Maine's CHOICES CEO Project
Working Together News
A newsletter about Maine's efforts to increase work opportunities for people with disabilities
In Focus
Training for Maine Employment Specialists Announced
Join facilitator and keynote speaker, David Hoff, of the UMass/Boston Institute for Community Inclusion, at an engaging training for employment specialists. This full-day training, entitled, “Building Relationships with Business: What You Can Do Now to Prepare for the Economic Turnaround,” will be held on separate days in Auburn (November 5) and Orono (November 6).
Participants will spend time with David, with business representatives, and with other professionals discussing and planning ways to build and sustain successful partnerships with businesses. Go here for more information including a registration link
The Working Together Conference is November 4
“Capitalizing on Maine's Changing Demographics” is the title of the upcoming Working Together conference. Employers and businesses will get the tools needed to transform their workforce and expand their bottom line by hiring and retaining workers with disabilities. Break-out sessions, speakers, and a panel discussion will provide practical and business-oriented presentations. An opening plenary session features John Dorrer, Director of the Workforce Research at Maine’s Department of Labor, and the keynote speaker will be given by Martha Artiles, the Chief Diversity Officer for Manpower, Inc.
This all-day event will be held on November 4, 2009 at the Abromson Community Education Center on the USM Campus in Portland. The conference is being planned and produced by both Working Together and Maine’s Diversity Hiring Coalition, and is sponsored by seven key Maine businesses. Continuing education credits will be offered for human resource professionals. Register now, or learn more on the Working Together conference webpage.
Last Call for Business Nominations!
Each year Working Together gives out three awards to businesses that have shown outstanding commitment to employing people with disabilities. The awards will be presented at the November 4 Working Together conference. We need your nominations for these awards, and also encourage businesses to self-nominate. Please visit the Working Together awards page before October 10th to nominate an outstanding employer!
Employment for Youth with Disabilities: Competencies for Practitioners
In several of this year’s newsletter issues, the Youth and Community Engagement Team at the Muskie School of Public Service has been sharing what they’ve learned while reviewing studies that focus on young people with disabilities and employment. The team offers suggestions about how to best connect youth with disabilities to successful employment and how best to support them in their endeavors.
In this issue, we review current practices in workforce development systems along with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required by practitioners who serve all youth, including those with disabilities. As stated in previous articles, an emphasis should always be placed on goals that include youth self-determination and self-advocacy.
Workforce development encompasses large complex systems that comprise multiple small organizations with different missions, funding sources, and histories. These organizations employ a wide range of youth service practitioners who work in a variety of settings. A framework has begun to emerge that is based on the developmental needs of all youth. This framework says that all youth need access to high-quality, standards-based education; preparatory experiences; work-based experiences; youth development and youth leadership opportunities; and activities that connect youth directly to support services.
The ‘Ten Competencies’ for youth service practitioners—developed from the work of the John J. Heldrich Center, the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals, and others—have been identified as highly effective in serving youth with disabilities. They are:
- Knowledge of the field
- Communication with youth
- Assessment and individualized planning
- Relationship to family and community
- Workforce preparation
- Career exploration
- Relationships with employers and between employer and employee
- Connection to resources
- Program design and delivery
- Administrative skills
To provide quality programming for youth with disabilities, practitioners need all of the competencies above and the ability to combine strategies from workforce development and youth development in their approach. For more information on the specific knowledge, skills and abilities suggested, see Employment for Youth with Disabilities: Competencies for Practitioners (PDF download) .
A curriculum, The Youth Development Practitioner Apprenticeship (YDPA), was introduced by the Department of Labor. This curriculum incorporates all of the above core competencies.
There is not much training available in this area; however, as the focus on the profession grows, and positive outcomes are required for funding, organizations will develop curricula and training. The Department of Labor funded 13 organizations in 2001 to promote, develop, and assist implementation of the YDPA program. More information about these programs can be found at the National Training Institute website.
Maine’s Returning Combat Veterans:
An overview of disability statistics and available services
“For military veterans, adjusting to life after combat is difficult enough. But it can be even tougher for those with physical and mental disabilities associated with military service. Many feel isolated and unable to communicate with friends and family.”
(Excerpt Maine Public Radio program, 9/14/09)
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a wide variety of programs and services for our nation’s 23.4 million veterans. There are 142,000 veterans in Maine, most of whom receive some type of VA service, which includes health care, disability compensation or pensions, GI Bill education benefits, and vocational rehabilitation and employment services.
For veterans of recent conflicts, the VA has launched special efforts to provide a "seamless transition" for those returning from service in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF). Once home, recent Iraq and Afghan veterans have ready access to VA health care, which is free of charge for five years following separation for any health problem possibly related to wartime service. In Maine, 1,750 veterans sought treatment in 2008 from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury Among Maine Veterans
In additional to physical injuries experienced by soldiers, rates of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) have been particularly high in the current conflicts. This was documented in Maine in a 2006 study by Community Counseling of Maine, Inc. For the study, researchers surveyed 532 Maine National Guard members, of which 292 were Iraq veterans. The resulting report is called: “Self-Reported Mental Health Status & Needs of Iraq Veterans in the Maine Army National Guard." (PDF Download) Findings include:
- One quarter of Iraq war veterans reported significant problems with PTSD, alcohol, and/or depression.
- Defined conservatively, PTSD was found in 13 percent of Iraq veterans; hyper-vigilance in 38 percent, and flashbacks in 26 percent.
- Significant depression was seen in 27percent of Iraq veterans vs. 17percent of Guard members who had not been deployed.
- Only 15 percent of Iraq veterans had sought help from a mental health professional.
The last finding above supports another concern voiced by many family members and advocates who work with veterans: convincing veterans to access rehabilitation services, particularly mental health services, can be a challenge. Reasons given for not seeking services include wanting to be tough, worry about the stigma of mental illness, and concern that receiving services may be career-limiting because security clearance forms ask about counseling. In response to these concerns, some states have created state-funded, private counseling programs for veterans with PTSD or TBI that do not report to the military.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services for Veterans
Veterans have their own separate vocational rehabilitation services system. Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) is the Veterans Administration (VA) program that helps veterans with service-connected disabilities gain employment or enhance their ability to function independently at home and in the community. These services are available to veterans who have a service-connected disability rating of 10 percent or more, so long as they did not receive a dishonorable discharge.
The services provided are similar to those offered by Maine’s Bureau of Rehabilitation Services. Veterans can get help finding and retaining a job, academic and certificate education, on-the-job training, counseling, and other services in support of employment. Independent living services available to veterans include evaluations, training in activities of daily living, technological assistance, and counseling. A veteran can have simultaneous cases with both a state VR and a VR&E program.
Maine’s Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Services is located at the Togus Regional Office.
Maine’s Working Together Business Leadership Group is planning a specific event in December, which will address veterans, disability and rehabilitation issues. This event will be co-sponsored by a local Chamber of Commerce. More details on this event will be announced in a future newsletter, and on the CHOICES CEO website.
Also, please visit the resource page entitled Return to Work Strategies Target Returning War Veterans with Disabilities on the Working Together website.
Mark Your Calendar
Public Hearing Notice
October 22, 2009; 1 – 4 pm
Department of Labor
45 Commerce Drive, Augusta, ME
And via video conference in Bangor, Portland, & Lewiston
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Public Hearing to solicit feedback from the public regarding Chapter 1: Amendments to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Rules. More info here.
Showcasing Excellence in Assistive Technology
October 29 - 31, 2009
Chicago, IL
Attend the Assistive Technology Industry Association’s 2009 conference.
Getting Everyone on Board: Working with Stakeholders
November 15 – December 15, 2009
There is no cost for this online training
Go here for more calendar items
Ideas for Stories
Please help us… we are seeking stories! Do you know of a worker or employer that we can feature in our newsletter? Please contact Leslie Pohl.
Spotlight on Employers
Alan DuPlessis, Four Seasons Restaurant, Jackman, Maine
For the past 11 years, Alan DuPlessis has owned the Four Seasons Restaurant at 417 Main Street in Jackman. A staff of 20 provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with meals for private functions and off-site catering services. For the past several years, Alan has employed youth with disabilities. We recently spoke with Alan to learn more about his experiences.
In 2003, Alan, along with representatives from the local schools, businesses, the Town of Jackman, and residents, created a School Community Leadership Team in an effort to make Jackman a better place to live and work. The Leadership Team decided that developing connections between the school system and local businesses should be a priority.
The school superintendent felt that some students with disabilities would benefit from a modified school day that included workplace learning in the afternoon. The Four Seasons Restaurant took on a student. “He starting off doing dishes, but after a while we realized he could take on other duties,” recalled Alan. “He learned to work potatoes and press hamburgers. He was very good kitchen help.” Working at the Four Seasons was not only an educational opportunity but a stepping stone to further employment at another restaurant. The experience was positive for the student, the restaurant and the school.
This past school year, a second student started working at the restaurant as part of the School/Work Program. He works afternoons and receives school credit for the time spent. ”The whole staff was very willing to help train the student,” said Alan. “The only thing we have had to do differently during the training was to say some things more than once and show him how to do specific tasks. He does whatever we need him to do.”
Alan found that parents could be a little nervous about their child in the workforce. “Some [parents] even wanted to stay in the restaurant,” said Alan. “But after a few months they notice big changes [in students], such as being able to cook their own meals, helping out in the kitchen at home, increased self esteem, and sharing work experiences with other students at school.”
There is a strong connection between the school and the Four Seasons. Alan works with the guidance counselor and teachers to discuss what kinds of tasks will be educational at the restaurant. “We coordinated so that lessons learned on the job could be taken back to school and built on,” said Alan. “For example, when [a student] learned to accurately weigh and make the 4 ounce and 6 ounce hamburgers that we serve, back in the classroom the math teacher worked on ounces and pounds conversions. You have to have a school that is willing to do something like this.” School may be out, but the work continues for this student; he has been added to the payroll for the summer, and discussions are underway for a fall School/Work Program.
“This has worked very well for me.” says Alan. “We helped the school and they helped us. We gained a very dependable worker who knows what he is doing and takes the job more seriously than some of our other employees.”
Other Jackman area business expressed interest in the program and might start working with other students who could benefit from a workplace learning experience. Alan DuPlessis has some advice: “Hire them. Don’t be afraid. Go one step at a time. After they master one task go on to the next. You can always find work that needs to be done at your business that will match their abilities. We have had two great experiences!”
Updates
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Since 1945, October has been designated as the month to recognize the contributions Americans with disabilities are making in the workplace. The theme for 2009 is Expectation + Opportunity = Full Participation.
“People with disabilities must be woven into our work culture. Already, we benefit from the incredible array of talent they bring to our workplaces. But we must raise the bar, we must create the inexorable expectation that people with disabilities will contribute in every way to our economic successes. Only by nurturing this expectation and providing people with disabilities with unlimited employment opportunities, can we all benefit from their talents.”
–Kathy Martinez, Assistant Secretary, Office of Disability & Employment Policy.
For more information, and to order posters go here.
Mark Your Calendars! Disability Mentoring Day is October 21
Disability Mentoring Day (DMD) is right around the corner. If you haven’t signed up yet, it’s not too late! DMD promotes career development for students with disabilities through job shadowing and hands-on career exploration at places of employment. Communities across Maine have organized activities that best suit the interests and abilities of its students, job-seekers and local employers. Although the core experience is one-on-one job shadowing, the event planners may provide workshops or other activities for students and employers.
Each year the event continues to grow as more employers and students get involved. This year there are already 100 youth registered to participate in the Southern Maine event. For more information about the specific activities planned in your area, please contact Debbie Bechard at (207) 620-7180, ext. 212 or by e-mail at dbechard@jmg.org. Information is also available on our DMD webpage.
Funding for Social Security Programs Extended
Funding was extended through 2010 for two Social Security programs that benefit people with disabilities who wish to work. These programs are the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) and the Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS).
There are currently 103 WIPA programs that help Social Security disability beneficiaries with job placement, benefits planning, and career development. In Maine, the WIPA program funds benefits counseling through Maine Medical Center.
“With this vital support, beneficiaries are better equipped to make informed choices about work,” said Michael Astrue, commissioner of the Social Security Administration. “The PABSS program provides much-needed advocacy services that help beneficiaries navigate through an often confusing web of Employment Networks, Social Security rules, legal issues, and employment issues.” In Maine, the PABSS program is operated out of the Disability Rights Center.
Maine is Represented at the U.S. Business Leadership Network Annual Conference
The US Business Leadership Network (USBLN) held their annual conference recently in Maryland. The conference was attended by 400 people, including representatives of Maine’s Working Together business network and the CHOICES CEO project. The USBLN is the preeminent national disability organization led by business, for business, that promotes best practices in hiring, retaining, and marketing to people with disabilities.
This was the first time either Working Together or CHOICES CEO staff had participated in this event. It was a great opportunity to network with others who have developed employer networks that promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in the workforce from an employer perspective.
Working Together, Maine’s business-to-business network, is an affiliate of the USBLN.
Ticket to Work: Maine Employment Network Training Coming in December
The CHOICES CEO project is continuing its work with the newest rollout of the Ticket to Work program—a national program that helps people who receive disability benefits from Social Security find a job. We are examining this complex program, including its potential to bring new federal funding to Maine’s service system. Visit our Ticket Article archive to view past articles on this topic.
In the last issue of this newsletter, we discussed the results of our survey of Employment Networks (ENs)—service providers approved by the Ticket program. While some felt the Ticket program was successful, others thought it was too soon to tell. When asked ways to improve the program, such as trainings and support opportunities, ENs felt both would be helpful.
Beyond expanding training and support opportunities, there is a need to expand the pool of ENs available to Ticket holders. Maine still is one of the states with the fewest approved ENs. According to the Social Security Administration website, there are 32 ENs approved to provide Ticket services in Maine. Of these, only 10 are actually based in Maine.
It’s unclear why so many out-of-state ENs are listed. While some may be able to help, it is suspected that many of these out-of-state ENs won’t be helpful to Maine job seekers, yet would still receive payment when the job seeker does most or all of the work in securing their own employment. What is clear is that Ticket holders in Maine would benefit by being able to choose among a larger list of qualified service providers based here in the state.
In response to this need, the CHOICES CEO project and the Department of Labor are working together to provide an educational event about Ticket to Work that is targeted to potential ENs. The event, which will take place in early December, will provide information about current Ticket issues, such as changes in reimbursement to ENs, possible revenue opportunities, and resources available to providers.
The discussion will have a state and national focus; presenters such as the National Employment Network Association have been invited to participate. This organization works with ENs, State VR agencies, beneficiaries, WIPA contractors and other stakeholders to help build the Ticket program’s public-private partnership. Information about the event will be sent to providers and posted on this website when available.
This just in... The Social Security Administration (SSA) is taking steps to engage businesses in the Ticket to Work Program. Recently SSA announced the following: "Employers that have a demonstrated commitment to hiring people with disabilities are encouraged to consider becoming Employer Partners of the Ticket program. Ticket program Employer Partners get a leg up on the competition in recruiting qualified individuals with disabilities to join their workforce. Being an Employer Partner allows you to showcase your company as a disability friendly employer to gain exposure to thousands of Americans with disabilities with a link to your career or job posting website." More information here
