E1MN Newsletter - September 2025
E1MN Updates
Reminder: VRS Announces Shift in the Provision of Introductory Career Services
Effective at the start of the 2025-26 school year, Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) is implementing a new model for providing Introductory Career Services (ICS). Students will have access to virtual courses and work directly with their school staff to navigate ICS. Read the full August 21st announcement to learn more.
Hub Spotlight
New E1MN Training videos now available
The first is an updated set of videos showing Karissa’s Employment Journey, a real-life example of a person moving through each phase of the Engage Plan Find Keep framework. In this four-part video series, follow Karissa’s employment journey and explore how her employment team collaborated and fulfilled their roles to support her. Find these videos in the Use the Engage Plan Find Keep framework lesson, under the activity in the “DO: Practice” section.
We also heard from you that it would be helpful to see more examples of teams collaborating to solve problems when things don’t go as planned. A new video, Clayton’s Employment Story, follows Clayton and his team as they work together and find creative solutions to meet his employment needs when provider availability is limited. Find this video in the Collaborating with Other Professionals lesson of each role-specific E1MN Training module.
YIT Toolkit Engage Families section
One of the guiding principles of Minnesota’s Youth in Transition Framework is that families play a key role in successful transition outcomes. It's important to engage families as partners and empower them with information. The Engage Families section of the Youth in Transition toolkit contains information, resources and tools to help you invite families into the process and engage them as a partner in their youth's transition and employment success.
Resources
Spectacle Newsletter
State Services for the Blind's Spectacle Newsletter provides helpful information for blind, DeafBlind, and low vision teens and those that support them.
Arc to Success: Employment Toolkit for People with Disabilities
A new employment toolkit from The Arc MN is designed for job seekers with disabilities who want to find and keep meaningful work, as well as for families, job coaches, educators, and transition coordinators who provide support. The toolkit offers practical activities, tools, and real employment stories. It provides guidance on exploring career interests, building a resume, applying for jobs, preparing for interviews, and advocating at work.
Events
Minnesota’s 2025 Inclusive Higher Education Conference
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Minnesota’s inclusive higher education movement is growing, and this year’s statewide conference will highlight the theme of Transformation. Students, families, educators, and campus leaders will come together to explore how expanding opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities is reshaping classrooms, campuses, and communities. Centered on student voices and lived experiences, the conference offers inspiration, practical insights, and a vision for a more inclusive future.
When: September 23, 2025, 9am – 3:15pm
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