Employment First Newsletter May 2021
Funding Reimbursement for DDA Approved Employment Training

The Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) is extending funding reimbursement for the DDA approved employment trainings and cost of 
Certified Employment Supports Professional (CESP) exam until the new Employment Services rates become effective. 
Please remember that anyone delivering Discovery, Job Development and Self-Employment Development supports after Employment Services are effective must have proof of competency in the best practices of Customized Employment as evidenced by completing and passing the Certified Employment Support Professional exam through the Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE). See the link below to know where and how to submit the information to get your reimbursement. 





VCU-RRTC Survery Opportunity Competency-based Training for Employment Service Providers
Competency-based Training for Employment Service Providers:
Invitation to Participate in an Online Survey
Are you an employment specialist or program manager of employment services?

VCU-RRTC is conducting a survey on the training needs of employment specialists to learn what are critical aspects of training for staff who support individuals with disabilities in achieving and maintaining their competitive integrated employment (CIE) outcomes. For the purpose of this survey, employment service providers include employment specialists, job developers, job coaches, program managers of supported and customized employment services, and others who are directly involved in supporting employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities.
The information from the survey will assist VCU in developing resources and materials for employment specialists on how to support individuals with disabilities in finding and maintaining competitive integrated employment.

Participation is confidential and voluntary. The results will be reported in aggregate, combined summaries only. Your name or email address will never be linked to your responses.
You may review the survey and more information to participate by clicking on the following link. The survey will take approximately 20 minutes to complete.

Thank you for considering participation in our study. If you have questions, you may contact Dr. Katherine Inge at kinge@vcu.edu
Department of Disabilities Assistive Technology Program

Join the Maryland AT Program for a special webinar series focused on assistive technology in the workplace for seniors and people with disabilities. This series will focus on a range of topics from AT integration (types of AT, how to use it, and when) to understanding the laws surrounding AT and Aging, how to receive AT services, and when to refer someone for AT services to improve workplace independence.

& People with Disabilities

June 2, 2021 @ 10am

Join us as we explore various assistive technologies (AT) available for seniors and people with disabilities in the workplace. We'll take a close look at assistive technology devices as well as features built into popular online platforms (such Zoom and Google Meet) and various operating systems. This session is geared toward those in the workplace wanting to learn more about AT and access options to improve the day-to-day work experience.

This session is geared toward those in the workplace, or those who want to re-enter the workforce, who may benefit from assistive technology.
Supporting Work with Technology

June 16, 2021 @ 1pm

Join us to learn about AT services and resources available in Maryland to assist seniors and people with disabilities to succeed in the workplace. You'll learn about resources, referral processes, and AT services to improve employment outcomes. This session will also include a basic overview of AT that can be integrated at work and home to improve independence.

This session is geared toward providers, agencies, ADA coordinators, employment specialists, and support professionals.
May Employment Outcome Data Collection
The Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) is in its 7th year collecting and analyzing data via the Maryland’s Employment Outcome Information System . The system was developed by the Institute for Community Inclusion, University of Massachusetts Boston, and by staff of the State Employment Leadership Network (SELN) for Maryland’s Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). This data system was developed to further track individual and system-wide employment goals, and opportunities to improve our system’s performance. This data has assisted the DDA in making policy and budgetary decisions. 

This memo serves as a reminder that all Meaningful Day service provider organizations are required to collect and provide information twice annually (typically in the months of May and October) for the period of two concurrent weeks. It is important that each provider organization is aware of the tracking requirements and that there is a designee within each organization that is responsible for the submission of the data by the deadline given. Executive Director’s should assign a designee for these responsibilities if desired, and notify the DDA if there is a change in contact information for the Executive Director, and/or designee, so any communications can be updated in a timely manner.