E1MN Newsletter - May 2025
E1MN Updates
New Report: Work-Based Learning Survey Results Now Available
We’re excited to share the newly released Work-Based Learning Survey Report! You can find the report on the Disability Hub MN - E1MN partnership page and then clicking on the E1MN Student Employment Interagency Workgroup section. This report provides valuable insights from a November 2024 survey completed by 885 school, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and State Services for the Blind staff across the state. The report will guide our work at E1MN — Minnesota’s state agency partnership committed to advancing Employment First outcomes for youth and adults with disabilities.
The survey offers a closer look at how school work-based learning programs are operating across the state and highlights what school districts and charter schools need to better support students with disabilities in accessing and sustaining paid competitive integrated employment (CIE) work experiences.
Thank you to all who contributed to this important effort!
Hub Spotlight
New Pages in Work Toolkit
The Work Toolkit on the Disability Hub houses information and resources to help you support people on their employment journey. Two new pages have been recently added. The Collaboration page includes information about working with liaisons and quick links to contact lists for both VRS and lead agency liaisons. The Communications page has an archive of past E1MN Newsletters and other E1MN communications.
In addition, the Training Archive page has been updated with new on-demand training resources for waiver case managers. Current training topics include strengthening partnerships with VRS/SSB and schools, and navigating provider shortages. More trainings on other topics will be added over time.
Resources
Kayla Stone Scholarship
MN Rehab Association: Transition Specialties Division is looking for a post-secondary student to receive the Kayla Stone Memorial Scholarship for the 2025-2026 school year in the amount of $500, in Kayla's memory. Kayla was the 2022 President of the MRA Transition Specialties Division. She passed away unexpectedly in September 2022. Her dedication to helping youth with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment was unparalleled. Qualifications: Must be a resident of the state of Minnesota, must be entering post-secondary education in Minnesota, must have a disability, must identify as part of the 2SLGBTIA+ community, and must be pursuing post-secondary education at a college or university, community college, or a vocational program.
To apply: Visit Kayla Stone Memorial Scholarship page. Deadline to apply is Friday, July 18, 2025
Events
MN APSE Lunch & Learn
Join MN APSE’s May Lunch & Learn where Ray McCoy will discuss how Minnesota’s Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund (ERAF) is helping businesses remove barriers, boost retention, and create inclusive work environments—without breaking their budgets. This session will unpack how ERAF reimburses up to $30,000 annually to cover workplace accommodations for employees and job applicants with disabilities. 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: Thursday May 15th, 12:00pm-1:00pm
National Symposium on Quality Employment
This conference brings together VR practitioners, academics, researchers, administrators, and policymakers will convene at this hybrid conference to share contemporary research, issues, and future needs to advance the profession of rehabilitation counseling. Join your colleagues to upgrade and increase your rehabilitation counseling competencies, skills, and knowledge. This conference is FREE and offers both an in person and virtual option.
When: May 21st-22nd, 2025, with a pre-conference on May 20th
Where: Memorial Union, 800 Langdon Street, Madison, WI 53706, or virtual
MTI Quarterly Training
This quarterly training will describe the role of disability service professionals in addressing work and benefits, share resources for day and employment staff on the topic, and demonstrate how to have conversations about work and benefits with jobseekers and their support team.
Registration: MTI Quarterly Training registration is now open
When: May 8th, 2025, from 1:00pm-2:30pm
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