| 5/26/2022 | Employment Exception Request Process | Information about the Compass Project and a new assessment tool called the Oregon Needs Assessment. |
| 5/23/2022 | 2021 Capacity Report | Capacity building and maintenance during the 2020-21 reporting period |
| 5/23/2022 | 2022 Quality Assurance Report | Outcomes of the Employment First Quality Assurance Plan |
| 5/23/2022 | Post School Outcomes 2020-21 Results | Survey of students who exited special education |
| 5/20/2022 | Project SEARCH Application | |
| 5/20/2022 | Project SEARCH annual supplemental data submission | |
| 5/20/2022 | Project SEARCH fidelity review | |
| 5/20/2022 | Project SEARCH policies and procedures | |
| 5/20/2022 | Project SEARCH Roles | |
| 5/6/2022 | Employment First May 2022 message | The surprise April snowstorms have brought us May tools! Given the challenges we’ve faced with COVID-19, the workforce crisis, new personal agents and services coordinators in the system, among other events, we want to remind you of useful Employment First resources that are available. |
| 3/4/2022 | Trainings available statewide | As providers, case management entities, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) branches and others are onboarding more people due to loss of staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, we wanted to take an opportunity to ensure everyone is aware of the available training to help your team hit the ground running. |
| 3/4/2022 | SELN Case Manager training | SELN Case Manager training |
| 2/23/2022 | Guide to Professional Behavior Services | |
| 2/2/2022 | Minutes EF Policy Group 2-2-2022 | Minutes EF Policy Group 2-2-2022 |
| 1/25/2022 | FAQ from VR/ODDS Stakeholder Call 1-25-2022 | FAQs from VR/ODDS stakeholder call on 1-25-2022 |
| 1/5/2022 | Minutes EF Policy Group 12-1-2021 | Minutes EF Policy Group 12-1-2021 |
| 12/15/2021 | Career Development Plan Report 2021 | Career Development Plan Report 2021 |
| 12/15/2021 | Interagency Agreement with VR, ODDS and ODE | Interagency Agreement with VR, ODDS and ODE |
| 12/3/2021 | Employment Event in Mid-Columbia | The Mid-Columbia Employment First team held its 3rd annual “Working in the Gorge” Employer/Employee Recognition Event to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month on Oct. 13-15, 2021. |
| 12/1/2021 | Grant Application DSA Employment | Grant Application DSA Employment |
| 11/22/2021 | Map ODDS Regional Employment Specialists | Map ODDS Regional Employment Specialists |
| 11/19/2021 | EF EOS Changes | Changes to the Employment Outcomes System (EOS). |
| 11/3/2021 | Minutes EF Policy Group 10-6-2021 | Minutes EF Policy Group 10-6-2021 |
| 10/25/2021 | PACT Training Registration | PACT Training Registration |
| 9/29/2021 | Minutes EF Policy Group 9-1-2021 | Meeting Minutes for September 2021 Executive Order Stakeholder Policy Group meeting. Employment First |
| 9/18/2021 | NDEAM Save the Dates 2021 | |
| 7/23/2021 | Free job listings for providers | Most providers and case management entities in Oregon have already heard about Impact Oregon, the free job board website for careers in the developmental disabilities field. |
| 7/16/2021 | New Training Opportunity for Employment Professionals | Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and the Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) are excited to announce a new training opportunity for Employment Professionals. |
| 6/17/2021 | CDP QA Report | CDP QA Report December 2020 |
| 6/2/2021 | Minutes-EF-Policy-Group-4-7-2021 | Meeting Minutes for April 2021 Executive Order Stakeholder Policy Group meeting. Employment First |
| 4/16/2021 | VR I/DD Counselors; ODE Transition Network Facilitators, ODDS Employment Specialists | VR I/DD Counselors; ODE Transition Network Facilitators, ODDS Employment Specialists |
| 4/7/2021 | iLearn Help Document | iLearn Help Document |
| 4/7/2021 | Minutes-EF-Policy-Group-3-3-2021 | Meeting Minutes for March 2021 Executive Order Stakeholder Policy Group meeting. Employment First |
| 4/6/2021 | New Discovery Profile and Tools | New Discovery Profile and Tools launched |
| 3/25/2021 | New Online Modules Launched | The Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) and the Employment First team have developed 32 new on-demand trainings. |
| 3/22/2021 | Vocational Rehabilitation and ODDS Services Crosswalk | Vocational Rehabilitation and ODDS Services Crosswalk |
| 3/3/2021 | Minutes-EF-Policy-Group-2-3-2021 | Meeting Minutes for February 2021 Executive Order Stakeholder Policy Group meeting. Employment First |
| 2/3/2021 | Minutes-EF-Policy-Group-1-6-2021 | Meeting Minutes for January 2021 Executive Order Stakeholder Policy Group meeting. Employment First |
| 1/6/2021 | Minutes-EF-Policy-Group-12-2-2020 | Meeting Minutes for December 2020 Executive Order Stakeholder Policy Group meeting. Employment First |
| 12/22/2020 | ODDS Employment COVID Update | ODDS is now allowing 1:1 services in a facility in the extreme risk (red) counties during COVID-19 state of emergency. |
| 12/4/2020 | Minutes-EF Policy Group-11-4-2020 | Meeting Minutes for November 4, 2020 Executive Order Stakeholder Policy Group meeting. Employment First |
| 11/24/2020 | FAQ from VR/ODDS Stakeholder Call 4-7-2020 | COVID-related FAQ from VR/ODDS Stakeholder Call 4-7-2020 |
| 11/6/2020 | Outcomes and Successes Report 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). |
| 11/4/2020 | EF Outcomes and Successes October 2020 Report | The newest Employment First: Outcomes and Success report for October 2020 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). |
| 11/4/2020 | Minutes-EF Policy Group-10-6-2020 | Meeting Minutes for October 6, 2020 Executive Order Stakeholder Policy Group meeting |
| 10/26/2020 | FAQ from VR/ODDS Stakeholder Call 10-20-2020 | FAQ from VR/ODDS Stakeholder Call 10-20-2020 |
| 10/15/2020 | EF Reopening Plans 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. |
| 9/30/2020 | Reopening Plans and Discovery in Phase 1 | ODDS is encouraging all employment and DSA providers, regardless of what phase your county is in, to submit your reopening plans. |
| 9/24/2020 | 2020 Marion Polk NDEAM Event Save the Date | 2020 Marion Polk NDEAM Event Save the Date |
| 9/4/2020 | Return to Work Video and Resources | Employment First is committed to doing everything possible to support people who want to work in the community. |
| 9/2/2020 | Minutes-EF Policy Group-8-5-2020 | Meeting Minutes for August 5, 2020 Executive Order Stakeholder Policy Group meeting. Employment First |
| 9/1/2020 | How to Become an Independent Contractor | How To Enroll as a Supported Employment Independent Contractor |
| 9/1/2020 | Third Party Certification Filing Initial Unemployment | Third Party Certification Filing Initial Unemployment |
| 8/28/2020 | Open Future Learning Extended | 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. |
| 8/5/2020 | Minutes-EF Policy Group-6-3-2020 | Meeting Minutes for June 3, 2020 Executive Order Stakeholder Policy Group meeting. Employment First
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| 7/24/2020 | Contingency Funding and Other Updates | 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.
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| 7/15/2020 | FAQ from VR/ODDS Stakeholder Call 7-14-2020 | FAQ from VR/ODDS Stakeholder Call 7-14-2020 |
| 7/13/2020 | Support to Providers during COVID-19 | 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. |
| 7/10/2020 | Reminder of Free Training Opportunity | 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. |
| 6/5/2020 | EF VR Working During COVID-19 | 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. |
| 5/29/2020 | New training opportunity | This message is a reminder about a training service opportunity open for a limited time, as well as a new training module available. |
| 5/7/2020 | Minutes-EF Policy Group-3-4-2020 | Meeting Minutes for March 4, 2020 Executive Order Stakeholder Policy Group meeting. Employment First |
| 5/5/2020 | New Trainings Available | I am excited that we have several new online and virtual training opportunities to offer the field. |
| 4/30/2020 | Approved DSP Trainings CECs | Approved DSP Trainings CECs |
| 4/30/2020 | Approved-OFL-Trainings-CECs | Approved-OFL-Trainings-CECs |
| 4/6/2020 | SSA Online Learning Module | Employment First, in coordination with our contractor Wise, has developed the first in a series of online learning modules. |
| 4/3/2020 | iLearn Instructions | iLearn Instructions |
| 3/19/2020 | EF 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.
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| 3/5/2020 | Minutes-EF Policy Group-2-5-2020 | Meeting Minutes for February 5, 2020 Executive Order Stakeholder Policy Group meeting. Employment First |
| 2/7/2020 | Transformation Grants Ended | 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. |
| 2/7/2020 | Minutes-EF Policy Group-12-4-2019 | Meeting Minutes for December 4, 2019 Executive Order Stakeholder Policy Group meeting. Employment First |
| 1/15/2020 | FAQ from VR/ODDS Stakeholder Call, 1-14-2020 | FAQ from VR/ODDS Stakeholder Call, 1-14-2020 |
| 1/10/2020 | Podcasts available for Continuing Education Credits | 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. |
| 12/20/2019 | EF 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. |
| 12/5/2019 | Minutes-EF Policy Group-11-6-2019 | Meeting Minutes for November 6, 2019 Executive Order Stakeholder Policy Group meeting. Employment First |
| 11/27/2019 | State as Model Employer Flyer | Some positions across state agencies can be directly appointed if the person has an intellectual or developmental disability and qualifies for services through DHS’ Office of Developmental Disabilities Services. |
| 11/25/2019 | Oregon QRF and AbilityOne Contracts | Oregon QRF and AbilityOne Contracts |
| 11/22/2019 | Maximizing Hours Policy and Success Story | The Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) recently reissued policies concerning maximizing hours. |
| 11/15/2019 | Provider Rule Resources 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.
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| 11/6/2019 | Minutes EF Policy Group 10-2-2019 | Meeting Minutes for October 2, 2019 Executive Order Stakeholder Policy Group meeting. Employment First |
| 11/1/2019 | Data Outcomes 2019 | 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). |
| 11/1/2019 | Employment First Resources | Employment First Resources |
| 11/1/2019 | Employment DSA Exit Process Map | Employment DSA Exit Process Map |
| 10/23/2019 | Employment First Outcomes and Successes Report 2019 | 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). |
| 10/4/2019 | Rule Reminder | 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. |
| 10/1/2019 | 9-Vendor-Monitoring-Quaility-Indicators-Example | 9-Vendor-Monitoring-Quaility-Indicators-Example |
| 10/1/2019 | Possible-Vendor-Interview-Questions-Consumers-Family-Members | Possible-Vendor-Interview-Questions-Consumers-Family-Members |
| 10/1/2019 | Sample-Vendor-Selection-Case-Note | Sample-Vendor-Selection-Case-Note |
| 9/25/2019 | Statewide Referral and Release of Information Simplifies Sharing Information | The Employment First Statewide Referral and Release of Information is finalized and available for use. |
| 9/13/2019 | Training and Continuing Education Update | This message is a reminder regarding the approval process for continuing education programs and training. |
| 9/11/2019 | Minutes-EF Policy Group-6-5-2019 | Meeting Minutes for June 5, 2019 Executive Order Stakeholder Policy Group meeting. Employment First. |
| 7/19/2019 | 2019 Summer Work Experience Programs Launch | 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. |
| 7/17/2019 | FAQ from VR ODDS Stakeholder Call 7-16-2018 | FAQ from VR ODDS Stakeholder Call 7-16-2018 |
| 6/21/2019 | Benefits Counseling Training 2019 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. |
| 5/14/2019 | Lane v Brown Class Groups | Lane v Brown Class Groups |
| 5/8/2019 | Minutes-EF Policy Group-4-10-2019 | Meeting Minutes for April 10, 2019 Executive Order Stakeholder Policy Group meeting. Employment First. |
| 5/8/2019 | Personalized Guide to Community Employment | Personalized Guide to Community Employment by the Oregon Self-Advocacy Coalition |
| 5/3/2019 | Employment Provider Mentors Announced | 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. |
| 4/24/2019 | Lane Independent Reviewer Announcement | 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.
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| 4/19/2019 | Provider 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. |
| 4/17/2019 | Minutes-EF Policy Group-2-6-2019 | Meeting Minutes for February 6, 2019 Executive Order Stakeholder Policy Group meeting. Employment First. |
| 4/12/2019 | Summer Work RFA | 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. |
| 4/5/2019 | Referral and Release Update | 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. |
| 4/2/2019 | FAQ-from-VR_ODDS-Stakeholder-Call-April-2019 | FAQ-from-VR_ODDS-Stakeholder-Call-April-2019 |
| 3/29/2019 | Benefits Counseling for Youth | 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. |
| 3/29/2019 | Lane Independent Reviewer Report 2018 | The Independent Reviewer issues this annual report on Oregon’s progress in implementing the Settlement Agreement in Lane v. Brown. The Settlement Agreement went into effect on January 27, 2016. If the State substantially complies with its obligations, the Settlement Agreement will end no later than July 1, 2022. |
| 3/8/2019 | Provider-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. |
| 2/22/2019 | Update on Discovery Profile and Policy | This message is an update on the Discovery pilot and policy, and ways you can provide feedback. |
| 2/8/2019 | Referral and Release Forms | This message is to make sure everyone knows about a new resource available, the referral and release of information forms. |
| 2/5/2019 | EF-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. |
| 2/1/2019 | Local Employment First Team Contact List | Local Employment First Team Contact List |
| 1/31/2019 | FAQ-from-VR-ODDS-Stakeholder-Call-1-29-2019 | FAQ-from-VR_ODDS-Stakeholder-Call-1-29-2019 |
| 1/29/2019 | Employment First Road Map | 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. |
| 1/25/2019 | Mentoring-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. |
| 1/7/2019 | Cross Agency Employment Glossary Tool | A Glossary Tool for Families, Providers, and Multi-Agency Employment Teams |
| 12/28/2018 | Memorandum of Understanding ODDS VR | Memorandum of Understanding and Inter-Agency Cooperative Agreement between Developmental Disabilities Services and Vocational Rehabilitation |
| 12/21/2018 | 2018 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 |
| 11/30/2018 | Peer Mentoring in 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. |
| 11/2/2018 | New Report on Employment First Outcomes Available | 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). |
| 10/31/2018 | Employment First Outcomes and Successes Report | This report will highlight some of the outcomes and successes achieved toward the goal of increasing community jobs for people with I/DD. All the numbers included in this report are from the September 2018 Employment First Data Report and reports on ODDS clients for State Fiscal Year 2018 (July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018). |
| 10/26/2018 | Employment Awareness Events held throughout Oregon in October | 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. |
| 10/12/2018 | Employment Resources, Fact Sheets and Materials | 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.
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| 9/28/2018 | Transition Planning | 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. |
| 9/21/2018 | New video and Benefits Counseling Update | Staff at the Work Incentives Network (WIN) created a new video on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and employment. |
| 9/11/2018 | Collaborative-Agreement-VR-ODDS-2018 | This Collaborative Agreement is to be implemented statewide, with a target population of all working age individuals with I/DD who are eligible for both VR and ODDS services. |
| 8/31/2018 | VR holds two-day In-Service in Salem | Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) held a two-day In-Service at the Salem Conference Center on Aug. 21-22. |
| 8/29/2018 | Why Employment First Powerpoint | Powerpoint on "Why Employment First in Oregon" from August 2018. |
| 8/29/2018 | Powerpoint on Employment First and Lane v. Brown History | Powerpoint on Employment First and Lane v. Brown History, August 2018 |
| 8/29/2018 | Powerpoint on Employment Services for People with Significant Disabilities | Powerpoint on Employment Services for People with Significant Disabilities |
| 8/24/2018 | Provider Transformation Success Story | At the core of MV Advancements’ philosophy is one word: belief. |
| 8/16/2018 | City of Portland commits to hiring people with disabilities | 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. |
| 8/3/2018 | HCBS Reminder and Resources | 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. |
| 7/27/2018 | Update on Summer Work Experience programs | 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. |
| 7/20/2018 | Employment Outcomes System for VR Counselors and Case Managers | 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. |
| 7/13/2018 | Continuing Education Credits and Training | To maintain a high quality of training opportunities and increase capacity, ODDS has adopted a pre-approval process for continuing education programs and activities. |
| 6/29/2018 | Minimum wage and benefits counseling | 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. |
| 6/29/2018 | SSDI Living Wage Transition | SSDI Living Wage and Benefits Counseling |
| 6/29/2018 | SSI Living Wage Transition | SSI Living Wage Transition |
| 6/22/2018 | Employment Path Facility vs Sheltered Workshop | 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. |
| 6/21/2018 | HCBS Employment Path Fact Sheet | Employment Path Facility service settings must be HCBS-compliant by Sept. 1, 2018. This is a service that must be used in combination with Employment Path Community or another community service. It is not a stand-alone service. The goal of Employment Path services is for a person to develop employment skills that may be used in an integrated job. These are time-limited services as outlined in the person’s Individual Support Plan. |
| 6/15/2018 | Benefits counseling documents and HCBS call | Last week, the Office of Developmental Disabilities Services and the Work Incentives Network (WIN) held a call about benefits counseling. |
| 6/8/2018 | Basic Timeline I/DD Benefits Counseling Training | Draft of Basic Timeline for I/DD Benefits Counseling Training |
| 6/8/2018 | EOS 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. |
| 6/8/2018 | Training Timeline for ID/DD Certification Pilot | Training Timeline for ID/DD Benefits Certification Pilot |
| 6/8/2018 | MOU between WIN and benefits trainee | The Department of Human Services, Work Incentive Network (WIN), ID/DD SERVICES PROVIDER, and TRAINEE enter this cooperative agreement to promote the TRAINEE’s successful completion of the WIN Certification Program. |
| 5/25/2018 | Home and Community Based Services Reminder | 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. |
| 5/18/2018 | Benefits Counseling in the Waiver | 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. |
| 5/11/2018 | Employment Path Community and Andie’s Employment Success | This message is to provide materials and information related to Employment Path Community. |
| 5/4/2018 | Breaking Barriers Message | The Breaking Barriers – Life Beyond Labels conference was held Friday, April 27 in Redmond, Ore. |
| 4/20/2018 | Employment Path Community Powerpoint | The outcome of Employment Path Community is to build employment skills and should be related to a goal of achieving or exploring competitive, integrated employment. |
| 4/13/2018 | Claire models for Portland boutique, where she also works | Claire, 31, started working at Coco & Toulouse in July 2017. It is her first paid job. |
| 4/6/2018 | Two free training and networking opportunities held in May | 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. |
| 3/30/2018 | EOS Webinar Reminder | As a reminder, there are two webinars scheduled in April on the changes to the
Employment Outcomes System (EOS).
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| 3/23/2018 | Communications and Telling Your Story | 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. |
| 3/21/2018 | VR Order of 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. |
| 3/16/2018 | 2018 Oregon Statewide Transition Conference | The Oregon Statewide Transition Conference was held March 1-2 in downtown Portland.
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| 3/15/2018 | DHS 7643 Sheltered Workshop Handout | There are many people in Oregon who used to be in sheltered workshops. Now they work in a job in the community. Here is what they say about their jobs. |
| 3/9/2018 | VR RFP for Subminimum Wage counseling | 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. |
| 3/2/2018 | PSW Job Coach Infographic in Russian | PSW Job Coach Infographic in Russian |
| 3/2/2018 | PSW Job Coach Infographic in Spanish | PSW Job Coach Infographic in Spanish Espanol |
| 2/9/2018 | OELN trainings Announced | 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 |
| 2/2/2018 | Capacity and Employment Outcomes System | 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. |
| 1/26/2018 | ODDS OARs_Employment Services | Oregon Administrative Rules Regarding Employment Services
OAR 411-345
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| 1/19/2018 | Oregon Transition 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. |
| 1/17/2018 | Qualified Classification for State as Model Employer Program | Qualified Classification for State as Model Employer Program |
| 1/12/2018 | Newest transformation grants announced | 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. |
| 1/8/2018 | Statement 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. |
| 1/5/2018 | Model Referral and Release Form | 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. |
| 12/22/2017 | 2017 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 recognize that everyone has had to adapt to a lot of change in the past few years |
| 12/1/2017 | New Training Web Page | I am excited to announce that we have revamped the Employment First Training and Technical Assistance web page to include new features and resources. |
| 11/17/2017 | Employment First Employer Testimonials | Oregon employers are increasingly aware of the positive contribution people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can make to their businesses, and to their bottom line. |
| 11/2/2017 | New RFP posted for training and technical assistance | 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. |
| 10/27/2017 | Interstate Disability Employment Alliance forum | 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. |
| 10/20/2017 | Employment First: Outcomes and Successes October 2017 | This report will highlight some of the outcomes and successes achieved toward the goal of increasing community jobs for people with I/DD. All the numbers included in this report are from the September 2017 Employment First Data Report and reports on ODDS clients for State Fiscal Year 2017 (July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017). |
| 10/20/2017 | October 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). |
| 10/10/2017 | Mid Columbia Employer/Employee 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. |
| 10/6/2017 | National Disability Employment Awareness 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.
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| 9/22/2017 | Sharing National Disability Employment Awareness Events | 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. |
| 8/25/2017 | Lincoln 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.
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| 8/11/2017 | Obtaining a Job Without VR Placement | 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. |
| 8/4/2017 | I/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. |
| 7/14/2017 | Innovation Grant Awardees Announced | We are pleased to award more than 20 organizations throughout Oregon with innovation grants. |
| 7/7/2017 | ODDS Transportation | I am excited to announce that the Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) has a new transportation web page. |
| 6/30/2017 | Update on Project Search in Oregon | 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. |
| 6/23/2017 | VR Career Counseling | 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. |
| 6/13/2017 | Phase 2 Statewide Campaign Webinar - June 1, 2017 | Phase 2 Statewide Campaign Webinar - June 1, 2017 |
| 6/9/2017 | Minimum Wage Increase and Benefits Planning | 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. |
| 6/7/2017 | Tier Review | 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.
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| 5/12/2017 | HCBS and Integrated Settings | 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. |
| 5/5/2017 | Transformation Grants Announced | 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. |
| 4/28/2017 | Summer Work Experience | 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. |
| 4/21/2017 | Lane Independent Review Final Report Feb. 2017 | The Independent Reviewer issues this first annual report on Oregon’s progress in implementing the Settlement Agreement in Lane v. Brown. The Settlement Agreement went into effect on January 27, 2016. If the State substantially complies with its obligations, the Settlement Agreement will end no later than July 1, 2022. |
| 4/21/2017 | Lane v Brown Semi-Annual Report 2-28-17 | The Employment First team within the Department of Human Services (DHS) reports twice a year on data concerning Oregonians with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) served by the Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS), and provides a detailed breakdown of those services and employment outcomes. The types of data to be reported are specified in the settlement agreement in Lane v. Brown, U.S. District Court, Case No. 3:12-cv-00138-ST1 specify the types of data to be reported. |
| 4/7/2017 | Meet at the Mountain IV Update | 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. |
| 2/24/2017 | Oregon Statewide Transition Conference | 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. |
| 2/3/2017 | Meet at the Mountain 2017 Registration Announcement | Registration is now open for Employment First’s 2017 Meet at the Mountain conference, held April 5 and 6 in Sunriver, Ore. |
| 1/30/2017 | Message 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. |
| 1/26/2017 | Employment First: Outcomes and Successes | This report will highlight some of the outcomes and successes achieved toward the goal of increasing community jobs for people with I/DD. All the numbers included in this report are from the September 2016 Employment First Data Report and reports on ODDS clients for State Fiscal Year 2016 (July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016). |
| 1/20/2017 | Statewide 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 |
| 1/6/2017 | Transformation 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). |
| 12/29/2016 | 2016 Accomplishments | 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 |
| 12/16/2016 | Quality Assurance/Improvement Plan Posted | 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. |
| 12/9/2016 | Quality Assurance Quality Improvement Plan 2016 | In addition to closely monitoring progress against these established program outcomes, this plan describes a variety of additional quality assurance activities and quality improvement initiatives that have been identified specific to the Employment First Initiative. |
| 12/9/2016 | Quality Assurance Quality Improvement Update 2016 | The purpose of this report is to present an update on implementation of the quality assurance and quality improvement strategies identified in the Employment First Quality Assurance/ Quality Improvement Plan (QA Plan) first issued in July 2014. |
| 12/6/2016 | Innovation 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. |
| 12/2/2016 | Waterford Grand Video Testimonial | I am pleased to announce a new feature on the Employment First website: employer video testimonials. |
| 11/22/2016 | ABLE Launch Message | Oregonians with disabilities will be able to save money without fear of losing their state and federal benefits starting Dec. 6. |
| 9/23/2016 | Question and Answer with MV Advancements | 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. |
| 9/2/2016 | EF Data Report Message September 2016 | Here are some highlights of the Employment First September 2016 Data Report that may be of interest to stakeholders. |
| 8/12/2016 | 2016 SC PA conference | 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. |
| 7/27/2016 | Employment First Summit Cancel Notice | I wanted to let everyone know that we have decided to cancel the Employment First Summit, originally scheduled for November 2016. |
| 7/22/2016 | RFA Transformation Grants | 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. |
| 7/8/2016 | Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.) Addendum to Previous F.A.Q. in 20 Hour Standard | This document is an addendum to a F.A.Q. originally issued on May 6, 2016. These are questions during a stakeholder call held June 21, 2016. |
| 7/8/2016 | New video on maximizing work hours | The video explains in a user-friendly way, the new 20 hour policy standard for maximizing work hours when planning employment services. |
| 7/5/2016 | Permanent Statewide Employment First Coordinator | Acacia McGuire Anderson has been named as Oregon’s permanent Statewide Employment First Coordinator. |
| 6/17/2016 | Components 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. |
| 6/1/2016 | 20 Hour Policy and Workers Guide | The Department of Human Services will issue guidance to Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselors, Office of Developmental Disability Services (ODDS) staff, Community Developmental Disability Programs (CDDPs), and brokerages 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. |
| 5/26/2016 | Update on DHS Transformation Grants | 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. |
| 5/13/2016 | Benefits and minimum wage increase | 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. |
| 5/13/2016 | F.A.Q. 20 Hour Standard | One of the requirements is that the Department of Human Services will issue guidance to Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselors, Office of Developmental Disability Services (ODDS) staff, Community Developmental Disability Programs (CDDPs), and brokerages 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. |
| 5/13/2016 | Minimum Wage and SSDI or Title II Benefits | Minimum Wage and Social Security Disability Insurance
SSDI or Title II Benefits: SGA is a system that the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses to determine if an individual has or continues to have a disability. |
| 5/13/2016 | Minimum Wage and SSI Benefits | Minimum Wage and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits: In the state of Oregon, an individual receiving SSI benefits can
earn at least $33,221 per year and still stay connected to SSI and Medicaid (OHP). |
| 5/6/2016 | Peer to Peer Mentoring | 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.” |
| 5/2/2016 | Independent Reviewer Announcement | 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. |
| 5/2/2016 | Phase 2 Communications and Outreach Plan 2015-17 | Phase 1 of the “I Work We Succeed” campaign (2013-15) addressed the broad benefits of working in the community and perceived obstacles and barriers to employment. Phase 2 of the campaign will specifically target parents/families/guardian and employers. |
| 4/29/2016 | Employment Outcomes System | 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. |
| 4/22/2016 | Questions and Answers with Opportunity Foundation | 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. |
| 4/8/2016 | Seamless Transition Phase Two | Employment First recently hosted a kick-off event in Salem for the second phase of the Seamless Transition Pilot. |
| 4/5/2016 | Seamless Transition Project Annual Report Phase One | The focus of the Seamless Transition Pilot is to implement a seamless transition model from school to integrated work for transition aged (16-21 years) individuals experiencing intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Seamless transition means, through braided resources and the right sequencing of services involving education, Vocational Rehabilitation, developmental disability services and an employment service provider, a student with significant disabilities will transition seamlessly from school services directly into a paid job in the community. |
| 3/30/2016 | MOU between ODDS and VR | This memorandum of understanding (MOU) is to impact and be implemented statewide, with a target population of all working age individuals with Developmental Disabilities eligible for both VR and ODDS services. |
| 3/25/2016 | Joint 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. |
| 3/18/2016 | 20 hour standard and policy guidance | 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. |
| 3/11/2016 | Core competencies and credentialing | 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. |
| 3/4/2016 | February 2016 Data Report Summary | As one way to monitor our progress, the Governor’s Executive Order 15-01 (EO) calls for a semi-annual data report. |
| 2/26/2016 | Myths and Facts around Discovery | 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). |
| 2/19/2016 | Settlement and what it means to you | 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. |
| 2/5/2016 | AWC Job Supports | 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. |
| 1/29/2016 | Message from ODDS and VR | 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. |
| 1/27/2016 | Lane Order Approving Settlement | A federal court accepted a settlement in Lane v. Brown, the class action involving employment services that Oregon provides to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. |
| 1/8/2016 | ODDS Supported Employment Videos | 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. |
| 12/30/2015 | Settlement 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 |
| 12/29/2015 | Lane v. Brown Settlement Agreement | The state has reached agreement on a settlement in Lane v. Brown, the class action involving employment services that Oregon provides to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. |
| 12/18/2015 | Final 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. |
| 12/14/2015 | DHS-EF Project Search RFA 12-11-15- Employment First - DHS | DHS Employment First Training and Technical Assistance Announcement Request for Application |
| 12/14/2015 | Project SEARCH Powerpoint 10-16-15 | DHS Employment First Training and Technical Assistance Announcement Request for Application |
| 12/14/2015 | Question Answer Project SEARCH RFA 12-10-15 | Questions and Answers from Informational Call and Webinar on Project SEARCH Request For Applications. |
| 12/11/2015 | Rural area concerns message | 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. |
| 11/20/2015 | Jason 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. |
| 11/13/2015 | Employment First 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. |
| 11/6/2015 | Employment First Issue 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?” |
| 11/2/2015 | Central Oregon Employer Awards Final - Employment First - DHS | The Central Oregon Employment First team held its 4th annual Employer Recognition Event on Tuesday, Oct. 27 at the Eagle Crest Resort. |
| 10/23/2015 | ORA employer breakfast - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 10/16/2015 | National Disability Employment Awareness Month - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 10/9/2015 | Provider Expectations Message - Employment First - DHS | 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). |
| 10/2/2015 | Message Future of Workshops - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 9/29/2015 | Class Notice Final - Employment First - DHS | Lane v. Brown Proposed Settlement Agreement: Notice to Class Members |
| 9/29/2015 | CLIENT LETTER Espanol - Employment First - DHS | Usted ha recibido esta carta porque es posible que, en algún momento de los últimos tres años, usted haya trabajado en un taller protegido.
Adjuntamos un aviso sobre una propuesta de conciliación por un juicio. |
| 9/29/2015 | CLIENT LETTER - Employment First - DHS | Attached is a notice about a proposed settlement of a lawsuit. The lawsuit is against the State of Oregon, not you. The lawsuit is about sheltered workshops. The notice gives more information about what the lawsuit is about and what the settlement would provide |
| 9/29/2015 | Guide for individuals on proposed settlement - Employment First - DHS | CDDP/Brokerages: Guide for individuals and families on proposed settlement for Lane vs. Brown |
| 9/29/2015 | PROVIDER LETTER - Employment First - DHS | You may have heard by now of the proposed settlement agreement in the class action case Lane v. Brown. As part of the settlement process the state is sending notices of the settlement to individual class members and to service providers, CDDPs, brokerages, and school districts. |
| 9/29/2015 | SC-PA Settlement Questions - Employment First - DHS | Questions and Answers for SCs/PAs on Lane vs. Brown Proposed Settlement: this document is intended to answer questions around the proposed settlement of Lane vs. Brown. |
| 9/18/2015 | EF Message Settlement Final - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 9/16/2015 | Disability Employment Awareness - Employment First - DHS | The state of Oregon recognizes that October 2015 is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. |
| 9/11/2015 | Lane v Brown Proposed Settlement | 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). |
| 9/10/2015 | Lane v Brown Proposed Settlement - Employment First - DHS | 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). This case was a first of its kind in the country. The case was settled after the parties reached agreement on a number of issues. This agreement also avoids a lengthy trial set to begin in December 2015. |
| 9/3/2015 | SC PA Conference Message Final - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 8/28/2015 | VR In Service Message - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 8/14/2015 | Transformation Grant Update Message - Employment First - DHS | In recent months we have had inquiries about the service provider transformation project. This message is to give a brief update. |
| 8/7/2015 | July 2015 Data Message Final - Employment First - DHS | Here are some highlights of the Employment First July 2015 Data Report. |
| 8/4/2015 | QA-QI update FINAL - Employment First - DHS | The purpose of this report is to present an update on implementation of the quality assurance and quality improvement strategies identified in the Employment First Quality Assurance/ Quality Improvement Plan (QA Plan) issued July 2014. |
| 7/10/2015 | Supported Employment Page - Employment First - DHS | There is a new web page with information on employment services offered by the Office of Developmental Disability Services (ODDS). |
| 7/6/2015 | 7-6-15 Integrated Employment Plan Attachment 4 - Employment First - DHS | Additional Documents that Are Part of Oregon’s Overall Plan for Providing Integrated Services. As contemplated by Executive Orders 13-04 and 15-01 and the Integrated Employment Plan, Oregon has adopted additional rules, policies, and planning documents.
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| 7/6/2015 | 7-6-15 Integrated Employment Plan Attachment 5 - Employment First - DHS | Attachment Number 5 to the Integrated Employment Plan includes outcome measures and metric supplemental information. |
| 7/6/2015 | 7-6-15 Integrated Employment Plan - Employment First - DHS | The revised Employment First Integrated Employment Plan is planned to implement the Governor's Executive Order 15-01 and more broadly the Employment First policy. |
| 7/6/2015 | EF VR Data Message - Employment First - DHS | In advance of the Employment First data report, which will be published the end of July 2015, we thought we would share some preliminary data around results from the office of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). |
| 6/26/2015 | EF Ad Campaign - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 6/24/2015 | FAQ-Sheltered Workshops-Providers - Employment First - DHS | This Frequently Asked Questions document addresses "Entry to Sheltered Workshops, Policy Changes for July 1, 2015" is intended for providers, county developmental disability programs and brokerages. |
| 6/24/2015 | Insert_Brochure - Employment First - DHS | |
| 6/23/2015 | Fact Sheet - Discovery - Employment First - DHS | |
| 6/23/2015 | Fact Sheet - Employment Path - Employment First - DHS | |
| 6/23/2015 | Fact Sheet - Job Coaching - Employment First - DHS | |
| 6/23/2015 | Fact Sheet - Job Development - Employment First - DHS | |
| 6/23/2015 | Fact Sheet - Small Group Supported Employment - Employment First - DHS | |
| 6/19/2015 | Kaiser Project Search Article - Employment First - DHS | Project SEARCH has a 9-month internship training program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) at Kaiser Permanente Westside Medical Center. |
| 6/18/2015 | SupportedEmploymentServicesIDD - Employment First - DHS | Supported Employment Services for Individuals with Intellectual and Development Disabilities (I/DD)
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| 6/17/2015 | Work Succeed Campaign Webinar - Employment First - DHS | Work Succeed Campaign Webinar presentation PDF. |
| 6/12/2015 | EF Message News - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 6/11/2015 | FAQ - Individuals Sheltered Workshops Part2 - Employment First - DHS | This second F.A.Q. document features additional questions received during recent stakeholder phone calls. |
| 5/29/2015 | Full Access article - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 5/22/2015 | Transition Co-op - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 5/15/2015 | Local Leadership Meeting Update - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 5/1/2015 | July 1 No New Entry Message - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 4/29/2015 | FAQ Sheltered Workshops - Employment First - DHS | As of July 1, 2015, only those who are already receiving a service in a sheltered workshop may continue. If you are not working in a sheltered workshop at that time, many other employment options are available. |
| 4/24/2015 | EcoBinary Job Success Story Final - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 4/17/2015 | Meet Mountain Message - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 4/14/2015 | Campaign launch message - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 4/6/2015 | DHS-9425-Generic-Brochure - Employment First - DHS | I Work We Succeed brochure |
| 4/6/2015 | DHS-9806-Generic-Poster - Employment First - DHS | I Work We Succeed poster |
| 4/3/2015 | July 1 Changes Message - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 3/27/2015 | EF Success Story Roundup - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 3/13/2015 | Mandi Job Success - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 3/6/2015 | Revised IEP and MOU Message - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 2/27/2015 | Start Up recipients - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 2/20/2015 | Provider Success Story - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 2/19/2015 | Revised Outreach Awareness Plan Final 2015-16 - Employment First - DHS | The Employment First Outreach and Awareness Plan will include efforts, whenever possible, of our partners and stakeholders. The overall vision for this plan is to address the benefits of working in the community and to communicate broadly and address perceived obstacles and barriers to employment. |
| 2/13/2015 | EO Update Message - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 2/10/2015 | Employment-First-Strategic-Training-Plan - Employment First - DHS | The Employment First Capacity Building and Training & Technical Assistance Strategic Plan outlines strategies that will help Oregon improve and expand capacity and delivery of employment services. |
| 2/2/2015 | Executive Order 15-01 - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 2/2/2015 | Memorandum of Understanding-2015 - Employment First - DHS | Memorandum of Understanding on Transition of Students with Disabilities to the Workforce, revised 2015 |
| 1/30/2015 | Transition Network Update Message - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 1/26/2015 | Start Up Grant Announcement - Employment First - DHS | 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). |
| 1/16/2015 | EF Message Leadership Meetings - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 1/9/2015 | Jerry Success Story - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 12/19/2014 | Looking Ahead Message - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 11/18/2014 | Common Questions - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 11/18/2014 | FAQ for Individuals and Families - Employment First | Commonly Asked Questions from Individuals and Families. Answers provided by Employment First, Oregon Department of Education, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Office of Developmental Disability Services. |
| 11/14/2014 | Training Technical Assistance Contracts - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 10/31/2014 | RFP Announce - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 10/24/2014 | Central Oregon Employer Event - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 10/17/2014 | butler hyundai - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 10/10/2014 | Jeff Job Success - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 10/3/2014 | National Employment Awareness - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 10/1/2014 | Employment Action Plan Form - Employment First - DHS | Standard format used within the existing ISP process for individuals on the comprehensive waiver (group home, foster home, or supported living). Samples are included. |
| 10/1/2014 | Employment Conversation Talking Points - Employment First - DHS | May be helpful when used along with stories and videos when discussing employment and Employment First with individuals, families, service providers, educators, officials, and the public. |
| 10/1/2014 | Employment Core Functions - Employment First - DHS | |
| 10/1/2014 | Employment Guide To Planning - Employment First - DHS | The guide is designed to assist SC, PA and others to discuss interests, activities and strengths and to choose and implement a “Path To Employment."
This tool provides sample discussion questions, direction, and possible ISP content for the Paths to Employment:
--Individual is currently in a job or career
--Individual is unemployed or underemployed and wants a job this year
--Path or individual is not clear - employment goal is within 2 years
--Individual not focused on employment |
| 10/1/2014 | Vocational Profile - Employment First - DHS | A document that gathers all of the essential person centered information for customized employment planning. This form may assist the DD case manager, VR counselor, and designated provider(s) in collaborative plan development and review. |
| 9/26/2014 | Bonnie Job Success - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 9/19/2014 | Transition Network Facilitators - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 9/12/2014 | New Website Message - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 9/5/2014 | RFP Provider Transformation - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 9/4/2014 | Executive-Order-Employment-First - Employment First - DHS | Executive Order 13-04 was issued in April 2013. |
| 9/4/2014 | Policy - Employment First - DHS | Office of Developmental Disability Services State Policy on: EMPLOYMENT FOR WORKING AGE INDIVIDUALS (9-18-08) |
| 9/2/2014 | FAQ Document No 1 - Employment First - DHS | Helps clarify and facilitate the service interactions between Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VR) and the Office of Developmental Disability Services (ODDS) for adults with IDD. |
| 8/27/2014 | Core Competencies and Training Standards-pa-sc - Employment First - DHS | Core Competencies and Training Standards for Services Coordinators and Personal Agents |
| 8/27/2014 | Governors-Exec-Order-To-Staff - Employment First - DHS | Governor's Letter to DHS Staff |
| 8/22/2014 | Stakeholder Policy Group Update - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 8/19/2014 | google-cal-emp-1 - Employment First - DHS | |
| 8/15/2014 | Executive Order Data Report July 2014 - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 8/8/2014 | Workforce Reauthorization Act - Employment First - DHS | 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 |
| 8/1/2014 | VR DD Supported Employment Trainings - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 7/25/2014 | Vickie's Employment Success Story - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 7/18/2014 | Employment First Seamless Transition - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 7/11/2014 | Employment Learning Collaborative - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 6/30/2014 | July 1 Executive Order Deliverables - Employment First - DHS | 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). |
| 6/27/2014 | Department of Education Educator Institute - Employment First - DHS | 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). |
| 6/20/2014 | Marion Polk Employment Team - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 6/13/2014 | Sam Employment Success - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 6/6/2014 | Employment Question Schools Person Center Planning - Employment First - DHS | Can schools pay for facilitated person-centered employment planning by a trained facilitator? |
| 5/30/2014 | Youth Transition Program - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 5/16/2014 | Darci's Employment Success Story - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 5/9/2014 | Washington Transition Conference - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 5/2/2014 | Alternative Work Concepts - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 4/25/2014 | Partnering with National Agencies - Employment First - DHS | As part of the Employment First effort, we strive to partner with outside agencies that offer helpful resources and guidance. |
| 4/18/2014 | Employment Question of the Month - Employment First - DHS | Question: “Can VR counselors work with students before they turn 18? If not, what kind of transition supports can they utilize before age 18? |
| 4/11/2014 | Q and A with Ann Balzell - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 4/4/2014 | Self-Employment - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 3/28/2014 | Employment Services and Waiver Definitions - Employment First - DHS | 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). |
| 3/21/2014 | Discovery and Employment First - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 3/14/2014 | Paths to Employment - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 3/7/2014 | Q and A with ODE Transition Liaison Heather Lindsey - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 2/28/2014 | Training and Technical Assistance - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 2/21/2014 | Employment First and Self-Advocates - Employment First - DHS | 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). |
| 2/14/2014 | FAQ of the Month Employment in Rural Areas - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 2/7/2014 | Stakeholder Policy Group and Data Report - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 2/2/2014 | Employment First and Transition Services - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 1/24/2014 | Employment First and Executive Order relationship - Employment First - DHS | 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. |
| 1/16/2014 | Employment First Team Introduction - Employment First - DHS | I want to take some time today to give a bit of information around our structure and introduce the DHS Employment First Team. |
| 12/5/2013 | Core Competencies and Training Standards for Supported Employment Professionals - Employment First - DHS | Core Competencies and Training Standards for Supported Employment Professionals |
| 9/18/2013 | Executive Order 13-04 - Employment First - DHS | 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). |
| 9/10/2013 | Oregon Employment First News and Information for You - Employment First - DHS | Welcome to the first Oregon Employment First News & Information for You message! |
| 5/16/2013 | Memorandum of Understanding-2013 - Employment First - DHS | Memorandum of Understanding on Transition of Students with Disabilities to the Workforce, 2013 |
| 2015 COP PPT - EF Teams 12 16 15 Final- New Resources for EF Teams.pdf | |
| 2015-16 OR TA Request Form (5).docx | |
| 2017 OR DHS_EF TA Request Form.docx | |
| Five Myths & the Real Facts for Employers | Five Myths & the Real Facts for Employers |
| Best Practices for Finding Qualified Workers | Best Practices for Finding Qualified Workers |
| dd54.pdf | |
| Department Approved Training Courses.pdf | |
| DHS 9440 Employer Testimonials | Oregon employers are increasingly aware of the positive contribution people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can make to their businesses, and to their bottom line. |
| Discovery FAQ.pdf | |
| EF Video Employer Testimonial.pdf | |
| Employment First Teams TTA PPT.pdf | |
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| Employment-Services-Significant-Disabilities.pdf | |
| The Employment Outcomes - professional II | This workshop replaces as our foundation workshop EOP & BTR.
THE EMPLOYMENT OUTCOMES - PROFESSIONAL II
Achieving Employment Outcomes - The Marketing & Sales Skills |
| Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.) Addendum to Previous F.A.Q. For Service Coordinators/Personal Agents/VR Counselors | This document is an addendum to a F.A.Q. originally issued on May 6, 2016. These are questions during a stakeholder call held June 21, 2016. |
| Final-Community of Practice PP 3.pdf | |
| flowchart-ar - Employment First - DHS | |
| How to Become an Independent Contractor | |
| Innovative Solutions Out on the Streets.pdf | |
| Jeremy Employment Success Story.pdf | |
| Lane v Brown Report 9-2017 Final.pdf | |
| Lane-v-Brown-Semi-Annual-Report-2-28-2019.pdf | |
| Making the Business Case for Hiring CoP PP.pdf | |
| ODDS Services Flow Chart.pdf | |
| How to use person centered planning for long term supports | |
| Recruit, Train, Retain | |
| Regional ad placements 2017 Campaign FINAL | This is a list of all the regional ad placements throughout the state of Oregon for Phase 2 of the I Work We Succeed Campaign, promoting community jobs for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. |
| The Business Case | The Business Case |
| Transformation Infographic | In 2015, DHS launched the Transformation Project with 25 providers of employment services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. |
| Youth and ODDS.pdf | |