E1MN Newsletter - December 2025
E1MN Updates
VRS Introductory Career Services Updates
In August 2025 Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) announced a shift in the provision of Introductory Career Services (ICS) for students with disabilities. Students now have access to ICS offered exclusively through engaging virtual courses aimed at exploring and preparing for the world of work. The courses are free and offered at various times throughout the school day.
High school staff (teachers, case managers, social workers, counselors, etc.) can learn more about ICS and how to refer students on the VRS What high school staff need to know webpage. Included on this page are the following resources for school staff:
Interagency Alignment Study Update
In order to better align our systems and increase our ability to provide a seamless and timely employment support system, we have been conducting an Interagency Employment Supports Alignment Study.
Phase 1 of the study has focused on alignment of service rates, provider enrollment processes, and monitoring standards. The goal of the first phase was to identify ways to make it easier for providers to be dually enrolled and reduce barriers related to billing, enrollment, contracting, and rates. Phase 1 has just wrapped up. The recommendations report from this phase will be published soon and will be announced via the E1MN newsletter.
Phase 2 of the study will address eligibility processes and people’s lived experience transitioning between employment services. The goal of this second phase will be to simplify processes for moving between services and address barriers that delay or disrupt people’s access to employment supports. Phase 2 will begin this upcoming year. We will continue to share updates as the project moves forward.
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.
Success Stories
APSE Podcasts
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 6, Chris Davies is joined by Cow Tipping Press' Shaunte Martin and Laron Gatlin-Dean. Shaunte, an Inclusion Associate and Gatlin-Dean, a Teaching Fellow, talk about their work at Cow Tipping Press -- an organization in Minneapolis that teaches inclusive writing classes for people with disabilities.
In Season 5 Episode 7, Chris Davies is joined by Hannah Furney and her guide doge, Leger. Hannah is a self-advocate who tells her story about growing up DeafBlind, and the barriers she has faced in order to get to where she is.
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