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Grant Will Help People with Disabilities find Employment in Mainstream Workplaces
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The goal of the grant program is to provide states with help to transform their employment efforts for individuals with developmental disabilities to a model known as "integrated employment." Integrated employment is best described as jobs held by individuals with the most significant disabilities, in typical workplace settings, with wages paid by the employer consistent with wages paid to workers without disabilities for the same or similar work.
"Oregon is working hard to increase the development of employment opportunities for our citizens with disabilities, including those with the most severe disabilities," said Mike Maley of the DHS Office of Developmental Disability Services. "This action plan willhelp people with disabilities to obtain meaningful and well paying jobs."
Working with Washington, Oregon's action plan includes establishing an employer initiative and developing more effective ways to interface with the business community to create economic opportunities. The state will outreach to Oregon's Workforce Investment Boards, state and local, and to employers and businesses large and small to create better opportunities for persons with disabilities.
"Part of growing Oregon's economy and staying competitive is ensuring an inclusive and diverse workforce; where every citizen contributes with their full potential," said Bridget Dazey, a member of the Governor's Workforce Initiative and Program Manager, Workforce Investment Council of Clackamas County. "The public workforce system is a necessary partner in moving Oregon to a more comprehensive Employment First model. This program will allow the 'pioneers' of Oregon's Employment First model to continue building the foundation and infrastructure to make it a success."
In addition, Oregon will develop a detailed strategic plan with clear policy and vision statements. The state also plans to create better efficiency by strengthening and aligning roles, practices and funding mechanisms of key partners in all agencies that do similar work.
Oregon will also use the funding to support several pilot programs transitioning youth from school to work, and to provide assistance and mentoring for providers in local communities. It also will support local job developers who work with clients to create business development opportunities.
DHS is already working on a five-year strategic plan to increase integrated employment outcomes and decrease reliance on sheltered workshops. This grant resource supplements the agency's ongoing work by helping to identify effective and replicable strategies. DHS expects to continue its efforts within current staffing and funding after the grant ends.
"It is time to move past the stereotypes and misconceptions that people with disabilities can't work," said Kathy Martinez, assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy for the United States Department of Labor. "Research clearly shows that people with significant disabilities can work in the community and earn minimum wage."
Organizations that represented Oregon in Washington, D.C recently included: Department of Human Services Office of Developmental Disability Services; Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities; Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services; Oregon Department of Education; and the Governor's Workforce Initiative.
Oregon is one of three protégé states receiving the funding. Tennessee and Iowa were the other two states that received funds. Washington State received funding as the mentor state.
For more information on Employment First in Oregon, visit their webpage at: http://www.dhs.state.or.us/dd/supp_emp/initiative.html .
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