E1MN Newsletter - November 2024
E1MN Updates
State agencies announce work experience vision for students with disabilities
As part of the E1MN partnership, the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), Department of Human Services (DHS), and Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) set a vision that all students with disabilities have paid competitive integrated employment (CIE) work experience prior to earning their high school diploma.
The Increasing paid work experiences for students with disabilities memo from state leaders was sent to all special education directors, school principals, and district superintendents. They and other school and vocational rehabilitation staff also received a survey which will inform the state’s development of future guidance, trainings, and action plans to support school work-based learning.
Hub Spotlight
New Resources in Youth in Transition Toolkit
NEW! Youth in Transition Toolkit on the Disability Hub MN has two newly added resources. Action steps for leadership and staff includes action steps for leadership and staff to access resources to help align their work to the framework. Resources to activate you and your teams includes planning tools, a communication kit that will help you promote and talk about the Framework with your leaders, staff, peers, and partners, as well as success stories. Learn more about the Framework, its key elements, and how you can incorporate the Framework into your work. Check them out on the Disability Hub MN.
Resources
New Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD) Video on the Hub
Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD) lets people with disabilities keep their MA while they work. With MA-EPD there’s no upper income limit, and no asset limit so people can work as much as they want, save as much as they want, keep their health care coverage, and get the services they need. Watch this three minute video to learn more, then share it with the people you support so they know they can work and keep their MA.
Success Stories
New MN APSE Success Stories page
MN APSE has a new Employment Success Stories page, which features a collection of campaigns showcasing people with disabilities successfully working in competitive integrated employment. You can also check out the latest episode of the MN APSE podcast featuring Jeffrey Smith, aka The Amazing Jeffo, a blind, multiply disabled magician, sharing his story.
Events
MN APSE Lunch & Learn
Join MN APSE’s November Lunch & Learn which will be an open forum on the Find and Keep phases. This is a great opportunity for professional development at no cost to you or your staff. Managers – send your staff and subject matter experts will provide the training!
When: November 21st, 12pm-1pm
National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)
During National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) this October, VRS/SSB took the opportunity to honor our business partners across the State of Minnesota for their exceptional commitment to hiring individuals with disabilities. This year’s theme, “Access to Good Jobs for All,” celebrated the diversity and inclusion that the individuals we represent bring to the workforce. Throughout the month, VRS/SSB recognized 53 businesses partners around the state. Recognition events were held at each of these businesses, where DEED and VRS/SSB leadership and staff engaged with company representatives and employees. The events included awarding a plaque to 23 new business partners and 30 Governor’s Recognition certificates to ongoing business partners as a token of appreciation for their commitment to hiring people with disabilities. Leadership from VRS/SSB, VRS staff, along with DEED Deputy Commissioner, Evan Rowe shared heartfelt messages about the importance of NDEAM, emphasizing the value that individuals with disabilities bring to the workforce and the critical role businesses play in fostering a more inclusive environment.
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