CRP Summer 2026 Bulletin

Having trouble viewing this email? View this newsletter in your browser.

The Lighter Side of Business

Why are great networking events held at beaches?

Everyone is more likely to Sea Opportunities there.

Maybe that joke was a bit of a stretch (or summer dream), but great networking can take place in unexpected places, often when you least expect it. A casual conversation at a summer event, a quick chat in line for a caffeine boost, or even a chance meeting can open the door to opportunity.

The question is, will you be ready?

Having a clear, confident elevator pitch lets you make the most of those moments by quickly sharing who you are, what you do, and the value you bring. When an opportunity arises, preparation could turn a simple interaction into a meaningful employment connection.

Want to practice your pitch? Reach out to Melanie or Lisa, the Technical Assistance Facilitators, to schedule some time to meet. Who knows, maybe they will meet you on Zoom with a beach background to practice, or a place where you can practice your pitch while being in line for caffeine.

Asked and Answered

Where do you go to get 1915(i) RISE Information?

Kentucky is rolling out the 1915(i) RISE Initiative. This program is designed to help adults with serious mental illness live more independently with Medicaid-funded supports like case management, housing, supported employment, in-home care, and more.

Providers may deliver one or more services, except case management, and are reimbursed under Kentucky Medicaid on a fee-for-service basis.

Provider requirements:

Must be enrolled as a Medicaid provider.
Must complete 1915(i) RISE certification and any required staff qualifications.
Must attend required training on billing, documentation, and compliance.
Must follow service-specific fidelity standards and Person-Centered Planning guidelines.
Must be approved as an Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Supported Employment (SE) provider to provide supported employment

For Additional Information, see 1915(i) RISE Initiative Provider FAQ.

The Community Work Transition Program (CWTP)

The Community Work Transition Program (CWTP) provides vocational rehabilitation services for students with disabilities to assist them in getting a job before leaving high school. The statewide program provides job placement and job coaching as well as collaborating with Supported Employment providers to facilitate long-term supports if needed by the student.

The CWTP began in 1984 and continues to collaborate with participating school districts, the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) and the Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) to make competitive integrated employment a reality for many students with disabilities.

Prior to the third quarter of the student’s last year of high school, a vocational rehabilitation (VR) counselor sets up a supported employment consultation team meeting including the VR counselor, the student, parent(s) or guardian(s), and a Community Work Transition Program employment specialist and a Community Rehabilitation Program (CRP) specialist to help the student transition from high school to the workplace. The meeting assists students by establishing a plan for collaboration to assess the student’s support needs, set expectations and establish a transition timeline. The student remains in the Community Work Transition Program through the end of high school and then transfers to Community Rehabilitation Program consultative support in preparation for long-term services after school.

Early collaboration is essential for a student’s successful transition from school to work. Involving the Community Rehabilitation Program before the end of high school helps build relationships with the student and family, coordinate support strategies, reduce service gaps and ensure continuity of services, increasing the likelihood of job stability and a smoother transition for the student from school-based supports to adult employment services.

Vocational Rehabilitation counselors ensure equitable access to Community Work Transition Program services, particularly for students with the most significant disabilities. Using a proactive approach ensures that all eligible students, regardless of the complexity of their needs, have meaningful opportunities to compete and succeed in an integrated workforce.

by Beth McDaniel, Transition Services Branch Manager

Reminders

How Many Continuing Education Units (CEUs) Do You Have This Year?

A reminder to all Community Resources Providers (CRPs) that all CEUs for the plan year are due July 1st, 2026. If you have not completed the required hours, please contact your consultants.

The requirement per plan year is fifteen (15) hours of CEUs annually. At least four (4) hours must be specific to serving individuals who are deaf, blind, or DeafBlind. You can submit your hours on the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) Continued Education Submittal Form.

Please reach out to the Supported Employment Training Project (SETP) if you would like suggestions for additional hours.

Memorandum of Agreements (MOAs) and Vendor Agreements

MOAs and Vendor Agreements for the Program Year (PY) 2026 are due July 1st, 2026. Contact OVR if you have not received and completed the PY2026 forms.

What Changes are in Your Future?

Please remember to submit the CRP Application Addendum whenever there are changes to staff, location, services, or counties served. This addendum serves as an important tool for tracking updates and notifying OVR staff of any changes to provider information in a timely manner.

Meet The Team

A Note From Deandra Howard

I am a Fidelity Reviewer on the Supported Employment project at The University of Kentucky (UK) Human Development Institute (HDI). Prior to that, I worked at Comprehend Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) in IPS-supported employment, first as an Employment Specialist and later as a Supervisor. I actually went to college for Agriculture, but found a love and passion in this work. I co-pastor with my family at church and live on a farm with registered Jersey cows. My husband and I have been married for 14 years, and we have two children.

Professional Learning Community (PLC) Application

The SETP team invites you to join our PLC!

Are you a Manager or Employment Specialist looking to grow in your role? Learn more about this opportunity and how it could be a game-changer for you!

We are excited to offer a one-of-a-kind opportunity to connect with peers, share ideas, and receive valuable mentorship in your field. Whether you're a seasoned pro or looking to grow in your role, this community is the perfect place to elevate your career!

Hurry! Registration closes June 15th, 2026.

Open Book, Open Mind

Disability Visibility

Disability Visibility, edited by Alice Wong, offers valuable insight for employment specialists by sharing real experiences of disabled individuals navigating work, identity, and societal expectations. The essays highlight how barriers often come from environments and attitudes, not the person, reinforcing the importance of creating inclusive workplaces.

The book challenges professionals to listen more closely, presume competence, and support people in pursuing meaningful employment aligned with their strengths. Overall, it’s a powerful reminder that employment services should focus on empowerment, respect, and the removal of systemic barriers.

What Else Are You Reading?

What have you read or listened to lately that has helped you in your job? Write a short review of the book or podcast and email it to Amanda at the Supported Employment Training Project Team. If we choose your review for next quarter's newsletter, we will send you a coffee gift card.

Human Development Institute (HDI) Spotlight

The Training Innovation Project (TIP)

TIP is a five-year initiative focused on equipping rehabilitation professionals with evidence-based training and business partnerships to improve competitive employment outcomes for people with disabilities. The goal of TIP is to build the capacity of vocational rehabilitation professionals to serve people with disabilities and engage with employers through innovative training and technical assistance.

Explore TIP webinars on a variety of topics to improve competitive integrated employment outcomes for people with disabilities and support businesses in meeting their workforce needs, provided by TIP.

Empowering Employment Decisions for People with Disabilities

Whether you're preparing for a new job, navigating your current role, planning for retirement, or assisting someone in this process, the toolkit for individuals with disabilities from the Employee Benefits Security Administration offers financial education tools and resources for every stage of your employment journey and is designed to support people with disabilities, their staff, such as Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), and family members who assist them.

Congratulations

Lori Norton Receives The Rick Martinez Award

The Rick Martinez Leadership Award recognizes outstanding leadership in advancing Individual Placement and Support (IPS) for employment. It honors Dr. Rick Martinez, a founder of the Learning Community who worked extensively at the National Institute of Mental Health. The award is presented annually at the International IPS Learning Community Meeting.

Congratulations to Lori Norton for receiving the Rick Martinez Leadership Award at the 2026 IPS International Annual Learning Community Meeting.

July is Disability Pride Month

Disability Pride Month is about recognizing and celebrating the diversity, strength, and lived experiences of people with disabilities. It is also a reminder that ableism still exists and that disabled lives, voices, and contributions matter deeply.

July was chosen because it marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the landmark civil rights law that protects people with disabilities from discrimination.

There are many meaningful ways to participate in Disability Pride Month. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the impact and importance of the ADA, as well as the work that still needs to be done. Attending an ADA virtual Lunch and Learn is one way to learn more.