E1MN Newsletter - April 2025
E1MN Updates
VRS Funding Updates
As of April 7th, 2025, VRS has closed priority categories 2, 3, and 4. Eligible individuals who apply for full general VR services and are placed in categories 2, 3, or 4, will be put on a statewide VRS waiting list. Eligible applicants in category 1 (83% as of now) will not go on a waiting list.
As resources are available, eligible participants on the waitlist will be considered for services in order of their application date and within the priority category open.
Individuals applying for or receiving Introductory Career Services (ICS) will not go on a waiting list. Federal VR regulations require ICS – and Pre-ETS, for potentially eligible students – be available to all students with disabilities, ages 14 to 22.
There will be no changes to services available for current participants. VRS's commitment to maintaining the support for those already receiving services remains a priority.
For more information, see the March 27th VR+CP Updates bulletin.
VRS also sent out a VRS+CP Forum Q&A with answers to submitted questions about these funding updates.
For information about authorizing waiver Employment Development - Find Services for people on waivers who are on a waitlist for VRS services, see the March 25th Employment Services Authorization Guidance.
Hub Spotlight
Benefits Planning Agency Strategies
Benefits planning isn't separate from employment. It's simply part of the conversation. It's important to incorporate benefits conversations and planning into your organization's culture. The Agency Strategies page in the Benefits Planning toolkit features training resources for supervisors and staff to help build the knowledge and skills needed to have effective conversations about work and benefits, as well as key messages about work and benefits and outcomes to work towards.
Resources
Spectacle Newsletter - March 2025
State Services for the Blind's Spectacle Newsletter provides helpful information for blind, DeafBlind, and low vision teens and those that support them.
Success Stories
MN APSE Podcast
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 Season 5 Episode 2, Chris Davies is joined by Sophie Iverson. Sophie currently works as an Options Counselor at the Disability Hub MN and provides information and referrals to callers and families navigating the disability community and state agencies. With over 10 years of disability advocacy and lived experience, Sophie also founded Access 2 Advocacy LLC with a hope to share her passion for empowering others to feel confident advocating for disability policy important to them.
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