2014 Employment Matters! Conference

KEYNOTE SPEAKER:   HHS Assistant Secretary Rosalie Edes. 

Rosalie Edes was appointed as Assistant Secretary for the Office of Disability Policy and Programs by HHS Secretary John Polanowicz in March of 2013.  Assistant Secretary Edes, whose son was born with Down Syndrome, has a passion for enhancing disability services for all people. As Assistant Secretary, she focuses on ensuring high quality, community-based services for children and adults with disabilities.

 BREAKOUT SESSIONS:  

 This year, we have added more sessions, (Two rounds in the afternoon.)  See below for the schedule.

MORNING SESSIONS:

Managing For Outcomes.   This session will provide an overview of both process and outcomes measurement for employment services.

Building a Qualified Workforce for Employment Services.  This session will introduce a number of resources that can bring training and professional development to the next level.

The Blueprint for Success:  What it Means For Your Work.  This session will provide an overview of the “Blueprint for Success: Employing Individuals with Disabilities in Massachusetts” and an update on initiatives currently underway to support the transition from center-based work to integrated employment for individuals served by DDS. 

The Amazing Race to Employment:  Innovative Partnerships to Support Transition.  Learn about the benefits and challenges of transition planning which strives to bridge the gap between school and adult services. 

Federal contract compliance: news you can use.  Learn how the Office of Federal Contract Compliance enforces the promise of affirmative action and equal opportunity with companies who do business with the Federal Government. 

AFTERNOON SESSIONS:

BYOD (bring your own device): using everyday technology in the workplace.  This session provides participants with new ideas for using everyday technology, and will introduce a number of apps that can be useful in the workplace.

Working with families towards quality employment outcomes.  This session will focus on ways that school systems and adult employment agencies can empower families to play an active role in career development.

Benefits & work incentive planning.  In this session, we’ll share a variety of benefit management strategies and review various work incentives.

Found a job?  What will it take to keep it? The presenters will talk about keeping employment through building relationships, using customized employment success strategies, and forming natural supports in the workplace.

Online applications: getting over the hurdles.  In this session, we will review some of the issues related to online applications, and offer strategies that can minimize this barrier for job seekers.

Self-employment: a viable option for individuals with disabilities.  NEBA will share the story of what their organization has learned and the challenges we continue to face, and how to determine if self-employment is a good fit for the job seekers you  support. .                                                                                                                                                                                        

Regional employment collaboratives.  In this session you will hear about the impact these collaboratives are having in Massachusetts and plans for expansion into new regions of the state.

Job development:  tips from the pros.  In this session experienced job developers will share their “tricks of the trade” that can make a difference in your work.

Disclosure: yes, no or maybe?.  We’ll review guidelines on when and how to talk about a disability, the risks and benefits of disclosure, and the guidelines around disclosure in the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

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JOB DEVELOPER OF THE YEAR AWARD
MA-APSE is looking to recognize the people at the heart of our mission- job developers- by presenting the Job Developer/Employment Specialist of the Year. To nominate your favorite Job Developer/Employment Specialist for his/ her outstanding work please submit:

A statement (500 words or less) regarding why this individual is deserving of this award, with an emphasis on business relationships and quality outcomes.

A letter of recommendation from the individual’s direct supervisor is required and additional support letters from students, individuals supported, families, employers etc. are welcome.

Nominations should be sent to:

Stephen Moulton- Director Supported Employment, Vinfen Corp., 950 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA 02141    or e-mail to moultons@vinfen.org or fax to Stephen Moulton at 617- 441-1858

For questions Stephen can be reached at 617-441-1872

Note: Nominations are due by April 07, 2014

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EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR AWARD

MA-APSE is looking to recognize an Employer who is committed to diversity in their workplace and demonstrated by their efforts to expand job opportunities for persons with disabilities. Examples of full integration of persons with disabilities into the employer’s workforce should be highlighted. Also any specific training programs or tailoring individual jobs to suit applicant’s abilities will receive special consideration.  Exemplary practices of businesses who have partnered with Service Providers and/or School Systems will be recognized. Nominations may include examples of exceptional hiring practices such as the use of on-line hiring portals, the internet, social media and any other elements of modern technology.

Nominations should be sent to:

Stephen Moulton- Director Supported Employment, Vinfen Corp., 950 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA 02141    or e-mail to moultons@vinfen.org or fax to Stephen Moulton at 617- 441-1858

For questions Stephen can be reached at 617-441-1872

Note: Nominations are due by April 07, 2014

If you have any questions regarding the conference or MA-APSE please contact Chapter President Steve Aalto at: saalto@workinc.org; 617-691-1702