Employment First Rule Ohio Dept of Developmental Disabilities

Employment First Rule Ohio Dept. of Developmental Disabilities Division of Policy and Strategic Direction Employment. First@dodd. ohio. gov d ng@dod i l l e. H n e Krist

Employment First Employment Services as a 1 st Option for individuals regardless of level of disability Employment First not Employment Only Employment First is not a program, plan, or a service, it is a philosophy * 46 States with Employment 1 st Action * Ohio 1 of 5 states with Exec. Order and Law

Employment First Executive Order March 2012 Advisory Committee and Taskforce Creation Ohio Dept. of MHAS DD Council of Ohio Dept. of DD Opp. for Ohioans with Disabilities Ohio Dept. of Education Ohio Dept. of Medicaid Ohio Dept. of JFS

Employment First 5123. 022 of the Ohio Revised Code “It is hereby declared to be the policy of this state that employment services for individuals with developmental disabilities be directed at community employment. Every individual with a developmental disability is presumed capable of community employment. http: //codes. ohio. gov/orc/5123. 022

Employment First “. …all people with developmental disabilities are presumed capable of community employment. ” https: //doddportal. dodd. ohio. gov/rules/ineffect/Documents/5123 -2 -2 -05%20 Effective%202014 -04 -01. pdf

Employment First Administrative Rule Language Every individual of working age takes part in a person-centered planning process to identify their desired employment outcome and their place on the path to community employment.

Person-Centered Planning Process • All working-age adults • One planning process – not separate • Discover a person’s unique strengths, interests, abilities, preferences, resources, and desired outcomes

Person-Centered Planning Process Designed to help each person discover: • Where do I want to work? • What do I like to do? • What am I good at? • What are my goals?

Employment First Administrative Rule Language Every individual of working age takes part in a person-centered planning process to identify their desired employment outcome and their place on the path to community employment.

How does it work? Person Centered Planning Employment Goal Place on the Path to Employment

Employment First Administrative Rule Language Every individual of working age takes part in a person-centered planning process to identify their desired employment outcome and their place on the path to community employment.

Path to Employment Developed in partnership with self-advocacy groups, this publication explains the Employment First Rule for all audiences, and can be a useful tool in the person-centered planning process. Order at ohioemploymentfirst. org (detail) http: //www. ohioemploymentfirst. org/view. php? nav_id=63

Path to Employment I have a job but would like a better one or to move up. 1 • Individualized employment services may include: • Follow-along • Job coaching • Natural support facilitation • Skill development • Education and training • Job development and placement for career advancement Career planning, Career profile development, Benefits counseling and support

Path to Employment 2 I want a job! I need help to find one. • Referral to Vocational Rehabilitation • Individualized employment services may include: • Career Exploration • Community-based assessment • Skill development • Job coaching • Retention Career planning, Career profile development, Benefits counseling and support

Path to Employment 3 I’m not sure about work. I need help to learn more. • Awareness of employment support services • Meetings with peers who are employed • Family meetings • Interviewing formal and informal support network • Learning from authentic experiences • Exploring the multiple benefits of employment • Addressing individual concerns • Referral to Vocational Rehabilitation, if appropriate Career Planning, Career Profile Development, Benefits Counseling and Support

Path to Employment 4 I don’t want to work, but I may not know enough about it. • Awareness of employment support services • Meetings with peers who are employed • Family meetings • Interviewing formal and informal support network • Learning from authentic experiences • Exploring the multiple benefits of employment • Addressing individual concerns Career planning, Career profile development, Benefits counseling and support

Changing Expectations Young people with developmental disabilities will learn about employment options and planning during their school years.

Changing Expectations A new expectation that community employment, i. e, competitive employment that takes place in an integrated setting, is the preferred outcome for working-age adults with developmental disabilities.

Available Resources -Ohioemploymentfirst. org -jobguide. ohioemploymenfirst. org -oh. db 101. org

Susie’s Story - 30 year old woman who had some previous community work experience - Able to work above minimum wage for 12 -15 hours a week - Worked in a sheltered workshop for 9 years - Enjoys it because she feels needed and a part of the work environment - Got customized employment rolling silverware to reflect her strengths

Jill’s Story - Worked in a facility based or enclave setting since exiting school - Works one hour a week for above minimum wage - Was able to volunteer with an animal rescue facility - Working makes her happy and she feels like she is needed by the dogs - Was hired as a dog walker

- 25 year old man - Thought to never be able to maintain employment - Referred to OOD counselor - Through Discovery found that he had a great interest in cars - Was able to find employment detailing taxes and is highly interest in the job - Earning minimum wage - Receives ongoing supports - Has become a part of the work culture - Has a position that is highly visible in the community Johnny’s Story

Questions? Tom Hess Office of Policy and Strategic Direction Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities 614 -466 -7480 thomas. hess@dodd. ohio. gov Courtney Mullin Office of Policy and Strategic Direction employmentfirst@dodd. ohio. go v Ohio Department of Developmental v Disabilities d. ohio. go d @ g ellin 614 -728 -5811 Kristen. H courtney. Frantz@dodd. ohio. gov