Good Morning,
This is a special edition of our DDD Communications specifically focused on employment!
SELN RECOMMENDATIONS REPORT
As many of you know, I am a passionate advocate for Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE). The Division of Developmental Disabilities (the Division or DDD) is actively working towards the goal to expand opportunities for individuals with DD who want CIE, as well as support community providers with resources and tools to help develop supported employment programs. With generous support from the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities (ICDD), the Division has been able to partner with the State Employment Leadership Network (SELN) for guidance and ongoing support. http://www.selnhub.org/home
The SELN team was on the ground here in Illinois this past December. We had several great listening sessions that included feedback from our Division of Rehabilitation Services team, associations & advocacy groups, our ISC agencies, governmental leaders, 14c/CDS providers & employment providers. SELN took this information, coupled with information the Division has relayed and work completed by the Employment & Training Subcommittee of the Rates Oversight Committee, to create the Recommendations Report, SELN IL findings 5/15/2020, pdf. Please take a look!
Unfortunately, we have not yet identified an employment lead due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We will be starting with a small group of DDD, DHS and ICDD staff to be our core group and work through the SELN recommendations.
ACTION ITEM
SELN has developed an employment survey, specific to Illinois, for individuals with DD. This survey will provide the Division of Developmental Disabilities a snapshot of the impact of COVID-19 on individual's employment status to inform and support planning and resources. We anticipate implementing a full survey of employment and related outcomes at a later point.
For the purposes of this survey we are collecting data from providers on individuals who are, or were, employed in integrated employment, including individual competitive integrated jobs and group supported jobs. Providers can find the survey here, please complete for all the individuals you support: https://umassboston.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9LTSwEchVrM96E5
SELN's vision for employment:
- Employment is a path to opportunity.
- Employment connects people.
- Employment means equity.
- Employment means increased economic opportunity.
Let's get started!
Warmly,
Allison
