No images? Click here
Training Opportunities & Information Updates
From the Kentucky Supported Employment Training Project
April 25, 2025
Information Updates
Proposed Order of Selection and Kentucky OVR
Kentucky OVR has posted the presentation given on the proposed Order of Selection (OOS) and the responses to all questions submitted during the public hearings and comment period. Please read through the proposal and responses. You will see that there is not an implementation (start) date given. OVR operates as normal until that date is posted. Once OOS begins, consumers with a signed IPE (Individual Plan for Employment) will continue to receive services. Once OOS begins, services will be impacted for those without a signed IPE. OVR will continue to take new referrals and determine eligibility and priority category. Those eligible will be placed on a waitlist. Please see OVR’s website for more information and to watch for a start date.
The SETP is available to you!
Please let us know if you or your agency has questions or if you need individual training on supported employment services. You can find all SETP Staff Contact Information on our website. You can also reply to this email with questions.
New Resource on Transition for Students and Families
The Kentucky Advisory Council on Autism, with help from statewide partners, created a Transition Resource Sheet for Students with Disabilities. You can find the web-based version of this resource on the Kentucky Advisory Council on Autism website. Knowing that this is a complex issue and messaging can always be improved, there is a Transition Planning Resources Survey seeking input on the effectiveness of this resource.
Training Opportunities
Information, Techniques & Tools when Working with DeafBlind Job Seekers
Date: April 29 and May 8
Time: 10 am - 12 pm ET
Presented by: OVR’s CRP Branch and Marilyn Trader of Helen Keller Services
Description: Each session provides 2 hours of CEUs in the area of DeafBlind services, with a total of 4 hours available. This session provides an overview of the information, resources, techniques, and tools used when working with DeafBlind job seekers. Participants will gain tools to thoroughly evaluate their caseloads, identify cases with specific etiologies, and understand the importance of offering all available access options to their clients. What are the anticipated learning outcomes?
- Participants will be able to identify the most common etiologies when working with DeafBlind job seekers.
- Participants will be able to describe three main communication methods.
- Participants will be able to describe two other alternative communication strategies.
- Participants will be able to describe two types of work experiences for traditional job seekers.
- Participants will be able to describe two types of work experiences for customized employment job seekers.
- Participants will be able to identify two resources locally and nationally that they can utilize when working with DeafBlind job seekers.
Supported Employment: The Nuts & Bolts of the Work
Date: First Thursday of the month (February - June 2025)
Time: 10:00 - 11:30 am ET
Presented by: SETP
Description: Katie Wolf Whaley and Zac Sappenfield will present a 5-part webinar series digging into practical tips for offering quality supported employment services. Sessions are being recorded and made available as SETP 202 in our online learning system. You will need to log in to your HDI Learning account or create a new account to view. Topics include:
- Logistics & Tools - February 6 (recording now available)
- Discovery - March 6 (recording now available)
- Job Development - April 3 (recording now available)
- On the Job: SE Services & Extended Supports - May 1
- Big Picture: Values and Disability Rights as Part of Our Work - June 5
Kentucky Disability Benefits 101 Lunch & Learn
Date: Ongoing on a 5th Friday - next one is May 30
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.
Supported Employment (SE) Core Training Series
Date: Ongoing / Next series is May 12, 14, 16 and June 11
Presented by: SETP
Description: The Supported Employment Core Training Series is required of all new Employment Specialists but is open to anyone wanting a refresher. It continues to be virtual and free of charge. Note: We have added optional Roundtable discussions to the series. These provide additional time for Core Training attendees to meet in smaller groups, ask questions, and have conversations about the phases of SE service and support.
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 SSI/SSDI Fact Sheets and Additional Social Security Resources (scroll to bottom two headings)
Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
How to Describe Supported Employment Services
Plain Language
Think College and the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) developed a plain language flyer explaining the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014 and Competitive Integrative Employment (CIE). Check out the WIOA Flyer in Plain Language.
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)
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
