ODEP News Brief - April 13, 2018

April 13, 2018

World Autism Awareness Day

April 2 was World Autism Awareness Day, recognizing children and adults living with autism spectrum disorders. President Trump issued a proclamation in observance of the day, saying that “Together, we can increase access to information, encourage heightened understanding of ASD, promote respect and dignity, and support the services that assist people with ASD to reach their full potential.”

• Read the Proclamation

Webinar on Career Pathways

The Technical Assistance teams of WINTAC, LEAD Center and DEI, along with Felipe Lulli from the Rehabilitation Services Administration, Sara Hastings from the Employment and Training Administration, and Joe Ashley from the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, will present a Career Pathways Connection Community of Practice webinar on April 23. The webinar will focus on “Career Pathways: The Law, The Toolkit, The Examples.” Attendees will learn about federal and state collaborations and resources, including the Career Pathways Toolkit to build a fully inclusive Career Pathways System, among other topics.

• Register for the webinar

Harnessing Innovation to Advance Workforce Opportunities Online Dialogue Series

Now through April 27, ePolicyWorks is hosting the State Exchange on Employment and Disability online dialogue, “Work Matters: Harnessing Innovation to Advance Workforce Opportunities.” The disability, service provider, and employer communities are invited to submit ideas and feedback related to the “Work Matters” report, specifically policies that states can implement to support individuals with disabilities in getting to and accessing work opportunities. In conjunction with this dialogue, ePolicyWorks will host a series of three short Twitter chats focused on accessibility as it pertains transportation, technology, and the built environment on April 23, 25, and 27 at 1 p.m. All are invited to participate using #ePWChat.

• Join the “Work Matters: Harnessing Innovation to Advance Workforce Opportunities” online dialogue
• Follow ePolicyWorks on Twitter

EFSLMP Provider Transformation 2.0 Webinar Series

The Employment First State Leadership Mentoring Program recently launched the Provider Transformation 2.0 Webinar Series, a new technical assistance opportunity. These webinars are designed for community rehabilitation providers who have already begun to transform their service delivery model to one with an emphasis on competitive, integrated employment as the priority outcome for individuals served. All webinars are recorded, and currently two are available to review: “Redesigning Your Organization: Board, CEO, CFO, Middle Management, Front Line Staff, Employers & Stakeholders and Staff Development, Recruitment,” and “Restructuring: 'How To' Examples of Effective Restructuring; Where to Focus Attention on Transformation.”

• View “Redesigning Your Organization: Board, CEO, CFO, Middle Management, Front Line Staff, Employers & Stakeholders and Staff Development, Recruitment”
• View “Restructuring: 'How To' Examples of Effective Restructuring; Where to Focus Attention on Transformation”

NCWD/Youth Video Series Explores Postsecondary Options

NCWD/Youth's Youth Action Council on Transition produced the "Hitting the Open Road" video series for youth. These short videos are based on the publication, written for youth, by youth, on exploring options as youth prepare to transition out of high school. Each video features a young person narrating their road to transition, with advice on how others can build their pathway to success. Video topics include: Options While in High School, Volunteering into the Workforce, and Making Choices about College.

• Watch the videos
• Read the publication