Progress so far:  

• BerryDunn has completed interviews with providers who offer both VRS and waiver services, as well as those who used to.  

• We received 445 responses to the web survey—thank you to everyone who participated!  

What’s next:  

• BerryDunn will connect with other states to explore promising practices.  

• They’ll also lead business process mapping sessions with providers, vocational rehabilitation counselors, and waiver case managers.

A final report with ideas and recommendations is expected this fall to help shape future improvements across both agencies.

Practical mental health strategies help workforce professionals boost job seekers’ success, build trust, and create welcoming spaces. Mental health isn’t a side issue—it’s key to helping people reengage in work and reach their goals. 

The webinar, “Expanding Your Toolkit: Strategies to Support People with Mental Health Conditions in Workforce Programs,” offers practical strategies to help workforce professionals better support job seekers and their own teams. 

Presented by the LEAD Center, along with speakers from the Finger Lakes Workforce Development Board and RochesterWorks, this session features real-world examples of how mental health awareness is being woven into workforce services—with tools you can apply right away. 

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 5, Host Chris Davies is joined by Keeri Tramm. Keeri is Director of Disability Initiatives at Lifeworks, is an Autistic professional dedicated to fostering equity and empowerment for the disability community. With a career spanning nonprofit and for-profit sectors, she leverages her expertise in business and data analysis to drive impactful outcomes. Keeri holds a degree in Special Education, CPACC certification, and serves on the board of Minnesota NEAT, where she influences disability policy and practice.

In Season 5 Episode 4, Chris Davies is joined by Rahul Gupta. Rahul is a 27-year-old Deaf individual who works as a pharmacy technician at the Mayo Clinic, with two years of hands-on experience supporting in-patient care and pharmacy operations. Rahul, who is fluent in both American Sign Language (ASL) and English, has become a strong self-advocate who is dedicated to empowering Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH), Deaf Blind, and other individuals to recognize their potential, build meaningful lives, and set and achieve their personal goals. 

Join MN APSE’s August’s Lunch & Learn where Jack Gordon will discuss the Disability Hub MN on Working and Benefits. Jack Gordon is a Community Capacity Builder with Disability Hub MN where he has been for approximately 8 years. He is a Certified Work Incentive Practitioner (CWIP) who has completed intensive training on Social Security Benefits and the impact of work, with Cornell University. 

In his time at Disability Hub MN, Jack has supported Hub users via calls and chats as well as building the capacity of community partners and fellow Hub staff in an extensive breadth of topics via in-person and virtual presentations. 

When: August 21st, 12pm-1pm 

Registration: APSE Lunch & Learn registration