The apple may not fall far from the tree, but there were many apples in the fall that needed picking. Students with disabilities served by Functional Industries Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) program gained valuable work experience at different orchards west of the Twin Cities.

Employment specialists Jill Belland and Rachael Boedeker developed an outreach plan to area orchards after Belland hatched the idea for 14- to 21-year-olds who explore employment and self-advocacy through the Minnesota Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS)

program.They found apple picking and other jobs filled orchard needs and real work for about 15 hours per week between September and November, explains Ashley Nordlie, director of individual services for Buffalo-based Functional Industries.

Student Sebastian Faribairn worked four days a week at Country Side Apples in Cokato picking the sweet fruit and hopes to come back next year. Functional Industries staff, said he hopes to be a firefighter, likes outdoor activities and animals. -more-

Don't miss this short group of interview segments with disability service industry pros.

They talk about opportunity, work passion, community, fun, satisfaction and more. It's a heart and soul effort with an incredible payoff, said one program director.

Please share the video widely and encourage others to join the field as a direct support professional or in a related role.

The end of the year always provides me with a welcome opportunity for reflection and pause. As I consider what we have all, organizationally and personally, experienced in the last two years, I am struck with a sense of gratitude for the support MOHR members provide to each other.

We know that other states and certainly other places outside of the U.S. do not have anything resembling the colleague network of MOHR. I simply cannot imagine navigating a pandemic and a historic workforce shortage without having a network of peers to share information with, discuss strategies on how to adapt and pivot with, and rely on.

Whether it was posing or answering a question on our Google Group, sharing policies and information, tracking down the details of new guidance from multiple government agencies, or sharing expertise at a MOHR committee meeting each of these actions helped us all feel a bit less alone in these trying times. I am even more grateful for our collaborative approach now than ever before. -more-

"Active, grateful and better lives" is the theme of the fifth annual 2022 MOHR Life Enrichment Awards competition and entries are being received through February 25, 2022.

The association is seeking exceptional examples of non-vocational services provided by its members. Check out and fill out the application. Thank you for your participation.

We welcome your questions or comments.

Minnesota Families and Advocates Coalition (MNFAC) co-chair Jim Clapper stopped by MOHR’s Region 10 meeting this month to share an update and introduce another coalition that’s expanding across the country.

“A few of us moved over to working hard to set up a chapter of the ‘A-Team’ in Minnesota,” said Clapper. The tagline or theme is Advocacy, Awareness, Advisement and United for Choice.

The grassroots advocacy group, which focuses on employment choices for people with disabilities, began in Wisconsin, where it now has seven regional chapters. Nationally, it has grown to include 19 states, Clapper explained. -more-

How integrated are people with intellectual or developmental disabilities in your community?

ANCOR report: The State of America's Direct Support Workforce 2021

Listen to MPR story on severe shortage of caregivers for Minnesotans.

Opinion: A call for help in service to the disabled - Star Tribune

Disability support services desperate for workers - WDIO TV Duluth

Doctor for developmentally disabled patients says what's happening to group homes is a 'disastrous situation'

Pella Group Home closing due to staff shortages; families unsure about loved ones' futures - KCCI - Des Moines

MOHR President Opinion: Multiple solutions are needed for disability services waiting lists - Access Press

Build Back Better could help end subminimum wages for people with disabilities

Direct support providers make a difference, Epic Enterprise has new director, Megan receives national honor (please scroll down) - Access Press

Tee it Up for Campers raises $38k for True Friends - Albert Lea Tribune

St. Cloud State University has launched the new Center for International Disability Advocacy and Diplomacy - KNSI Radio

Ottertail Lions host Christmas party for people with disabilities - Perham Focus

Celebrating International Day of Persons with Disabilities - KAAL TV

CDC says 1 in 44 kids have autism - Disability Scoop

Brain injury leads Good Thunder woman to disability advocacy- Mankato Free Press

Check out MOHR's strategic plan summary chart and contact MOHR President Julie Johnson for more information.