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Training Opportunities & Information Updates
From the Kentucky Supported Employment Training Project
September 19, 2025
Information Updates
Updated SETP Website
The SETP has updated our website, making it easier for you to find what you need. We have revised the Materials and Resources pages. We have created a new page for Job Seekers, Families, and Supporters. Please check out the information and share!
Kentucky OVR CSNA Survey
The University of Kentucky Human Development Institute is conducting the 2026 OVR Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment (CSNA) Survey and wants to hear from those familiar with OVR, including: People with disabilities who use OVR services, Family members and caregivers, OVR staff & counselors, and People who work with OVR (service providers, employers, or advocates). Your feedback will help us find out what is working and what is not. It will be used to understand what people with disabilities need to reach their employment goals. The information will then be shared with Kentucky OVR.
Commonwealth of Kentucky’s Virtual Job Fair
Please share! The Commonwealth of Kentucky is hosting a monthly virtual job fair on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. It targets veterans but is open to all Kentuckians.
Next offering: October 15 from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm ET (10–11 for Veterans and Military Families and 11–1 open to all job candidates). This event is completely free for both employers and job seekers, providing an excellent opportunity to connect and explore career opportunities. This is a great opportunity to share information with job seekers and/or help them register. Encourage job seekers to upload their information ahead of time. The October event will be open for 25 hours after the start time, so they can communicate with employers outside the 3-hour window.
Order of Selection and Kentucky OVR
Kentucky OVR has begun an Order of Selection, effective May 14, 2025. You can find more information at OVR’s Order of Selection webpage, including the Letter of Implementation and Understanding Order of Selection.
Kentucky APSE has put out information on OOS in plain language that aligns with what you will find on the OVR webpage, including points around impact.
- If a consumer has a signed IPE (Individual Plan for Employment), services will continue as normal.
- If you have questions about a specific consumer, please contact the OVR Counselor.
- If you know people interested in services, OVR is encouraging people to continue to apply.
- Order of Selection impacts OVR services only. If your agency or a consumer has access to other funding (private dollars, Medicaid waiver, etc.), then employment services may continue in that system.
Medicaid waiver funds may be used to begin supported employment at this time, for those consumers with an active Medicaid Waiver that covers this service. A Coordination of Funding for Supported Employment form should be sent to DDID.SupportedEmployment@ky.gov to begin the process.
Training Opportunities
Employment and Retention (E&R) Online Course
The Supported Employment Training Project is pleased to launch the Employment and Retention Program Training.
Location: E&R Training in HDI’s Online Learning Management System
Audience: Those who provide or supervise the OVR service of Employment & Retention
Description: This course is designed specifically to equip employment specialists with the knowledge and skills needed to support individuals in obtaining and maintaining competitive, integrated employment. As a Community Rehabilitation Program (CRP) provider, this course will guide you through aspects of the E&R process. In this course, you will learn about the fundamental principles that define successful E&R employment outcomes, including consumer-centered approaches that honor individual strengths, preferences, and informed choices. You’ll explore the specific roles and responsibilities of CRPs with an emphasis on collaboration, documentation, and compliance with E&R program requirements.
Improving Transition Outcomes for Youth with Disabilities
Date: September 24
Time: 1:00 – 3:00 ET
Presented by: HDI Seminar Series
Description: This presentation will focus on the transition into adulthood for youth with disabilities. Following a data-driven discussion of post-school outcomes for youth with disabilities in Kentucky, presenters will highlight ways to improve outcomes for youth with disabilities in employment, education, and healthcare. In addition, resources and information for youth with disabilities, family members, and professionals will be identified.
Finding the Right Fit: Choosing Assistive Technology for Vision and Hearing Needs in the Workplace
Date: October 9 or select 'Recording Only' registration option
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 ET
Presented by: JAN (Job Accommodation Network)
Description: This Job Accommodation Network (JAN) training will offer practical guidance on selecting assistive technology (AT) to accommodate employees with vision and hearing needs. Designed for HR professionals, managers, and workplace accommodation specialists, the session will walk participants through a step-by-step accommodation process, highlighting key considerations when evaluating and choosing AT solutions that align with individual needs and job tasks. This training will highlight how thoughtful accommodations recognize and celebrate the value, talents, and contributions of employees with disabilities.
Kentucky Disability Benefits 101 Lunch & Learn
Date: Ongoing on a 5th Friday - next one is October 31
Time: 12:30 - 1:00 pm ET / Q&A to follow from 1:00 - 1:30 pm ET
Presented by: Carolyn Wheeler and Jeff White
Description: An ongoing chance to learn how to use the Kentucky DB101 website to show the positive financial impact of employment while still maintaining a person’s eligibility for Medicaid or Medicare.
Work, Waivers & WIPA
Date: October 14, 2025
Time: 12:30 pm ET
Presented by: SETP
Description: Did you know a waiver participant could gross $1,600/month and still have an SSI or SSDI payment? And maintain waiver Medicaid eligibility if they opened a STABLE account, so they kept their personal bank account below $2,000? Let's learn about what is fact, and not fiction, about work and waivers to support a person to live their best life. Facilitated by Carolyn Wheeler.
Overview of Required Supported Employment Documentation & Descriptive Writing
Recorded CRP meeting from June, 1 hour
Presented by: SETP
Description: Watch an overview of the required Supported Employment documentation, with a focus on supported employment services and stability assessments. We will cover descriptive writing, not just the forms to use, but how we enter information on the forms in a way that clearly illustrates the extent of services provided. When our documentation is clear, consumers benefit, and the OVR counselor is better able to understand and make timely authorizations and payments. Unclear documentation can lead to confusion and delays. We will look over examples, let you discuss scenarios, and strategize new ways of writing.
Supported Employment: The Nuts & Bolts of the Work
Presented by: SETP
Description: Katie Wolf Whaley and Zac Sappenfield presented a 5-part webinar series digging into practical tips for offering quality supported employment services. Topics include Logistics & Tools, Discovery, Job Development, On-the-Job Supports, and Values and Disability Rights as Part of our Work.
Sessions were recorded and made available as SETP 202 in our online learning system for a 1-hour certificate each. You will need to log in to your HDI Learning account or create a new account to view.
Looking for Additional Training Topics?
Scroll to the bottom of our Training page to find recorded options for training hours.
Visit the Job Accommodation Networks calendar of webcasts. Click on the arrow for those previously held to find recordings and materials of the live event.
Resources
Kentucky is an Employment First state.
It is the policy of the Commonwealth of Kentucky that competitive integrated employment in the community shall be considered the first and primary option for persons with disabilities of working age who desire to become employed. Learn more and find resources to share:
How to Get Help Finding a Job
Share this How to Get Help Finding a Job flyer with people looking to go to work and not sure where to start.
Universal Employment Competencies
In 2019, the Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) updated the Universal Employment Competencies. This is a useful tool for understanding best practices in our field, measuring how your agency lines up, using it as a tool in employee reviews, and more.
Impact of Wages on Benefits
- Disability Benefits 101 – Kentucky
- SETP’s Benefits Fact Sheets and Additional Resources (scroll to the bottom two headings)
Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
How to Describe Supported Employment Services
Employment Files
The Employment Files YouTube Channel has lots of stories to share! This can be a useful tool in helping job seekers, family members, or other support staff think about employment possibilities.
Short Videos about OVR, Supported Employment, and Pre-ETS
Are you looking for ways to share information about OVR, Supported Employment, and Pre-ETS with those not familiar with the agency or supports? The Human Development Institute (HDI) and OVR have partnered to create 3 short videos:
Transportation
If you’re looking for transportation options, check out resources from HDI’s Transportation Initiative.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Disability Webinars shares upcoming and archived events held by the Southeast ADA Center, covering a wide range of ADA-related topics
ADALive! is a free monthly show/podcast broadcast nationally about the Americans with Disabilities Act. Moderated by the Southeast ADA Center.
Questions about the Americans with Disabilities Act? Call the Southeast ADA Center at 1-800-949-4232 for expert guidance.
Questions?
Please don’t hesitate to reach out! The Supported Employment Training Project is here to offer training and technical assistance to providers across Kentucky. We are available to bring trainings to your agency and for individual conversations. Contact Katie Wolf Whaley at kwolf@uky.edu (or reply to this email).
With our expanded team, we look forward to offering more events and to having the ability to meet one-on-one with agencies and Employment Specialists. Let us know how we can help and support you in this work.
Thank you for all you do to move Employment First forward and help people find successful employment.
Katie
