diversify their work force, while reaping the benefits of hiring people with a variety skills and a desire to work. Jessie Thomas, the local Business Services Representative from DORS was on hand to explain the services available to both the job seeker and the employer. Job seekers were on hand to hand out resumes and network with employers. James Tobat, Job Developer with Dove Pointe plans on making this a regular event.

Looking for Stories

Do you have success stories or promising practices to share related to competitive, integrated employment or community integration? If so, please contact me at [email protected]

Things we would like to highlight:

1. Self-employment

2. Use of technical assistance

3. Creative supports and services for people with medical or personal care needs

4. Stories about community membership

5. Creative organizational structures, policies, trainings or service models

Want more information about Employment First?

 Go to DDA’s Employment First Page  Are you on our Employment First mailing list? If not, sign up here

 Questions or comments email [email protected]