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Welcome to the Massachusetts 
Employment First E-Newsletter
December 2017
In this issue... 
  • CBDS Corner
  • Stories from the field  
  • Upcoming webinars and events 
  • In case you missed it... 
  • Tools and resources 
  • Stay in touch  
Check out the latest addition to our newsletter, CBDS Corner. Each issue will provide you with ideas for the development of your community-based day supports program.
 
Doing something in CBDS you'd like to share? Contact Cindy Thomas: [email protected]  
CBDS Corner
Black man and white woman walking outside.
A provider and client talking and walking through a park.

As your CBDS program becomes more and more community-based, schedules get more complex. Tips for meeting this challenge:  
  • Develop schedules further ahead of time. Successful CBDS providers are finding that developing schedules for a month or more allows them to spend more time with individuals, selecting experiences that will help them meet their goals and explore their interests. With some reminders, individuals are more likely to come each day prepared - with sneakers and workout clothes when going to the gym, or business casual for volunteer work in an office setting. Staff too can use planning to become better prepared.  
  • Build continuity and consistency into schedules. When you schedule for longer intervals, you can also set new expectations. For example, when a person selects a volunteer opportunity, ask them to make a commitment to that experience for a defined number of sessions. Then the volunteer site can provide a meaningful opportunity to explore interests, skills, and environmental preferences, and to identify effective teaching and support strategies.  
Need some help with program development? Contact Cindy Thomas at [email protected] to learn more about opportunities for technical assistance.   
Stories from the field
Real People Real Jobs logo
This month's story   comes from ICI's Real People, Real Jobs website.  
 
Check it out to learn how Brenda's provider got to know her interests and skills, and then identified businesses with needs that matched well with Brenda's profile. 
 
Using his professional networks, the job developer negotiated a job at a local fitness center that met a business need and was a great match for Brenda. 
 
For more ideas about customizing employment opportunities, check out today's Tools and Resources section.   
 
Have   a story from the field that you'd   like to share?   Contact   Katie Allen: [email protected].
Upcoming webinars and events
In-person Workshop: Introduction to Travel Training
January 24-26, Framingham
 
Is transportation a barrier in your program? Check out this train-the-trainer workshop if you provide travel training in Massachusetts, or wish to offer travel training.
 
The workshop is scheduled for January 24-26 in Framingham, with snow dates the week after. Participants must attend all 3 days.
 

You'll hear back from Rachel Fichtenbaum in the next couple weeks to let you know if you are confirmed or on the wait list. Another 3-day workshop will be offered in the spring.
 
Get on the email list to find out about future offerings by contacting Rachel: [email protected]

 
Online Training: Earnings and Benefits: Using Social Security Work Incentives 
When: January 2-February 2 
Cost: $20

This training will provide an overview of the impact of earnings on Social Security benefits. Topics include the differences between SSI and SSDI, SSA Work Incentives, how to keep medical benefits while working, how to explain benefits to job seekers, families, and other stakeholders, and resources available to assist job seekers with benefit planning issues.  
 

Young white male receives paycheck from white woman.
An employee receiving a paycheck from his employer.
In case you missed it... 

The Art of Facilitating Natural Supports and Social Inclusion  

Last month, the ICI hosted a webinar on the importance of social inclusion in the workplace.
 
What are natural supports, really? And exactly what can you do you to help make social inclusion happen? View the webinar archive   to learn about   strategies for engaging coworkers and supervisors while taking full advantage of workplace activities to enhance social inclusion.  

Two white males work on a car tire
An employee fixing a car at an auto body shop with his coworker's assistance.
Tools and Resources  

Check out this great resource   for providers seeking to develop or enhance their CBDS program,   written by ICI's David Hoff and consultants Cori Di Biase and   Genni   Sasnett.  
 
Institute Brief header
Read this ICI brief to learn more about identifying job creation opportunities, approaching employers to negotiate job creation, and implementing a systematic job creation planning process with job seekers.    
Stay in Touch
If you didn't receive this e-newsletter directly and you'd like to subscribe, please go to: http://employmentfirstma.org/signup. Remember to add [email protected] to your contacts to make sure that each issue makes it to your inbox.  
Institute for Community Inclusion | 617-287-4300 voice | [email protected]  |  www.communityinclusion.org
UMass Boston
100 Morrissey Blvd.
Boston, MA 02125