Training Opportunities & Information Updates

From the Kentucky Supported Employment Training Project
October 10^th, 2024

Information Updates

OVR Documentation & Rate Changes to Supported Employment

October 1^st OVR implemented new rates and rate structures for supported employment in Kentucky. The service is the same but the forms, some of the terminology, and the authorizations/invoicing have changed. You can find:

Revised Guidelines on the Purchase of Supported Employment (service fee memo)
Revised documentation and instructions on documentation (scroll down to the heading Community Rehabilitation Program Services to find documentation for Traditional, IPS, & Customized Employment)
Resources: flowcharts of service for Traditional, IPS & Customized

Immediate questions? Contact your CRP Consultant.

Supported Employment (SE) Core Training Series

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.
Register for the Supported Employment Core Training Series
Note: We plan to turn SETP 101 (overview of process, documentation, invoicing, and expectations of service) into a stand-alone online course. We have had many requests from experienced providers to attend the Core Training Series due to the new documentation. Once the new online course is available (free and self-paced) we will let you know. While you are welcome to complete the full Core Training Series for new providers, know the self-paced online course will also be an option.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Observed each October, during National Disability Employment Awareness Month, or “NDEAM,” we celebrate the value and talent workers with disabilities add to America’s workplaces and economy. NDEAM’s purpose is to confirm our commitment to ensuring disabled workers have access to good jobs, every month of every year. That’s the spirit behind this year’s official theme: “Access to Good Jobs for All.”
Learn more about NDEAM, including information and resources to share.

How to Get Help Finding a Job

A new resource from the Employment First Council is available! This is available to be shared with people, or their family members & supporters, who may be interested in finding a job but aren’t sure where to start.
How to Get Help Finding a Job

Training Opportunities

APSE is offering FREE webinars and Community of Practices to everyone in October for NDEAM!

Find out more info about the October events below and register (register for any or all of the events; click on each event to register)

10/23 webinar - Fostering Employer Relationships to create Sustainable Employment & Extended Funding: How can we create long-term employment solutions and opportunities for our community together? Learn how The de Moya Foundation is using new unique outside the box concepts in doing just that, in addition to creating unique funding opportunities for extended services.
10/10 webinar - Technology & Employment Community of Practice: High and Low Tech Tools for Employment: The Ohio Tech Ambassadors share the supportive tech devices and apps that enhance their employment opportunities and experience.
10/17 webinar - Pre ETS Community of Practice: Join us in October for a panel discussion with youth who currently use or have used Pre-ETS services. They will share their experiences and thoughts on their employment goals now and for the future.
10/24 webinar - Day Hab to Employment Community of Practice: Transformation of Services, Transformed Lives: Join us to learn from panelists who have moved from DayHab to employment.

How a Paycheck Can Work with a Government Check

October 15^th & November 19^th, 10:00 – 10:30 am ET
Presented by Supported Employment Training Project
For students, family members, school staff, & employment specialists. At the end of the 30 minutes, you will be able to use Kentucky Disability Benefits 101 to see how having a job in high school means you have more money now and when you graduate. Sessions facilitated by Carolyn Wheeler, UK-HDI, and Jeff White, DDID.

Ways Employers can Engage, Include and Amplify Workers in the Recruitment and Retention Process

RETAIN Kentucky and Employment First – Employer Seminar Series
October 16^th, 12:00 -12:45 pm ET
Join to hear Katie Wolf Whaley, Employment First Council Chair, share how to elevate the workforce through the contributions of people with disabilities.
Register

KRA Conference 2024 – The Employment Journey: Engaging Minds & Empowering Success

October 21^st – 23^rd, In-Person, Covington, KY
Our theme, The Employment Journey: Engaging Minds & Empowering Success, expresses our commitment to our consumers, the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, and Kentucky providers. We look forward to sharing a great lineup of speakers with you and the opportunity to earn up to 11 training hours.
Find registration, agenda, and additional information.

Kentucky Advocacy Summit

October 24^th – 25^th, Louisville
An in-person 2-day event filled with inspiring speakers, engaging workshops, and networking opportunities to help you become a more effective advocate. Whether you're passionate about equality, disability rights, or all-around reform, this summit is for you!
Find registration, agenda, and additional information.

4^th Thursday ADA Talks: ADA and the Courtroom

October 24^th, 10:00 – 11:00 am ET
Presented by UK – HDI and the Southeast ADA Center
Register

APSE Employment for All Virtual Mini-Conference

November 8^th,11 am - 3:30 pm ET
Rather than an in-person Pre-Conference, this year APSE is holding a virtual mini-conference in November. Featuring a Keynote and options of 6 breakout sessions, you can register for the live virtual event (and see the keynote & 3 breakouts) or the live & recorded event (to see the keynote and all 6 breakout sessions.) Cost is dependent upon registration type & CEU hour offered.
Agenda with session descriptions and registration information

To "with" or not to "with": Answering all your questions about respectful language and disability presented by RETAIN Kentucky and Employment First

RETAIN Kentucky and Employment First – Employer Seminar Series
November 12^th, 12:00 -12:45 pm ET
Join to hear Bev Harp and Laura Butler share how to talk about how to use disability language respectfully.
Register

Enhancing Employer Engagement: A 3-part webinar series

Recordings now available
Presented by the Kentucky Employment First Council

Enhancing Employer Engagement Part 1 – Connection (YouTube) (PowerPoint)
Enhancing Employer Engagement Part 2 – Consideration (YouTube) (PowerPoint)
Enhancing Employer Engagement Part 3 – Conversion (YouTube) (PowerPoint)

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:

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 compares, using it in employee reviews, and more.

Impact of Wages on Benefits

Disability Benefits 101 – Kentucky
SETP’s Benefits Fact Sheets and additional resources (scroll to bottom 2 headings)

Job Accommodation Network (JAN):

JAN Workplace Accommodation Toolkit
JAN upcoming & recorded trainings

How to Describe Supported Employment Services:

OVR & Supported Employment in Kentucky:

Plain Language:

Think College and AUCD developed a plain language flyer explaining the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (WIOA) 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. Employment Files YouTube video series.

Short Videos about OVR, Supported Employment, and Pre-ETS:

Looking for ways to share information about OVR, Supported Employment, and Pre-ETS to 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 HDI’s Transportation Initiative.

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.)

Thank you for all you do to move Employment First forward and help people find successful employment.

Katie