January 18, 2023, E1MN-Youth Professional Updates

Minnesota Department of Education

E1MN-Youth Professional Updates

January 18, 2023

E1MN is Minnesota's state agency partnership to advance Employment First outcomes for youth and adults with disabilities. The state agency partnership evolved from Minnesota's Employment First policy adopted by the Olmstead sub-cabinet in 2014.

The E1MN-Youth Professional listserv is a way to communicate important information to professionals who support transition-aged youth with disabilities.

New E1MN-Youth Outcomes Data Dashboard

For the first time ever, the Minnesota departments of Human Services (DHS), Education (MDE), and Employment and Economic Development (DEED) have launched an E1MN Youth Outcomes Dashboard. The dashboard presents employment outcome information for transition-aged students and recent graduates with disabilities and can be used to support professionals and policymakers in understanding statewide progress in advancing Employment First for youth. Users can view data by geographic region or by race and ethnicity.

This is baseline data that will allow state agencies and stakeholders across the state to plan, make decisions, and measure improvements for years to come.

Schools, Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS), State Services for the Blind (SSB), lead agencies that administer waivers, and service providers are encouraged to review this data and work together to improve outcomes for all youth with disabilities across Minnesota.

Community Input Event: Workforce Shortage and People with Disabilities 

The Olmstead Implementation Office is hosting a virtual community input event on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., about the current workforce shortage and people with disabilities. This is an opportunity for members of the public to share their feedback and experiences. Register and learn more on the Olmstead Implementation Office website.

CART captioning and ASL interpreting will be provided.

The Portable Credential and Planning for Life After College

The Minnesota Inclusive Higher Education Consortium (MIHEC) is a parent-led collaborative group of stakeholders including inclusive higher education institutions, local educational agencies, key state agencies, students, advocates, families, legislators and nonprofits who are committed to expanding postsecondary education opportunities for interested youth, young adults and adults with intellectual disability from all ethnic, cultural, linguistic and socioeconomic backgrounds. MIHEC is holding a webinar related to postsecondary education and employment for persons with intellectual disabilities.

  • Date and Time: Tuesday, March 14, 3-4:15 p.m. (CST)
  • Description: Dr. Christi Kasa, from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, will share two important aspects of Colorado’s inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) programs – The Portable Credential and Planning for Life After College. She will be joined by one of her students who will share their experience. 
  • Register for MIHEC webinar on the Zoom website.

Reminder: EIDBI Benefit is Available for Youth Under Age 21 with ASD

Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI) services offer medically necessary treatment to people under the age of 21 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or related conditions.

Description

The Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI) benefit provides treatment for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and related conditions. Treatment is based on proven methods, and the values, culture and preferences of the person and family.

EIDBI services help people to interact with others; learn and play; decrease interfering or unwanted behaviors; build independence; and participate in family, school and community life. EIDBI Services may include a Comprehensive Multi-Disciplinary Evaluation (CMDE) to evaluate or confirm a diagnosis of ASD or related conditions; individual, group and high level support need therapy; education, training and support for families and caregivers; an individualized plan of service that outlines the goals, intensity and duration of services a person is recommended to receive; care conference meetings to coordinate across service providers and with the family; and travel time to provide in-person EIDBI services.

EIDBI services may be provided in a center, clinic, home, office or community setting, including the school. Some EIDBI services may also be provided via telehealth.

Ask your EIDBI provider about what the specific services they offer, treatment methods provided, locations served, what healthcare plans they accept and if they have a waiting list.

For additional information services and supports, visit the Minnesota Autism Resource Portal.

Eligibility

A person is eligible to receive EIDBI services if they meet all of the following criteria:

  • Has autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or a related condition.
  • Has had a CMDE that establishes their medical need for EIDBI services.
  • Is enrolled in Medical Assistance (MA), MinnesotaCare, Minnesota Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) or other qualifying health care programs.
  • Is under age 21.

Application Instructions

To qualify for the EIDBI benefit, a CMDE must establish the person's medical need and eligibility for services. The evaluation includes an observation of the person, a medical exam and a summary of other formal or informal standardized tests and assessment tools. The provider also gathers information and input from the person's family members and other caregivers during this process.

To receive provider information, complete the EIDBI referral form on the Minnesota Department of Human Services website.

The Minnesota Department of Education's (MDE) Special Education Division works toward its vision that all children get necessary support for healthy development and lifelong learning; its mission is to provide leadership to ensure a high-quality education for Minnesota's children and youth with disabilities. To learn more, visit the Special Education section of the MDE website.