SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT LEADERSHIP NETWORK
The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services has recently joined the Supported Employment Leadership Network (SELN) that is operated by the National Association of State Developmental Disability Directors (NASDDDS). SELN is a cross-state cooperative venture of state ID/DD agencies committed to improving employment outcomes for adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities. There are now sixteen member states in this cooperative. With the Department's assumption of the lead agency role for persons with ASD and other developmental disabilities along with its current responsibility for intellectual disability services, there will be additional staff resources assigned to the Office of Developmental Services (ODS). One area of focus and concentration for the ODS will be in the area of helping to create greater employment opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities. The resources provided through the SELN for training, networking with other states, and support toward this effort will enhance this direction.
There are still many opportunites to get involed with Va-APSE
Here a a few:
Host a training event or provider forum:Do you have space that APSE can use to host a training or one of our newly developed Provider Forums? APSE needs space acroos the sate to hold different events
Participate on one of our a committees: Committees meet quarterly or as needed. Many committees are short in duration or only deal with a specific task.
Providers Forum Committee: This committee is responsible for coordinating a quarterly provider’s forum along with the Department of Rehabilitative Services. The purpose of the forum is to educate and share information with Employment Service Organizations as well as offer an opportunity to network with providers.
Government Relations/Legislative Committee: This group primarily focuses on maintaining governmental linkages with state agencies (DRS, DMAS, DMHMRSAS, etc) responsible for ensuring the integration of individuals with disabilities into their communities. The Committee is responsible for ensuring inclusion and the promotion of concepts on individuality, empowerment, choice, and integration for individuals with disabilities into current Federal and State legislation and initiatives. The committee will prepare annual legislative agenda to be presented at the general assembly. Additionally the committee will work closely with lobbyist when hired by VaAPSE.
The Training and Development Committee: The goal of the Training and Development Committee is to further professional development of staff in the field of Supported Employment through needs assessments, training opportunities and other means of development of knowledge and skills that lead to the successful implementation of Supported Employment service.
If you would like to become more involved in Va APSE, please contact the Virginia APSE President, Donna Bonessi at .
Rehabilitation Success Stories
Dream Big. Start Small.
Tracy helps people struggling with mental illness find a light at the end of a long, dark tunnel. As an advocate and leader who survived a disorder that almost claimed her life, Tracy’s in a unique position to help others. She knows her subject painfully well. A lifelong battle with Bipolar Disorder left her feeling as though she didn’t want to exist. Her disorder and the stigma attached to it clouded visibility of Tracy’s star potential. Who would have guessed that attempted suicide, a medley of diagnoses and treatments would be among the stones that paved Tracy’s path to fulfilling work and improved earning potential?
Illuminating this path was support from family, professionals, and Work Incentives offered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Tracy’s lifeline would be one part determination, and two parts employment supports. She began working as a recovery coach for a mental health center designed to move residents toward wellness and independence. Tracy’s renewed confidence allowed her to add the skills she had acquired nurturing courage to her experience as a former wilderness guide. She is now a camping and rock climbing specialist at REI, an outdoor gear store. Employment has helped restore Tracy’s faith in herself, and has empowered her to help others by drawing on her own experiences. When preparing to return to work, Tracy was ready to give back. She was ready for the healthy, social lifestyle that comes with going to work. But she was not prepared to lose the disability cash payments or healthcare benefits she received from SSA. Tracy was referred to an Area Work Incentive Coordinator (AWIC) who would walk her through her options for a successful return to work. She learned that she could re-enter the workforce with little risk of losing her Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments or Medicare Coverage. Tracy could test her ability to work, earn an income, and still receive SSDI payments and continuing Medicare coverage. She might reach a level of Substantial Gainful Activity that would restore her independence, and SSDI payments could stop. Yet as an individual with a disability, Tracy retains her eligibility for SSDI and medical coverage because of specific Work Incentives. Should she become self-sustaining, but then stop working, no new application would be required for social security benefits to be reinstated. Tracy says she lives by the motto: “Dream big. Start small.” “I had been so sick for such a long time, returning to work was a long-shot goal - the impossible dream,” she says. “But I was taking baby steps, starting with volunteer jobs and small projects. Meanwhile, I learned everything I could about Work Incentives, including Ticket to Work. The Ticket arrived at the right time - it inspired me, challenged me, and encouraged me to take those first risky steps toward self-sufficiency.“ For me, work is vital to my health,” says Tracy. “It gives me purpose, financial independence, much-needed self-esteem, and maybe even a little dignity - something I feel I lost when my brain began to betray me. People with mental illnesses are no different than anyone else – we want a fulfilling life, to be productive, to be a part of our community, to recover.”
A Successful Farmer
A proud grandfather and third-generation farmer, Edward developed a unique aptitude for agriculture and mechanics over the decades he spent working the land. But a knee injury combined with severe, degenerative arthritis would require 20 surgeries, including complete knee replacements. During a painful, 15-year struggle to regain mobility, Ed went on SSDI. He never lost his interest in farming, his drive or his work-ethic. Ed knew he was ready to return to the satisfaction that work would bring. Yet, he would continue to require surgeries and couldn’t afford to give up the Social Security benefits he relied on – especially Medicare. Also unsettling was uncertainty about whether employers would be willing to give him a chance after so many years. Ed would soon discover that he belongs to our nation’s largest minority population, sought after by savvy employers looking to tap the singular talent he could offer.
Ed’s “Ticket” to opportunity came in the mail one day from the Social Security Administration (SSA). As part of the 1999 Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act, the Ticket to Work program offers people with disabilities receiving Social Security benefits (“Ticket Holders”) a variety of supported employment options. The program is voluntary, and the Ticket Holder may choose to assign his/her Ticket to any approved organization that has agreed to provide return-to-work services. These organizations, known as “Employment Networks” (ENs), are increasing in number around the country. Together with employers and SSA, Employment Networks offer a growing infrastructure of supports for Americans with disabilities who want to work.
When Ed found out that his medical reviews would be put on hold while using his Ticket, and that SSA’s Trial Work Period would allow him to return to work without putting his benefits at risk, it gave him the courage to assign his Ticket to Tulare County Office of Education (TCOE) in Visalia, California (an EN). TCOE worked 1:1 with Ed, assessing his skills and walking him through his options for a successful return to work. Just one of the many Work Incentives offered by the Social Security Administration, the Trial Work Period (TWP) allows people to test their ability to work while receiving full SSDI benefits. After TWP is complete, an Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) may allow workers to continue receiving benefits as they develop careers. Ed was able to receive 12 months of SSDI checks along with his paycheck. His employer, N. Robert Nielsen Inc. was pleased with Ed’s industry knowledge and skills as a Farm Manager. They gave him a promotion and a raise. Now he is self-sufficient, working for another division, Ray Moles Farms. He is earning more money than he would have by relying solely on an SSDI check, and more than he imagined he would be capable of earning. Continuing Medicare Coverage will allow him to receive Medicare up to 8.5 years after the SSDI check stops. This is a great relief to Ed, who is grateful for supports that will enable his evolution toward a gratifying career and independence.
“Returning to work has made me whole again. Especially being able to work in the area that I love. My self-esteem was at its lowest when I wasn’t working and on disability. Returning to work not only improved my self-worth, but also my financial wealth.”
To learn more about Work Incentives and the Ticket to Work program, visit or register for a Work Incentive Seminar Event at
A SUCCESS FROM THE CHOICE GROUP
Danae W., 23, has Cerebral Palsy and is happily employed in her first paying job with the Town of Vinton. In middle school, Danae began volunteering at a variety of places, and continued volunteering until her sophomore year of college. After attending VirginiaWesternCommunity College for three years, Danae transferred to RadfordUniversity to obtain her degree in Elementary Education. Some difficulties during her Student Teaching internship caused her to change her major only one semester before graduation. Not one to give up, Danae persevered through her final semester of college and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in 2008. Since then, Danae has decided to continue her education and is currently taking classes through RegentUniversity. She hopes to obtain her Masters in Journalism in 2010.
Despite a full resume of volunteer experiences, Danae lacked any paid experience and also had never had a professional interview. Due to a situation that occurred while Danae was completing her student internship, she was unsure of her rights regarding accommodations in the workplace. Danae uses both a scooter and canes for mobility. During her student internship, the teacher requested that, due to limited space, Danae not use her scooter in the classroom. While Danae agreed to this, she quickly began to feel overwhelmed and exhausted, which led to difficulties in overall classroom management and control of the students. Danae was unable to complete her Student Teaching and subsequently was not able to graduate with a degree in Elementary Education or obtain a teacher’s license. It was only after graduation that Danae spoke to her DRS Counselor and learned that she was entitled to using her scooter in the classroom or being transferred to another classroom.
Danae began job development with The Choice Group in the summer of 2008, shortly after graduating from RadfordUniversity. Efforts were focused on daycare positions, private schools, tutoring, substitute teaching, and any other related positions that did not require a teacher’s license. Danae states that “people were not confident that I would be able to keep up with the children, especially in a daycare setting, because of my Cerebral Palsy.” Danae attended her first interview, however, and although it did not result in a job offer, felt that the experience was beneficial because she was able to discuss her disability openly with the interviewers. After Danae disclosed her Cerebral Palsy, the interviewers were able to discuss their concerns up front, and Danae was able to advocate for herself and explain the benefits of hiring someone with a disability and exposing children to individuals with disabilities at an early age.
Although many options were explored, Danae became frustrated with the job search because many employers were not willing to give her a chance. A good college friend who currently works for the Town of Vinton told Danae about an opening for an Office Assistant at the VintonSeniorCenter. Danae was brought on board in November 2008 after an interview with Mary Beth, her current manager. As an Office Assistant, Danae oversees events at the SeniorCenter, working with a contact person for each event to make sure they know where all needed items are and to enforce the policies of the center. Danae also assists her manager in the Special Programs Office by answering phones, completing mailings, and other special projects. Danae credits her friend and co-worker as being a great support for her and appreciates the few accommodations her supervisor has had to make. In addition to the transportation her family provides, Danae also utilizes RADAR, a para-transit service, to get to and from work. Because RADAR only runs every half hour, Mary Beth allows Danae to come to work a little early and use the extra time to make sure everything is set up. In addition, if Danae needs to go to a meeting at the MunicipalBuilding during the workday, Mary Beth will transport her there and back so she does not have to rely on RADAR. Danae has also had sporadic issues with the old doors in the SeniorCenter, which do not always lock and unlock properly, but Vinton is looking to receive bids to replace the doors. Danae keeps her Job Coach at The Choice Group informed of her schedule and any issues that may arise.
Although this position is not in Danae’s intended field, it has worked out well and has made a lasting impact on any future employment. Danae states that, “it’s nice to know that people do accept me with my disability and are willing to work around it and with it. In some of my past experiences I didn’t have nearly as much support. I had a tendency to be somewhat naïve about my rights and let people walk all over me. It’s nice to have that support now because I know what it should look like in the future. I wouldn’t stay in a job very long in the future if it wasn’t as supportive as I know it should be.”
Chris Lawrence, the new Vinton Town Manager, noticed Danae’s work ethic right away. After less than two months on the job, Danae was awarded the “Game Ball” award at Vinton’s Holiday Luncheon. Chris presented the award in front of all Vinton employees stating, “As a new manager I had an "idea" for a town calendar. I assembled a team of employees who did an outstanding job putting together a calendar in about 4 weeks. There was one person on the team, whose first day on the job was to attend this calendar meeting. First meeting of the day, she was the first person at the meeting, and her mind was already working on creative ways to communicate to the public. Sitting at the table with tenured employees, she stepped right up to the plate, provided graphical expertise, and a level of confidence that will be an asset to her and whatever she pursues through life.”
Jewel Sexton Memorial Scholarship
Application for 2009 Collaborations Conference.
Each Year Va-APSE dedicates a percentage of profits from the Annual Collaborations Conference to the Va-APSE Jewel Sexton Memorial Scholarship Fund. The fund’s purpose is to financially assist Virginians currently receiving supported employment to attend VA-APSE sponsored training events. The conference will be held October 4-5 in Virginia Beach, at the Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel.
The purpose of the scholarship is for consumers to attend the conference. In order tooffer the opportunity for as many people as possible to experience the conference, the scholarship will be awarded only to individuals that have not previously received one. Applications from previously sponsored persons will not be considered.
Send completed application and copy of conference registration form to:
Scott Fraley
VirginiaDepartment of Rehabilitative Services
8004 FranklinFarms Drive
Richmond,Virginia, 23229
or email at .
Questions? Call 804-662-7016
Scholarship awards will be disbursed as follows:
Conference registrationwill be sent directly to the conference registrar
Funds for lodging and transportation will be picked up by the scholarship award winner at theconference.
We request scholarship recipients join APSE,First year membership is complimentary