VRS and CP Upcoming Events

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Dear VRS Community Partners,

Please join us for several upcoming events!

VRS + CP Forum, April 2nd, 2024, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm:

  • Register here:  Forum Registration
  • Agenda:  VRS Spending Authority, Contracting process updates, and more!

Community Partner Conversations

The VRS Community Partner Conversations sessions are meant to be casual office hours to provide support and community building with VRS Community Partners. VRS Community Partnerships Program Specialists lead the meetings, provide updates, and have ample time for general questions and answers each month.

  • When:  1st Wednesday of each month from 8:30 am – 9:30 am.  The next session is on April 3rd, 2024.
  • Who should attend: All Community Partner staff are welcome, from direct service to billing to supervisors.
  • How to attend:  Here is the recurring zoom link: CP Conversations Zoom Link

 VRS Community Learning Connections

This training series invites VRS, SSB, and Community Partner staff to join in a shared experience to strengthen skills and grow stronger together in serving Minnesotans with disabilities.

  • Understanding and Supporting Autistic Individuals on the Job (1 CRC credit)
    • April 4th, 2024, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
  • Learning Objectives:
    • Obtain a better understanding of how the autistic brain works
    • Hear about a person’s lived experience and what approaches have worked for job success
    • Learn about workplace strategies to support autistic individuals on the job
  • The session will be recorded.
  • Presenters:
    • Abbie Wells Herzog, Autism Specialist, VRS
    • Jillian Nelson, Community Resource and Policy Advocate, Autism Society of Minnesota
    • Marci Jasper, Placement Specialist, VRS
  • Registration:
  • Accommodations:
    • The session will have closed captioning and ASL interpreting. If you need additional accommodations to attend or participate in the event, contact VRS.StaffDevelopment.DEED@state.mn.us. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to a member of the VRS Community Partnerships Team:

To find out which Community Partnerships Program Specialist is the dedicated liaison for a particular Community Partner, go to: https://mn.gov/deed/job-seekers/disabilities/partners/listing.

What is the DEED-Vocational Rehabilitation Services Community Partner and Stakeholder listserv?

The Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) Division of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) comprises the public Vocational Rehabilitation program, the Minnesota Extended Employment program, Independent Living services, Individual Placement and Supports grants, and Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing grants.

The DEED-VRS Community Partner and Stakeholder listserv is the communication platform for current VRS Community Partners, potential VRS Community Partners, and other interested stakeholders in Minnesota’s disability employment services system. We encourage you to subscribe if you are an interested stakeholder in Minnesota’s disability employment services system.