ray graham association empowering people with disabilities i
TRANSCRIPT
Ray GrahamAssociati on
E m p o w e r i n g p e o p l e w i t h d i s a b i l i ti e s
IApril 2012AFP and Employment Strategies
Alliance for Full Participation
• AFP is a formal partnership of leading national I/DD organizations with a common vision – to create a better and more fulfilling quality of life for people with I/DD.
• Vision: That People with I/DD and their families realize the promise of integration, productivity, independence and quality of life choices.
AFP Partners
AFP History…
• Founded in 2003 as a collaboration of key stakeholders.
• 2005 hosted first national summit.• 2009 launched a new campaign: “Real Jobs – It’s
Everyone’s Business”. Goal: Double employment by 2015!
• 2011 Employment First Summit.
AFP Vision for Employment
• Employment expectations are the same for all;• Education settings assist in raising expectations;• Person is the focus of the employment process;• Discovering interests and experiences are important;• Customization, choice, and natural supports ensure
satisfaction and retention;• Career development is always a consideration;• Employment is in regular, competitive, inclusive settings.• Interactions and relationships are valued;• Compensated at or above minimum wage, up to prevailing
wage.
AFP - Illinois State Team
• 30 diverse members statewide and growing;• Team includes self advocates and families;• Completed “score card” (IL did not score well…);• Identifying priorities;• Advocacy role and provide input and leadership on
the development of key public policy;• Governors Task Force (overlap of membership and
collaboration);• Illinois – Employment First Summit
Olmstead Supreme Court Decision
• As described the DOJ website: Olmstead v. L.C. is a ruling that requires states to eliminate the unnecessary segregation of persons with disabilities and ensure that persons with disabilities receive services in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs.
• Where do sheltered workshops fit in?
National Efforts to End Subminimum Wage for People with Disabilities
• “Ensuring that Americans with disabilities receive equal pay for equal work is more than a matter of basic fairness, it’s a long-overdue acknowledgement of the value disabled Americans contribute to our workplaces every day,” said Rep. Tim Bishop, D-N.Y., who introduced the bill along with Rep. Cliff Stearns, R-Fla. (disabilityscoop, Oct. 2011)
Think outside the box…
• Yes, you can transition your sheltered work program to a more beneficial model of services (it’s about people not programs).
• Micro-Business Development is a great option for people.
• Use existing fund streams creatively!!• Collaboration!• Willingness to take a risk and think outside of the box!• Encourage families to push….