E1MN Newsletter - May 2024
E1MN Updates
VRS/Measurable Skill Gain (MSG) Update
Heads up to school staff: VRS and SSB will be requesting transcripts and diplomas
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Overview - At the end of each school year school staff will receive requests from Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) and State Services for the Blind (SSB) for copies of transcripts or diplomas for each graduating student they serve. Additionally, VRS and SSB will request grade reports or transcripts at the end of each term for each student they serve. VRS and SSB appreciates school staff assistance in getting this documentation!
- Why? - The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is the federal law that requires the VRS and SSB programs to collect grade reports for each term and final transcripts or diplomas for each high school and age 18 to 22 transition student they serve.
- Data Privacy - VRS and SSB staff get a signed release of information from each student (and/or parent/guardian/authorized representative as applicable) which allows them to request this information from each school. VRS and SSB staff will provide a copy of the release when requesting documentation.
Disability Hub Benefits Coaches Training Applications
With more in-depth training, benefits coaches are expected to support other agency staff in understanding work and benefits, supporting key messages, and getting help from Disability Hub MN when needed. first and get permission from your supervisor. Sign up to be on the waitlist for the next training with our web-based application to get your Benefit Coach Certification.
Disability Hub Spotlight
New Youth in Transition Toolkit Changes
The Youth in Transition toolkit has a new section to support you in learning about Minnesota’s Transition Framework. The new About the Framework section introduces you to the Framework and its key elements. You can also check out About Minnesota's Youth in Transition Framework (PDF) for a printable overview of the Framework, and the Guide to the Learning Expectations (PDF) for a list of all the topics included in the Framework’s learning expectation categories for youth.
Resources
APSE Podcast
The Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) is a membership organization dedicated to improving and expanding integrated employment opportunities, services, and outcomes for persons experiencing disabilities. In the MN APSE Podcast, “If You Believe It, You Can Achieve It”, MN APSE’s Chris Davies talks with self-advocates, policymakers, providers and others involved in efforts in Minnesota to raise the bar of employment for people living with disabilities and mental health challenges.
In the most recent episode of the APSE podcast, Chris Davies interviews Daniel Hood, a self-advocate and podcast host about his personal experiences in areas such as special education, community living, and employment. Daniel has an education in radio broadcasting and hosts his own podcast over at HoodWave Disability Radio - covering topics from policy to self-advocacy. View the most recent podcast.
Success Stories
MTI Success Story: Kaposia
Kaposia, founded in 1963, is a Minnesota nonprofit agency based in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area. They provide customized employment services for people with disabilities and retirement services to seniors with disabilities. The agency envisions a world in which everyone is valued, respected, and contributes to the community. Read more here.
Events
APSE Lunch and Learn
Join APSE on Thursday May, 16 from 12 to 1 p.m. for our monthly Lunch and Learn Conversation, a free professional development opportunity for you and/or your staff. Managers – send your staff and subject matter experts will provide the training!
This month will be an open forum to discuss any EDS-Plan topic – service definition, best practices, tasks and more! This is a great opportunity to connect with your peers, share successes and talk through challenges.
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