DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY  ADMINISTRATION 
EMPLOYMENT FIRST NEWSLETTER
March 2020 Monthly News and Updates

DDA COVID-19 Guidance and Resources

The  Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) developed guidance to assist the delivery of community-based services in response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. The DDA is working with the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) and Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD) to support our Community Providers during this challenging time. We are committed to providing the information, tools, and resources you need to succeed as the first line of defense for individuals with developmental disabilities in Maryland. Resources on how Community Providers can prepare for and manage the COVID-19 outbreak can be found in this  TOOLKIT.  

DDA's resource page can be found here    https://dda.health.maryland.gov/Pages/DDA_COVID-19_Information.aspx

 
APSE: Promoting Employment First During a Pandemic

Below is a message from the Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) regarding Employment First and the current COVID-19 situation.

"As the only national organization dedicated to promoting Employment First, we also recognize how critical it is for for us to continue to ensure that supported employment, and other employment services remain operational and available in states. We are also aware that large numbers of supported workers are facing furloughs. We continue to support APSE members who are ensuring people with disabilities who CAN work have the supports they need to remain successful on their jobs while remaining safe and healthy. We are also monitoring emerging needs in the workforce with an eye on continuing to promote inclusive hiring practices (e.g., grocery stores, retail distribution centers, hospitals and health centers, etc.). Additionally, we are working to provide training and supports to employment specialists on new ways of doing business - such as job coaching via telephone and webinar."

Please read  APSE's   Statement on Supported Workers and Job Coaches as Essential Staff  for more information.

You can visit APSE at https://apse.org/
Webinar: Unemployment Compensation  for Individuals 
Affected by COVID-19
 
 
If you missed last week's webinar providing guidance  for states regarding unemployment compensation  flexibility  related to Coronavirus (COVID-19), you can find the materials, including the recorded webinar at this link. 

Announcement: DORS Work Based Learning Experiences Suspended

The following information is being shared on behalf of our partners at the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) in reference to their Work Based Learning Experiences (WBLEs) and Pre-Employment Transition Services (PreETS). 

Due to the growing health concern over the coronavirus (COVID-19), DORS has  been directed  to suspend all DORS funded Work-based Learning Experiences (WBLEs) until further notice.  Other approved Pre-Employment Transition Services (PreETS) programs may continue to provide services virtually/remotely, if both the provider and student have the capability to do so while maintaining the integrity of the approved program content.  PreETS should   not  be provided in-person, until further notice. 

These services may be provided virtually  through April 20th , 2020, if an authorization is provided by DORS.   This date may change.   Additional guidance will be provided regarding virtual services as guidance around the pandemic evolves. Questions? Ask.

What if a student is currently participating in a WBLE?   The  service provider should immediately suspend this service, and inform the student and work experience site of the suspension of services.

I f a student is participating (or has been referred) in an in-person PreETS program , other than a WBLE, s hould they stop participating immediately?  The student should immediately stop participating in-person.  Service providers have the option to provide their approved PreETS programming (not to include WBLEs) virtually/remotely, if feasible for both the student and the provider, until April 20th, 2020.   The content of the program should not be altered when providing the service virtually/remotely.  

If the provider is unable to provide the service content virtually/remotely without altering the approved curriculum, then the service is not appropriate to be provided at this time.   Providers should not be providing PreETS virtually/remotely beyond what has been approved on their fee schedule.  Providers should not be providing PreETS virtually/remotely to students in which the provider does not have prior written approval from DORS (via a service authorization).

Can a provider bill for the student standard WBLE if they have not completed 4-6 weeks?  Yes, the provider can bill up to the week the student participated.

Can a student be referred for a PreETS program at this time?  Yes, if the provider agrees to accept referrals.  However, WBLEs are suspended at this time.  WBLE referrals may be conducted for planning purposes only.  All other approved PreETS programming may be provided virtually, if able, until  April 20th, 2020.  If it is unreasonable for a program to be provided virtually, or for a student to participate virtually, then that referral is not appropriate at this time.  Additional guidance regarding virtual PreETS participation beyond  April 20th, 2020 will be provided prior to date.  

If a student participates in a PreETS program virtually, is the rate the same as an in-person program?  Yes.  Rates for approved PreETS have not changed.

Can the provider bill DORS for software, hardware, or other technology it order to provide services remotely?  No. Providers may not bill DORS for any additional expenses related to the provision of services remotely.

Thank you for your patience and dedication as we work to continue to serve students and  navigate  Pre-Employment Transition Services under these unique circumstances.   Additional guidance will be provided regarding virtual services prior to April 20th, 2020.

For any questions, you can email Jill Pierce, S taff Specialist, Transition and Supported Employment, Division of Rehabilitation Services at [email protected]


Employment First Resources for Coordinators of Community Services

The DDA would like to highlight the below resources designed specifically for   Coordinators of Community Services (CCS)  since they play a critical part in supporting Employment First in Maryland. CCS assist people and their families related to the development of a robust Person Centered Plan (PCP), identify resources in their community, plan for the future and access  needed services and supports. Supporting a person's vision and path to employment is an important part of those conversations.

The DDA would like to highlight the below resources designed specifically for CCS.  

Resources can be accessed directly via the links here and are also available on the DDA Employment First page under the heading "Resources for Coordinators of Community Services".

Webinar Series:

In 2017, the DDA partnered with  State Employment Leadership Network (SELN) to bring a webinar series to Maryland CCS focused on the basics Employment First and best practices in the employment process. If you missed any of these webinars, or would like a refresher, you can view the recorded webinars or download the presentation information below:

#1: Employment First Basics for CCS
Webinar recording

 #2: How to have the Employment Conversations
Webinar recording
Presentation slides

 #3: The Employment Process
Webinar recording
Presentation slides

Planning and Conversation Resources:



The State Employment Leadership Network (SELN) has been leading a Case Management capacity building initiative that recognizes how critical the CCS is in helping people with developmental disabilities prepare for, find, and maintain employment. They are front line staff, and often the first ones to get the employment conversation started by asking questions and providing information.

Based on that, the SELN has developed resources to guide those critical conversations. Their resource page can be found at http://www.selnhub.org/guidanceforconversations. You can also download their publication called Guidance for Conversations: Identifying and Designing Toward Rewarding Employment.  

The DDA Educational Series Webinar Recordings


Want more information about Employment First?
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