Supported Employment T he Next Generation Pat Steele

Supported Employment: T he Next Generation Pat Steele University of Iowa Law, Health Policy & Disability Center http: //disability. law. uiowa. edu/ 2/22/2021 1

What is Supported Employment? n n n 2/22/2021 Competitive employment in integrated settings with ongoing supports Collaboratively funded service Opens the door to employment for people with high support needs Individualized package of services Place and train model 2

Goals of Supported Employment n Improved quality of life Wages u Benefits u Independence u Social Connections u 2/22/2021 3

Supported Employment Status in Iowa Total n MI/CMI: n MR/DD: n *Wage: n *Hours: 1999 2003 2284 569 1708 $5. 33 19 1883 439 1426 $6. 47 18 Figures from the National Results Council 2/22/2021 4

What Happened? Supported Employment Failed to: n Promote Self-Sufficiency thru Career Mobility n Address Labor Market Issues n Provide Education and Training Opportunities n Create Effective Partnerships 2/22/2021 5

The Changing American Workplace n n Global competition Infusion of technology Have affected the structure of jobs, the way we work, and fueled increases in educational attainment and the demand for skills. 2/22/2021 6

The Educated Worker n n n 2/22/2021 In 1959, 2 out of 10 workers had some level of college education Today, 6 out of 10 have some college education. Currently, about 40% of American adults do not have the skills typical of those with some college education. 7

Skills Employers Want: n Soft Skills Attendance u Punctuality u Teamwork u Work Ethic u Ability to Follow directions u 2/22/2021 8

Skills Employers Want: n 2/22/2021 Hard Skills The specific physical and mental skills that an individual needs to perform his or her job. 9

Think of Your Caseload n n n 2/22/2021 Work History and Experience Educational Level Recipient of Public Benefits 10

Strategies for Employment Providers n n Aggressive Marketing Campaign Benefits Planning Soft Skills including ADA training Access to education and training u u u 2/22/2021 Community and Four Year Colleges One Stop Centers Customized training models Apprenticeships Staffing Industry Companies 11

Choosing a Provider n Key Issues to Consider u u u u 2/22/2021 Transportation Staff certification and training Staff turnover rate Accreditation Types of disabilities served Types of jobs obtained Length of time to obtain job Average hours and wages 12

Questions to Ask n n n 2/22/2021 Is the building well-maintained and accessible? How do staff members keep up with trends in the field? Do most of the people who come to you for employment get a job? What happens if I lose my job? How would you help me obtain training or postsecondary education? What makes you different from other agencies? 13

Choosing a Provider Guide Go to the Law, Health Policy & Disability Center website http: //disability. law. uiowa. edu/ Click on Partners Click on National Results Council n 2/22/2021 14

Ticket to Work Program n n 2/22/2021 89, 000 ticket holders in Iowa 61 tickets have been assigned Nationally, 9 million issued 5268 assigned 15

Employers and People with Disabilities Agree Employers state that the lack of work skills is a major barrier in why there is such a high unemployment rate for people with disabilities. Interestingly enough, people with disabilities echo that opinion. 2/22/2021 16