Description
The purpose of this Call for Investment (CFI) is to create partnerships and systems of practice resulting in gainful employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. Finding employment is difficult for everyone during these economic times, but especially so for people with disabilities. There have been decades of work to improve employment of people with disabilities yet the unemployment and underemployment rates remain stubbornly high. New approaches are needed that are driven by employment outcomes. It is the intent of this CFI to develop partnerships that will mesh the needs of businesses (demand side) with job seekers with developmental disabilities. The Council's Target for this CFI is that "Five systematized partnerships are developed among vocational training programs, businesses, business organizations, state agencies and school districts, if appropriate, which coordinate use of resources to increase community based employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities".
Eligibility
The Council will make investments with those who follow the Council's adopted policies. These may be viewed at www.state.il.us/agency/icdd/councilpolicies.htm or you may request a hard copy by contacting our receptionist at (217) 782-9696. All ICDD projects must promote integration/inclusion of people with developmental disabilities. The Council follows the federal definition of developmental disabilities. If you are not familiar with it, please refer to the Additional Information attachment (Attachment 3). Customers included in your performance target must meet this definition. The Council also encourages outreach to unserved and underserved populations. These populations include individuals from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds, disadvantaged individuals, individuals with limited English proficiency, and individuals from underserved geographic areas (rural or urban). For additional guidance on completing the proposal, please refer to Attachment 4 - What to Include in Your CFI Proposal.
Application Deadlines (Important Dates)
Informational Session December 13, 2011
Applications Due (via DD Suite) January 25, 2012
Telephone Interviews (if needed) February 7, 2012
Personal Interviews (if needed) February 17, 2012
Awards Announced March 15, 2012
NOTE: Applicants must be available for the dates of the telephone interviews and the personal interviews should they be required. These dates cannot be changed, so please block the entire day on your calendar. The key people responsible for implementing the project should be available for both the telephone and the personal interview.
Link
Help Illinois Rethink Employment
Contact
Jennifer Harrison
(217) 782-9696
Jennifer.harrison@illinois.gov
Summary Prepared by
KB 12/6/11
