EMPLOYMENT FIRST

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Date
  
Name
  
Description
4/6/2021EF-Discovery-2021-Message
New Discovery Profile and Tools launched
3/25/2021EF-New-Online-Modules
The Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) and the Employment First team have developed 32 new on-demand trainings.
12/22/2020EF-Message-Employment-COVID-Updates
ODDS is now allowing 1:1 services in a facility in the extreme risk (red) counties during COVID-19 state of emergency.
11/6/2020EF-Outcomes-2020
This report highlights some of the outcomes and successes achieved toward the goal of increasing community jobs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
10/15/2020EF-Reopening-Plan-Guidance
We wanted to remind providers of the features expected in a reopening plan. ODDS has created a template tool to help providers know what is expected in a reopening plan.
9/30/2020EF-Provider-Reopening-Discovery
ODDS is encouraging all employment and DSA providers, regardless of what phase your county is in, to submit your reopening plans.
9/4/2020EF-Return-to-Work-Video
Employment First is committed to doing everything possible to support people who want to work in the community.
8/28/2020EF-OFL-Extension-Training
Due to several requests from the field, the Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) is excited to announce that it has extended the Open Future Learning (OFL) training program through December 31, 2020 or until current funding is exhausted.
7/24/2020EF-Guidance-Update
This message is an update related to employment and day support activity (DSA) guidance.

The updated Employment and DSA Worker Guide gives specific guidance related to Gov. Brown’s order limiting indoor gatherings of 10 or fewer people.
7/13/2020EF-VR-Provider-Support
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and the Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) are committed to doing everything possible to support providers during the COVID-19 pandemic to continue to offer employment services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
7/10/2020OFL-Reminder-Message
This message is a reminder about a free training open for a limited time that is open to all Agencies, Personal Support Worker Job Coaches, Independent Contractors, CDDPs and Brokerages.
6/5/2020EF-VR-Working-Essential
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and the Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) remain committed to supporting employment for people with disabilities and doing everything possible to support people who want to work in the community.
5/29/2020EF-CDP-OFL-Training
This message is a reminder about a training service opportunity open for a limited time, as well as a new training module available.
5/5/2020EF-New-Virtual-Trainings
I am excited that we have several new online and virtual training opportunities to offer the field.
4/6/2020EF-SSA-Work-Module-Message
Employment First, in coordination with our contractor Wise, has developed the first in a series of online learning modules.
3/19/2020EF-Employment-Provider-Message
This letter is to address employment and Day Support Activities (DSA) providers. I understand that this is a very difficult time as we work to keep people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) safe and healthy during the outbreak of the virus that causes COVID-19.
2/7/2020EF-Transformation-Grants-Ending-Message
Throughout a five-year period, more than 30 providers received training and technical assistance from our two contractors, Living Opportunities and WISE. In December 2019, transformation grants ended.
1/10/2020EF-Podcast-CEC-Message
I have exciting news to share in our ongoing efforts to expand training and Continuing Education Credit options.

Based on stakeholder feedback and the overall intent of the Employment First podcasts, ODDS recently approved that the Employment First podcasts count toward the 12 hours of annual Continuing Education Credits required for all Employment Professionals.
12/20/2019EF-Holiday-2019-Message
I wanted to write and thank everyone during this holiday season for all the hard work supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their employment goals.
11/22/2019EF-Maximizing-Hours-Message
The Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) recently reissued policies concerning maximizing hours.
11/15/2019Provider-Resources-Rule-Update
There have been some new additions to resources for providers that I wanted to highlight.
As you know, we released updates to Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 411-345 beginning November 1, 2019.
11/1/2019Data-Outcomes-2019-Message
The newest Employment First: Outcomes and Success report for October 2019 is now published online. This report highlights some of the outcomes and successes achieved toward the goal of increasing community jobs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
10/4/2019Rule-Reminder-EF-Message
During the past few years, many areas of Oregon had new providers join in the Employment First initiative. We are excited about the new providers. As a result of this growth, I thought it would be a good time to provide some references for resources.
9/25/2019ROI-Success-Story-Final
The Employment First Statewide Referral and Release of Information is finalized and available for use.
9/13/2019Training-Continuing-Education-Update-Message
This message is a reminder regarding the approval process for continuing education programs and training.
7/19/2019Summer-Work-Story-2019-Final
This is the third year that the Office of Developmental Disabilities Services, Oregon Department of Education (ODE), and Vocational Rehabilitation have collaborated on summer work experience pilot programs for youth.
6/21/2019Benefits-Counseling-Training-Message
The Work Incentives Network (WIN) is again offering to train up to 16 people to become certified benefits planners who will then be able to provide benefits planning as an Employment Path Community service. This is the second year that WIN has offered this training to developmental disability service providers.
5/3/2019Mentoring-Training-Provider-Announce
The Office of Development Disabilities Services has approved seven qualified Medicaid agencies to mentor employment providers on topics including Discovery, Job Development, Budgeting, Business Operation, Job Development Modeling, Rule Compliance, Behavioral Support, and Protocol Development.
4/24/2019Lane-IR-Announce-Message
Cathy Ficker Terrill, the Independent Reviewer appointed to oversee the Lane v. Brown Settlement Agreement, is stepping down from the role as of Dec. 31, 2019.

Ficker Terrill will continue to evaluate the performance of the Lane Settlement Agreement and will issue a report to the federal judge in January 2020 after stepping down Dec. 31, 2019.
4/19/2019Provider-Technical-Assistance-Message
I’m excited to announce a unique opportunity for employment providers in Oregon to receive training and technical assistance from their peers.
4/12/2019Summer-Work-RFA-Message
The Request for Application (RFA) No. 4708 for Summer Work Experience Programs will fund programs throughout the state aimed at giving students with disabilities experience with summer work.
4/5/2019Referral-Release-Update-Message
These new tools are available for statewide use April 1, 2019. Effective April 1, it is best that these tools will be used if a written referral for Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) or Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) employment services is needed, or if a release of information is needed for coordinating or sharing information between Oregon’s social service agencies.   
3/29/2019Benefits-Counseling-Youth-Message
Based on this feedback, ODDS has revised guidance to clarify that transition-age students and youth may access ODDS benefits counseling if it is not readily available through the Work Incentives Network (WIN) or Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Plan for Work. People younger than 18 will still need ODDS approval.
3/8/2019Provider-Resource-Page-Message
We recently redesigned the Provider & Partners Resources page on the Employment First website with additional materials and tools that we hope are helpful.
2/22/2019Discovery-Update-Message
This message is an update on the Discovery pilot and policy, and ways you can provide feedback.
2/8/2019ROI-Message
This message is to make sure everyone knows about a new resource available, the referral and release of information forms.
2/5/2019EF-Podcast-Launch-Message
The Oregon Employment First Podcasts are short, engaging ways to learn about everything on topics ranging from How to make a Referral to Vocational Rehabilitation and the History of Employment First in Oregon to How to have the Employment Conversation from the Case Management Perspective.
1/29/2019EF-Road-Map-Message
We have launched a new resource called the Employment First Road Map. This is a tool to assist people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families to chart their employment journey.
1/25/2019Mentoring-Rural-Reimbursement-Retention-Message
I am excited to announce three new programs and policies to help build capacity and expertise in providing employment services in Oregon.
12/21/20182018-Year-End-Message
I wanted to take this opportunity to look back at the many accomplishments achieved throughout our employment system in the past year. I wanted to highlight a few points that are fully detailed in our Employment First Outcomes and Success Report
11/30/2018Peer-Mentoring-Central-Oregon
One of the most powerful tools for helping a person through the employment process can be the guidance and support of a peer who has already taken that journey.
11/2/2018Outcomes-Report-Message-2018
The newest Employment First: Outcomes and Success report for October 2018 is now published online. This report highlights some of the outcomes and successes achieved toward the goal of increasing community jobs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
10/26/2018October-2018-Employment-Events
Local Employment First teams, and other partner groups, throughout Oregon held events to celebrate the month. This message is a round-up of some of the events.
10/12/2018EF-Resources-Message
At the request of stakeholders, Employment First has created a wide variety of outreach and marketing materials, including family-friendly fact sheets and videos, that we encourage Service Coordinators, Personal Agents, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors, employment providers and other stakeholders, to use.

I thought it would be nice to remind people of the many resources we have, including fact sheets, videos, stories, posters, and much more. Please read through this entire message and save it for future reference.
9/28/2018transition message
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) states that transition planning must begin at age 16. However, transition planning may begin as early as 14 years of age.
9/21/2018SSI-Video-Benefits-Counseling-Update
Staff at the Work Incentives Network (WIN) created a new video on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and employment.
8/31/2018VR InService Message
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) held a two-day In-Service at the Salem Conference Center on Aug. 21-22.
8/24/2018MV Advancements Success
At the core of MV Advancements’ philosophy is one word: belief.
8/16/2018Project-SEARCH-Portland-Message
Project SEARCH is a national internship program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). In Oregon, there are three sites funded by the Department of Human Services (DHS), including one with developmental disabilities provider Community Access Services and the city of Portland that started in March 2017.
8/3/2018HCBS-video-variance
As we approach the Sept. 1, 2018 deadline for providers in Oregon to comply with new Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) regulations, I wanted to send a message with some updates and resources.
7/27/2018Summer-work-update-7-27-18
In June 2017, summer work experience programs throughout the state funded by grants from the Department of Human Services and Oregon Department of Education kicked off.
7/20/2018EOS Case Manager VR Message
Recently, the Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) relaunched the Employment Outcomes System (EOS) website with new tools and features for Services Coordinators (SCs), Personal Agents (PAs) and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselors.
7/13/2018continuing-education-training-message
To maintain a high quality of training opportunities and increase capacity, ODDS has adopted a pre-approval process for continuing education programs and activities.
6/29/2018Minimum-wage-message-2018
Considering the upcoming increase to Oregon’s minimum wage on July 1, 2018, I thought it would be good to send a reminder, since some people may have concerns about working and keeping their benefits when wages increase.
6/22/2018Employment-Path-Facility-Message-New
The Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) has been working with stakeholders to update guidance and clarify requirements related to Employment Path services. Under new requirements for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), sheltered workshop services will no longer be eligible for Medicaid funding as of March 15, 2019. However, not all Employment Path Facility services are sheltered work.
6/15/2018Benefits and call update message
Last week, the Office of Developmental Disabilities Services and the Work Incentives Network (WIN) held a call about benefits counseling.
6/8/2018EOS Provider Message
The newest additions to the Employment Outcomes System (EOS) includes a new function for providers to enter capacity for job coaches, developers and Discovery services. This new function can be entered and updated by providers at any time – even daily.
5/25/2018HCBS-overall-message-update
Most providers in Oregon know that we have been preparing for the new Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) regulations for many years. Under these regulations, employment services not given in a community setting or with significant community components to ensure integration will not be eligible for federal funding as of March 2019, unless a specific exception is made. Oregon has given Medicaid-funded providers until Sept. 1, 2018 to comply.
5/18/2018Benefits counseling waiver message
Employment First is requesting that benefits planning services be included in the Home and Community Based Services waiver as part of Employment Path services that will hopefully take effect July 1, 2018.
5/11/2018Employment Path Community Message
This message is to provide materials and information related to Employment Path Community.
5/4/2018Breaking Barriers Message
The Breaking Barriers – Life Beyond Labels conference was held Friday, April 27 in Redmond, Ore.
4/13/2018Claire Model Coco Good Work
Claire, 31, started working at Coco & Toulouse in July 2017. It is her first paid job.
4/6/2018Amplify Rock Stars message
In 2017, Employment First awarded innovation grants to various agencies and groups around the state. Two grants went to Dirkse Counseling & Consulting to develop an employer engagement pilot in the Washington County area and to train professionals to teach self-advocacy skills to students and transition-age youth.
3/30/2018EOS Webinar Reminder
As a reminder, there are two webinars scheduled in April on the changes to the
Employment Outcomes System (EOS).
3/23/2018EF Communications Success Stories Message
Part of the Employment First initiative required by the Governor’s Executive Order is an outreach and communications plan aimed at reaching people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
3/21/2018Order Selection Message
Recently there has been conversation about whether Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) might go into Order of Selection in 2018. This message is intended to clear up any confusion and address the current situation.
3/16/20182018 Transition Conference Message
The Oregon Statewide Transition Conference was held March 1-2 in downtown Portland.
3/9/2018VR_RFP_Message
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) has announced a Request for Proposal for interested service providers to provide career counseling and information and referral services to Oregonians with disabilities making subminimum wage in 13 key counties.
2/9/2018OELN training message
We have scheduled the first half of 2018 Oregon Employment Learning Network (OELN) trainings. As always, training information is also available on the Employment First Training Calendar
2/2/2018EOS Capacity Message
The newest additions to the Employment Outcomes System (EOS) includes a new function for providers to enter capacity for job coaches, developers and Discovery services.
1/19/2018Transition Conference 2018
The Oregon Statewide Transition Conference will be held March 1-2 in Portland. The event provides attendees an opportunity to learn, network, and share innovative approaches regarding transition practices in Oregon.
1/12/2018Transformation Grants Announce January 2018
DHS has awarded new grants to service provider agencies that currently provide facility-based employment or day services to help transform their organizational and program models to community-based, integrated employment services.
1/8/2018Statement on DOJ actions
Some of you may have heard about the recent announcement from the U.S. Department of Justice regarding the removal of several technical assistance and guidance documents, including those related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Olmstead.
1/5/2018Model Referral Message
Based on stakeholder feedback, with technical assistance from the National Technical Assistance Center on Transition, the Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS), Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) collaborated to create a Model Referral and Release of Information form.
12/22/20172017 Year End Message Final
I wanted to take this opportunity to look back at the many accomplishments achieved throughout our employment system in the past year. I recognize that everyone has had to adapt to a lot of change in the past few years
12/1/2017New Training Web Page Message
I am excited to announce that we have revamped the Employment First Training and Technical Assistance web page to include new features and resources.
11/2/2017Training RFP Message
The Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a two-year contract to develop and provide training and technical assistance for the Employment First Initiative.
10/27/2017IDEA VR Business Event
On October 11, Vocational Rehabilitation offices in the greater Vancouver, Wash. and Portland Ore. metro areas held the first Interstate Disability Employment Alliance (IDEA) forum.
10/20/2017October 2017 Outcomes Successes Report Message
I am excited to announce that the Employment First: Outcomes and Success report for October 2017 is published online. This report highlights some of the outcomes and successes achieved toward the goal of increasing community jobs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
10/10/2017Mid Columbia Recognition Event
On October 3, the Mid-Columbia Employment First team held “Working in the Gorge! Mid-Columbia Employment First Employer/Employee Recognition Event,” to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
10/6/2017Message NDEAM October 2017 Events
In September, we sent out a message asking for anyone holding events to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) in October to send us the information. This year’s theme for the national event is “Inclusion Drives Innovation.” Here are some events happening statewide October 2017 for NDEAM.
9/22/2017Message NDEAM Call Out
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. I plan to send out a message in the next few weeks informing all statewide stakeholders and staff about events that may be happening in their area.
8/25/2017Lincoln County Summer Work Program
A group of 15 students recently celebrated completion of a seven week paid work experience program in Lincoln County School District.

The students ranged in age from 16 to 21. They finished seven weeks of paid work in an individual community job through Lincoln County Schools’ “Summer Work Employment Experience Training,” or SWEET.
8/11/2017Message Obtaiining Job without VR
This is an important message to Service Coordinators, Personal Agents, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselors and employment providers. Notification must be sent to the Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) for review and tracking anytime an individual with an intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) goes straight into ODDS job coaching without VR job development services.
8/4/2017I-DD Employment Policy Web Page
I am excited to announce a new web page dedicated to employment policy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Oregon.
7/14/2017Innovation Grants Message
We are pleased to award more than 20 organizations throughout Oregon with innovation grants.
7/7/2017ODDS Transportation Message
I am excited to announce that the Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) has a new transportation web page.
6/30/2017Update on Project Search
Oregon currently has five Project SEARCH sites, three of which are funded by the Department of Human Services (DHS). This message is to update you on how these sites are progressing.
6/23/2017VR Career Counseling Message
Some of you may have heard about visits that Oregon’s Vocational Rehabilitation program is conducting statewide with individuals who are paid less than the federal minimum wage. This message is to give more information about this process.
6/9/2017minimum wage and benefits 2017
In May 2016, I did a message on the importance of making sure individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities seek benefits counseling. In light of the upcoming increase to Oregon’s minimum wage on July 1, 2017, I thought it would be good to remind everyone, as we know some individuals may have concerns about working and keeping their benefits when wages increase.
6/7/2017DSA Tier Review Message
We have received questions recently from providers regarding the tier review process for individuals in Day Support Activities (DSA).

ODDS has an established process for reviews for exceptional service needs or tier reviews. The tier review process has been in effect since 2014 when ODDS started tier-based rates for employment and DSA.
5/12/2017HCBS Extension Message
Some of you may have heard about the recent decision by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to extend the deadline for implementation of the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) integration rules to March 17, 2022.
5/5/2017Transformation_Announce_2017
DHS has awarded new grants to service provider agencies that currently provide facility-based employment or day services to help transform their organizational and program models to community-based, integrated employment services.
4/28/2017Summer Work Experience RFA
I am excited to announce today that we have an opportunity to increase summer work experiences for young people with disabilities through a collaboration between the Office of Developmental Disabilities Services, the Oregon Department of Education and Vocational Rehabilitation.
4/7/2017Meet Mountain IV Message
Meet at the Mountain IV, which brought together local Employment First teams along with families, self-advocates, providers and staff, drew a crowd of more than 350 attendees this year.
2/24/2017OR Transition Conference Message
The Oregon Statewide Transition Conference, sponsored by the Oregon Association of Vocational Support Needs Personnel (OAVSNP), the Oregon Department of Education (ODE), the Oregon Youth Transition Program (YTP), and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), was held Feb. 16 and 17 in downtown Portland.
2/3/2017Meet at the Mountain Registration Announcement
Registration is now open for Employment First’s 2017 Meet at the Mountain conference, held April 5 and 6 in Sunriver, Ore.
1/30/2017Message on Family Friendly Report
We are happy to announce that the Employment First: Outcomes and Success report is now published online. This report highlights some of the outcomes and successes achieved toward the goal of increasing community jobs for people with I/DD.
1/20/2017Statewide Transition Conference
Oregon Association of Vocational Support Needs Personnel (OAVSNP) has joined in partnership with the Oregon Department of Education (ODE), the Oregon Youth Transition Program (YTP), and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) in development of the first Oregon Statewide Transition Conference
1/6/2017Transformation Grant Reminder
This RFA “DHS-4216-16,” titled “Request for Proposal (RFP) Request for Applications Service Provider Transformation Project” is in the Oregon Procurement Information Network (ORPIN).
12/29/20162016 accomplishments review
I also wanted to take this opportunity to look back at the hard work and many accomplishments achieved throughout our employment system in the past year
12/16/2016QA Plan Message
The DHS Employment First initiative is working to increase and improve the delivery of employment services to individuals with I/DD with the goal of increasing integrated employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Quality assurance and quality improvement play an important role in ensuring the success of these efforts.
12/6/2016Innovation Grants Launched
Employment First is offering the opportunity for local providers and agencies to apply for grants to fund new, creative and innovative ideas to increase collaboration and capacity within a local area.
12/2/201612-2-16 Waterford Grand Video Testimonial Message
I am pleased to announce a new feature on the Employment First website: employer video testimonials.
11/22/2016ABLE launch message
Oregonians with disabilities will be able to save money without fear of losing their state and federal benefits starting Dec. 6.
9/23/2016MV Advancements QA Message
This month we have a Question and Answer with Marie Gwilliam, manager of the employment division for MV Advancements’ Yamhill County office. MV Advancements has received training and technical assistance from WISE.
9/2/2016EF Data Report Message September 2016
Here are some highlights of the Employment First September 2016 Data Report that may be of interest to stakeholders.
8/12/20162016 SC PA conference message
The Office of Developmental Disability Services (ODDS) held its annual Case Management Conference for Service Coordinators (SCs) and Personal Agents (PAs) Aug. 9-10 in Corvallis. More than 600 participants from around Oregon attended the conference, which featured more than 70 sessions on a range of topics.
7/27/2016Summit Cancel Notice
I wanted to let everyone know that we have decided to cancel the Employment First Summit, originally scheduled for November 2016.
7/22/2016RFA Transformation Message 7-22-16
The Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced a Request for Applications (RFA) for providers to improve employment services and outcomes for individuals with developmental disabilities.
7/8/2016Message on Maximizing Hours Video
The video explains in a user-friendly way, the new 20 hour policy standard for maximizing work hours when planning employment services.
7/5/2016Acacia hiring announcement
Acacia McGuire Anderson has been named as Oregon’s permanent Statewide Employment First Coordinator.
6/17/2016Components of transformation
According to the training and technical assistance (T/TA) contractors Living Opportunities and WISE who have been working with the 25 providers as part of the transformation project, there are five primary elements to transformation. Future providers that may consider applying for 2016 grants should consider these elements before applying.
5/26/2016Transformation Intro
In the coming months, we will have a series of messages and stories to help tell the story of transformation: the obstacles, struggles and victories these providers have encountered during their journey to transform their business model from facility-based services to community-based, integrated employment service providers.
5/13/2016EF benefits minimum wage
We know some individuals who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families may have concerns about working and keeping their benefits when wages increase.
5/6/2016Peer to Peer
The Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities (OCDD) and the Oregon Self-Advocacy Coalition (OSAC) are working on a peer-to-peer (P2P) education project called “P2P for Employment.”
5/2/2016Independent Reviewer Announcement 5-2-16
One of the key provisions in the settlement agreement of Lane v. Brown is the selection of a neutral independent reviewer to act as a subject matter expert and to assess Oregon’s progress in complying with the terms of the settlement.
4/29/2016New EOS website
A new and improved Employment Outcomes System (EOS) website launched this week. EOS is one of the primary tools used by the Office of Developmental Disability Services (ODDS) to collect data from providers on employment outcomes.
4/22/2016QA Opportunity Foundation Message
In recent months, we have heard concerns from stakeholders and family members as many sheltered workshops transform to provide community-based employment and day services.
4/8/2016Seamless Transition Phase 2
Employment First recently hosted a kick-off event in Salem for the second phase of the Seamless Transition Pilot.
3/25/2016Message on trainings
A series of trainings on “Better Employment Success Together” have been scheduled from April through August statewide. VR, ODDS and ODE are presenting these trainings in nine locations.
3/18/201620 hour policy intro
One of those requirements is that the Department of Human Services will issue guidance to VR counselors, ODDS staff, Community Developmental Disability Programs (CDDPs), and brokerages stating that the recommended standard for planning and implementing supported employment services will be the opportunity to work at least 20 hours per week, recognizing that based on individual choice, preferences and circumstances, some people may choose to work at that level while others may not.
3/11/2016CESP capacity message
The Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) certificate through APSE (Association of People Supporting Employment First) and the Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE) certificate are two nationally-recognized credential standards.
3/4/2016February 2016 Data Summary Message
As one way to monitor our progress, the Governor’s Executive Order 15-01 (EO) calls for a semi-annual data report.
2/26/2016Myths Discovery Message
With so much change in our system, it is understandable that myths spring up. To help address this, we are starting a feature in these messages called Myths & Facts. This is an opportunity to try and bust certain myths that are perpetuated around employment services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
2/19/2016HCBS and Settlement Message
The Settlement Agreement for Lane v. Brown was approved by a federal court in December 2015. Since then, we have heard from service coordinators, personal agents, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselors and employment providers around the state with questions as to how the settlement, as well as other major federal changes, may impact their work.
2/5/2016AWC Job Supports Message
A new video produced by the DHS Employment First team shows some of the strategies used by Eugene-based nonprofit employment agency Alternative Work Concepts (AWC) to help people with significant disabilities keep and maintain community jobs.
1/29/2016Message from Lilia and Trina
With the Settlement Agreement now in place, we saw that the work of the EF Team needs to shift to coordinating with and among the program areas (ODDS, VR and the Oregon Department of Education) to ensure we are on track with the commitments we made in the Agreement.
1/8/2016ODDS Supported Employment Services
There are new additions to the Supported Employment Services web page that we hope will be helpful to self-advocates, families, providers and case managers.
12/30/2015Settlement Approved Message
The Department of Human Services was informed late yesterday that U.S. Magistrate Judge Janice Stewart approved the Settlement Agreement in the Lane v. Brown case
12/18/2015Final message from Mike Maley-Statewide Employment First Coordinator
This is the season for reflecting on the past, recognizing what we are thankful for, and reaffirming a preferred future.
12/11/2015Rural Concerns
When we discuss challenges and opportunities around building service capacity to move the Employment First agenda forward, we know that capacity-building has specific challenges in rural areas of the state.
11/20/2015Jason Video Intro
I am pleased to present our first video success story produced by the DHS Employment First team. I want to encourage our stakeholders and partners around the state to share this video through your networks.
11/13/2015EF Question Social Isolation
One of the goals of our service system is that a person with an intellectual or developmental disability (I/DD) has a life that reflects that of someone without a disability. Like with other people, the workplace has social interactions, but is not the primary place you socialize with friends.
11/6/2015Issue of Choice
In discussing the Employment First initiative, we often hear questions about the impact of policies and changes on choice. We hear from people who ask us, “What if people don’t want to work in the community? What about choice?”
11/2/2015Central Oregon Employer Awards Final
The Central Oregon Employment First team held its 4th annual Employer Recognition Event on Tuesday, Oct. 27 at the Eagle Crest Resort.
10/23/2015ORA employer breakfast
The Oregon Rehabilitation Association held its annual conference Oct. 21-22 in Eugene. More than 350 attendees attended multiple sessions in both new and traditional offerings, including an employment panel featuring leadership from Employment First, Vocational Rehabilitation, Office of Developmental Disability Services and the Oregon Department of Education.
10/16/2015National Disability Employment Awareness Month
The Office of Developmental Disability Services (ODDS), the Employment First initiative and Vocational Rehabilitation, will celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month with an event held Friday, Oct. 23, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will be in the lobby of the Barbara Roberts Human Services Building, 500 Summer St. NE, Salem.
10/9/2015Provider Expectations Message
Oregon is fortunate to have a well-established network of providers, funded through ODDS, delivering employment-related services. Many of these providers have rich histories in their local communities of delivering services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
10/2/2015Message Future of Workshops
I understand that many individuals, families and providers are concerned about the future of sheltered workshop services. There will be a gradual reduction of use of sheltered workshop services over time and an increase in integrated and community-based services.
9/18/2015EF Message Settlement Final
Last week there were announcements from many sources about the proposed settlement in the Lane v Brown case, the lawsuit regarding use of sheltered workshop services. This message is just to inform you of some immediate actions we will be taking to further help inform people about the settlement.
9/11/2015Proposed Settlement Message
The state has reached agreement on a proposed settlement in Lane v. Brown, the class action involving employment services that Oregon provides to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
9/3/2015SC PA Conference Message Final
The Office of Developmental Disability Services (ODDS) held its annual Case Management Conference for Service Coordinators (SC) and Personal Agents (PA) on Aug. 26-27 in Corvallis. More than 500 participants from around Oregon attended the conference, which featured more than 50 sessions on a range of topics.
8/28/2015VR In Service Message
Vocational Rehabilitation held its annual in-service event on Aug. 12-13 at the Salem Convention Center. The theme was “Collaborating and Communicating to Improve Employment Outcomes.” The theme reflects the major initiatives VR is directly involved in that are driving change in how they serve people, not only in VR but with its partners including Employment First, the Office of Developmental Disability Services (ODDS), the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and workforce systems.
8/14/2015Transformation Grant Update Message
In recent months we have had inquiries about the service provider transformation project. This message is to give a brief update.
8/7/2015July 2015 Data Message Final
Here are some highlights of the Employment First July 2015 Data Report.
7/10/2015Supported Employment Page
There is a new web page with information on employment services offered by the Office of Developmental Disability Services (ODDS).
6/26/2015EF Ad Campaign
Thanks to those who were able to join the Employment First webinar last week on the launch of the I Work We Succeed ad campaign. For those who couldn’t join the webinar, we have posted it online.
6/19/2015Kaiser Project Search Article
Project SEARCH has a 9-month internship training program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) at Kaiser Permanente Westside Medical Center.
6/12/2015EF Message News
This is a reminder of several important opportunities to engage, plus a new F.A.Q. document on the July 1 policy changes for entry into sheltered workshops.
5/29/2015Full Access article
Margaret Theisen, chief executive officer of Full Access, Oregon’s largest support services brokerage, is retiring in June 2015. She has led Full Access for 13 years, and spent 25 years total in the developmental disabilities field.
5/22/2015Transition Co-op
The Transition Co-op is a community-based transition program for young adults with disabilities, ranging in age from 18 through 21 years. The Co-op is part of the Bend-La Pine Schools Special Programs Department.
5/15/2015Local Leadership Meeting Update
Leadership from the executive steering group of the Employment First initiative recently completed a series of meetings around the state with VR branch managers, special education directors, brokerage directors as well as Community Developmental Disabilities Program (CDDP) managers.
5/1/2015July 1 No New Entry Message
This message addresses closing new entries into sheltered workshop settings beginning July 1, 2015. The Office of Developmental Disability Services and the DHS Employment First initiative have put together a F.A.Q. document to answer some of the common questions around this policy change.
4/24/2015EcoBinary Job Success Story Final
Tim Benedict and Taylor Ingle have found jobs at a small community business that gives them a chance to grow and thrive in their career goals.
4/17/2015Meet Mountain Message
Meet at the Mountain III, which brought together local Employment First teams from around the state, drew a capacity-only crowd of more than 300 attendees, almost doubling the attendance at the first event held in 2011.
4/14/2015Campaign launch message
In the next few months, the Employment First team, in coordination with partners in Vocational Rehabilitation, the Office of Developmental Disability Services, the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities, are launching a statewide marketing campaign.
4/3/2015July 1 Changes Message
In the coming weeks, you will begin to see more information and messages from us about the changes to entry into Sheltered Workshop Services effective July 1, 2015.
3/27/2015EF Success Story Roundup
When the Employment First team first started reporting on community job success stories for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities back in June 2014, we were happy to hear how many employees, businesses owners and providers were anxious to share their successes with us.
3/13/2015Mandi Job Success
Every school day, more than 300 students in the small town of Elgin are fed a hot breakfast and lunch thanks to a team that includes Mandi Durfee, who attended the school as a child.
3/6/2015Revised IEP and MOU Message
In February, the Integrated Employment Plan was revised to reflect expanded outcome metrics, as well as new metrics based on feedback from the Executive Order Stakeholder Policy Group.
2/27/2015Start Up recipients
The purpose of this grant is to expand the number of employment specialists available to provide services. Today’s message is to share with you the results of that grant process.
2/20/2015Provider Success Story
This week, we are going to share a story recently sent to us by Exceed Enterprises in Milwaukie, Ore. Exceed is expanding its supported employment program to focus more on community employment.
2/13/2015EO Update Message
On Monday, Feb. 2, 2015, the Governor issued Executive Order 15-01 “Providing Employment Services to Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.” This Order is an update of his prior Executive Order 13-04 with the same title issued in April 2013.
1/30/2015Transition Network Update Message
The eight newly-hired Transition Network Facilitators have now been on the job for more than four months. This message is to update you on the progress of Transition Technical Assistance Network from the Oregon Department of Education (ODE), developed to support the implementation of the Governor’s Executive Order 13-04 and Employment First.
1/26/2015Start Up Grant Announcement
DHS has issued a Request for Grant Applications (RFGA) to expand Oregon’s capacity to provide individual integrated employment services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
1/16/2015EF Message Leadership Meetings
Starting Jan. 29, leadership from the executive steering group of the Employment First initiative will begin a series of meetings around the state with VR branch managers, special education directors, brokerage directors as well as Community Developmental Disabilities Program (CDDP) managers.
1/9/2015Jerry Success Story
Jerry Hansen, 51, works 30 hours per week at Wildhorse Resort & Casino in Pendleton. Previously he worked at the sheltered workshop at Pendleton-based Trendsitions.
12/19/2014Looking Ahead Message
As we bid farewell to 2014 and look forward to a New Year, I just wanted to take a moment to wish you all a peaceful and joyous holiday season from the DHS Employment First team.
11/18/2014Common Questions
The Steering Committee for the Employment First initiative, which includes leadership from Employment First, the Office of Developmental Disability Services (ODDS), Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) recently approved a document designed to help answer some of the questions we have heard from individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families over the past months.
11/14/2014Training Technical Assistance Contracts
DHS has awarded contracts to two training and technical assistance entities to help providers transform from providing facility-based services to services designed to directly help people choose, get, and succeed in integrated, community jobs.
10/31/2014RFP Announce
DHS has awarded grants to 25 service provider agencies that currently provide facility-based employment or day services to help transform their organizational and program models to community-based, integrated employment services.
10/24/2014Central Oregon Employer Event
Last week I was honored to be invited, along with Joe Miller with Vocational Rehabilitation, to speak at the Third Annual Employer Recognition Event in central Oregon.
10/17/2014butler hyundai
Since Matt was hired in 2013, the Butler Auto Group has hired four additional employees with developmental disabilities from its relationship with Living Opportunities (three work in Medford at Butler Hyundai and two others are employed at the Ashland dealership.
10/10/2014Jeff Job Success
Jeff Keeler is an integral part of his community, which includes his job at Ray’s Food Place in Roseburg.

The 31-year-old has worked at Ray’s for 10 years, and currently works Thursday through Saturday as a courtesy clerk.
10/3/2014National Employment Awareness
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities.
9/26/2014Bonnie Job Success
Now I want to share a recent employment success story that came out of the Employment First Seamless Transition Pilot. The goal of the pilot is to develop best practice guidelines for helping students with disabilities to obtain their job of choice by the time they exit from their high school transition program.
9/19/2014Transition Network Facilitators
The Transition Technical Assistance Network includes Heather Lindsey, our Secondary Transition Liaison, Mitch Kruska, Director of Education Programs/Secondary Transition, and eight newly-hired Transition Network Facilitators.
9/12/2014New Website Message
One of the critical components of our efforts to do outreach to our stakeholders is to have a viable and easy-to-access website.
I am pleased to tell you today that we have launched a newly-designed Employment First website.
9/5/2014RFP Provider Transformation
The Department of Human Services has announced a Request for Proposals for providers to improve employment services and outcomes for individuals with developmental disabilities. The total investment for both service providers and subject matter experts to engage those providers in training is up to $6.75 million.
8/22/2014Stakeholder Policy Group Update
The Policy Group was formed in July 2013, with its first meeting held on September 2013. As the anniversary of the first meeting date approaches, I thought it might be helpful to describe the next actions planned for the Policy Group.
8/15/2014Executive Order Data Report July 2014
One of the deliverables called for by the Governor’s Executive Order 13-04 is a semi-annual data report on working-age people in the Office of Developmental Disability Services (ODDS) and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) target population.
8/8/2014Workforce Reauthorization Act
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act was passed on July 22, 2014. The Act requires analysis and thoughtful consideration. In particular, WIOA makes numerous changes related to transition-age youth
8/1/2014VR DD Supported Employment Trainings
For the past two weeks, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) held a series of trainings around the state on the topic of Supported Employment. The trainings were held in collaboration with staff from the Office of Developmental Disability Services (ODDS) and Employment First.
7/25/2014Vickie's Employment Success Story
Vickie Anderson’s job has not only allowed her to stay engaged in the community, it has also helped her achieve her dreams of traveling.
7/18/2014Employment First Seamless Transition
The Seamless Transition model is based on research from the Department of Labor's Guideposts for Success. The model services include an emphasis on school-based preparation, youth empowerment leading to employment and career goals, work-based experiences, family supports, and connecting activities.
7/11/2014Employment Learning Collaborative
Medford-based Living Opportunities, Inc. was awarded a grant by Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and the Oregon Community Foundation to train five provider organizations for 18-months on supported employment.
6/30/2014July 1 Executive Order Deliverables
This week’s message is to give a brief overview of the July 1 Executive Order (EO) requirements, which were met by the Employment First initiative, the Office of Developmental Disabilities (ODDS), Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE).
6/27/2014Department of Education Educator Institute
Oregon Department of Education (ODE) held a series of trainings for teachers in the last two weeks of June. Titled the “Educator Institute on Networking and Transition,” the trainings aimed to provide an overview on the Governor’s Executive Order 13-04, the Employment First initiative, and related-employment services for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
6/20/2014Marion Polk Employment Team
As part of the Employment First initiative, local leadership teams around the state started gathering in 2011. This week’s message is to inform you about one of those teams, the Marion/Polk Employment First Network.
6/13/2014Sam Employment Success
Before he got a job, Sam needed 24-hour behavioral supports. For the past three years, however, Sam has worked at his job at RideSource Lane Transit District and his need for behavioral supports during the work day disappeared.
6/6/2014Employment Question Schools Person Center Planning
Can schools pay for facilitated person-centered employment planning by a trained facilitator?
5/30/2014Youth Transition Program
The Oregon Youth Transition Program (YTP) serves more than 1,300 youth with disabilities statewide. YTP operates as a partnership between Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), the Oregon Department of Education (ODE), the University of Oregon’s College of Education, and local Oregon school districts.
5/16/2014Darci's Employment Success Story
Darci currently works in the Lane County Developmental Disabilities Office. She works about nine hours per week putting together packets, collecting recycling, and shredding confidential paperwork.
5/9/2014Washington Transition Conference
On May 2, members of the DHS Employment First team, along with some of our colleagues in Oregon Department of Education and Oregon Developmental Disability Services, attended the Washington State Transition Conference in Vancouver, Wash.
5/2/2014Alternative Work Concepts
A few days ago, some of the Employment First team members had the opportunity to go to Eugene to meet with Liz Fox and her crew at Alternative Work Concepts.
4/25/2014Partnering with National Agencies
As part of the Employment First effort, we strive to partner with outside agencies that offer helpful resources and guidance.
4/18/2014Employment Question of the Month
Question: “Can VR counselors work with students before they turn 18? If not, what kind of transition supports can they utilize before age 18?
4/11/2014Q and A with Ann Balzell
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) recently hired Ann Balzell as Developmental Disability Policy Analyst, with a primary focus on employment issues. Ann is an experienced educator and policy analyst who started her advocacy work as a parent of a child who experienced multiple disabilities.
4/4/2014Self-Employment
Prior weekly messages have mentioned self-employment as one way to achieve an employment outcome. This message expands on the benefits of pursuing self-employment and why this may be a good choice for some people.
3/28/2014Employment Services and Waiver Definitions
In this week’s message, Trisha Baxter with the Office of Developmental Disability Services (ODDS) and I will give an overview of employment-related services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) through the Support Services and Comprehensive Waivers (Waivers).
3/21/2014Discovery and Employment First
The use of person-centered planning and processes to learn about an individual’s skills, interests, preferences, abilities, and strengths is important to the goal of obtaining and maintaining successful community integrated employment.
3/14/2014Paths to Employment
Every month, we will publish answers to an Employment Question of the Month. These provide good discussion topics and help provide guidance on the work going forward as we implement the Governor’s Executive Order 13-04 and the Employment First Integrated Work Plan.
3/7/2014Q and A with ODE Transition Liaison Heather Lindsey
To assist with making connections between all units and supporting the goals of the Executive Order and the Employment First initiative, Oregon Department of Education recently hired Heather Lindsey for the newly created position of Secondary Transition Liaison.
2/28/2014Training and Technical Assistance
Providing training and technical assistance for providers and stakeholders is one of the key steps in our efforts to implement the Employment First Initiative and the Governor’s Executive Order 13-4. The purpose of training and technical assistance is to enhance practical or specialized knowledge to achieve the employment outcomes of the Employment First Policy and the Executive Order.
2/21/2014Employment First and Self-Advocates
Several leadership representatives from the Department of Human Services (DHS) were recently invited to a meeting with the Oregon Self-Advocacy Coalition’s (OSAC) Employment Committee. OSAC is a project of the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities (OCDD).
2/14/2014FAQ of the Month Employment in Rural Areas
Every month, we will publish answers to Frequently Asked Questions in the F.A.Q. of the Month. These provide good discussion topics and can help to provide guidance on some of the work going forward as we implement the Governor’s Executive Order 13-04 and the Employment First Integrated Work Plan.
2/7/2014Stakeholder Policy Group and Data Report
One important provision of the Governor’s Executive Order 13-04 is the creation of a Stakeholder Policy Group, comprised of key stakeholders and community partners.
2/2/2014Employment First and Transition Services
School district success in preparing students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) for integrated employment will greatly help achieve the goals of the Employment First policy.
1/24/2014Employment First and Executive Order relationship
Over the past several months there have been questions from state representatives, stakeholders and community partners about Oregon’s Employment First initiative and its relationship to the Governor’s Executive Order 13-04.
1/16/2014Employment First Team Introduction
I want to take some time today to give a bit of information around our structure and introduce the DHS Employment First Team.
9/18/2013Executive Order 13-04
I am pleased to deliver the next Oregon Employment First News & Information for You message in the new series of communications. As I said last week, you can expect to see regular updates as we move forward to implement Governor Kitzhaber’s Executive Order on Employment First and our ongoing commitment to integrated employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
9/10/2013Oregon Employment First News and Information for You
Welcome to the first Oregon Employment First News & Information for You message!
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