Creating Conditions for Success:

Blueprint

Progress Report

Employing Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities in Massachusetts

October 2014

Prepared by Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers

Creating Conditions for Success:Blueprint ProgressReportEmploying Individualswith Intellectual Disabilitiesin Massachusetts

Prepared by

MassachusettsDepartment of Developmental ServicesAssociation of DevelopmentalDisabilitiesProviders

October2014

PrincipalauthorsMargaretVanGelder

Amanda D.Nichols,M.S.W.LarryTummino

Background

In November 2013, Blueprint for Success:EmployingIndividualswithIntellectualDisabilities inMassachusettswasreleased. TheBlueprint served as amutualplandeveloped byrepresentativesfrom theAssociationofDevelopmental DisabilitiesProviders(ADDP), TheArcofMassachusetts, andMassachusettsDepartmentofDevelopmental Services(DDS) toincreaseintegratedemploymentopportunitiesfor adultswithintellectualdisabilities(ID) servedby DDS.Thefoundation oftheplan or employmentinitiativeemphasizestheimportance ofandbenefitsreceived byallwhenindividualswithdisabilitiesworkinthecommunity.

Toachieveintegratedemployment, theBlueprint’sarchitects constructeda plan tocloseshelteredworkshopsbyJune 30, 2015. Contingentonadditionalfunding,participants inshelteredworkshops wouldtransition toindividual orgroup employmentand/or Community-BasedDayServices(CBDS)onceshelteredworkshops closed. Anestimatedinvestment of

$26.7 millionoverafour-yearperiodwould beneeded toprovidesupportsto individualsleavingshelteredworkshopsandmovingintointegratedworkanddaysettings.

TheBlueprint rolloutalsoincluded an 18monthcapacitybuildinginitiativefunded by DDS tobuild a foundationforemploymentsuccess. TheDepartment ofDevelopmental Servicescommittedtofundthefollowing: (a) regionalforumsto briefandrespondtoquestionsfromindividualsandfamiliesabout theBlueprint, (b) technical assistanceandconsultationtoproviderstoredesignservices,(c)staffdevelopmentandtraining tobuild a knowledgebase indeliveringintegrated employmentsupports, and(d)expansionofa cross-disability,interagencyemploymentcollaborative model inthreeregions ofthe statetomoreeffectivelyengageemployers.Furthermore, DDSremaineddedicated toprovideindividualsthe samenumber ofhoursofservices and supportstomaintainstabilityfor familiesduring atimeofchange.

Thepurpose ofthisreportistoprovide an updateon effortsmadeto expandintegratedemploymentinMassachusettssinceBlueprint for Success wasreleasedinNovember2013.

BuildingResources

Inthefiscal year2015budget, threemilliondollarswasallottedtowardthisinitiative for adultswithintellectualdisabilities. Thesupport shown bythe PatrickAdministrationandtheMassachusettsLegislature is apositivefirst steptomove intherightdirection,thoughthisamountfallsshort oftheleveloffundingoriginallyrequested.The Departmentisworkingcloselywithstakeholdersto adjustitsoriginaltimelinesregardingworkshopclosures. In addition,newlegislativelanguageregardingtheability to receivesheltered workshopservices based onindividual choice mayhavean impact onthe original goal dependingonthenumberofindividualswhochoosethatoption.As ofyet,very fewindividualshave optedfor initiation orcontinuationofshelteredworkserviceswhenoffered aninformedchoice.

TheDepartmentbelievessignificant progresscan bemadewiththree milliondollarsinexpansionfundinginthefiscal year2015budget.A preliminaryspendingplanindicates31 of39provideragenciesprovidingshelteredworkshopservicesatthe end of fiscal year2014 willreceive an allocationoffunding tofacilitate transitionofindividualsto integratedworkand/orCommunity-BasedDaySupports(CBDS)duringthis fiscalyear.Of the 31providers, 17 areprojectedtocompletelyphaseout thedelivery ofshelteredworkshopservices byJune30,2015.In addition,it isexpected that approximately890individuals(about one-third ofthoseattendingshelteredworkshopsas ofJune30, 2014)willbenefitfrom newfundingresources to transitiontoindividual or groupsupportedemployment and/orCBDSduringfiscal year2015.

“I like working in the community because I get to work with new people. I have fun working at Tedeschi’s learning new things. They make me feel like part of the team.”

[Sam* who recently transitioned out of a sheltered workshop]

“Work is important to me because … I get to help with special projects and greet visitors and escort them to their meeting rooms. Work is also important to me because it makes me happy to earn money.”

[Lisa* who has an ID]

*Name changed to conceal identity

Accomplishments

Overthepast tenmonths,agreatdealofactivityoccurredontheidentifiedcapacitybuildinginitiativeslistedaboveandsignificantprogressmadeworkingtoward goalsoutlined in theBlueprint. TheEmploymentWorkGroupcontinuestomeet on amonthlybasisas across-stakeholder implementationteam to developplans,addressissues, andidentifynewwaystosupportgoalslistedintheBlueprint.Inaddition,Regional Employment First ImplementationTeams,facilitated bytheDDSregional employmentliaison,bringstogetherboth center-based(or sheltered)workandemploymentserviceproviderswithDDS area officestaff on aregularbasistoshareinformation,bestpractices, andresourcestopromoteimplementationofEmploymentFirst.

Furthermore, an Employment Firstelectronicnewsletter andwebsiteweredeveloped to provideinformation, resources,andpositive storiesthat support integratedemployment andimplementationoftheBlueprint.Individualscan sign uptoreceivenewslettersat visitthewebsiteat

Thefollowingsectionsdescribesomeofthemajoraccomplishmentsrelated tothe18monthcapacitybuildinginitiativeDDSbeganinNovember2013designedto provideaccesstotraining,technical assistance, andother resourcesto supportimplementationof theBlueprint.

Regional EmploymentForums

A contract wasestablishedwith TheArcofMassachusetts tojointlyworkwithDDSregional andarea staffmembers andlocalemployment providersto host forumsforindividualswithintellectualanddevelopmental disabilities(I/DD)andfamilies to provideinformationabout theBlueprintandrespondtoquestionsandconcerns.The ArcalsoworkedinpartnershipwithMassachusettsFamiliesOrganizing for Change (MFOFC)andMassachusettsAdvocatesStandingStrong(MASS)toorganizeforums.

Theformat for thesesessionsincluded a presentation bya DDSandArcrepresentative,anindividual successfullyemployedin the communityto sharehis/herexperiences,andafamilymemberwithason ordaughter workinginthecommunityto sharetheir experiences andperspectives.Eachforumended withaquestionandanswerperiodthat includedseverallocalproviderrepresentativesalongwith the mainpresenters. Itwasreportedthatindividual andfamilypresentationsweretremendouslybeneficialandpositivefor peers tohear.

Belowaredetailsontheregionalforums:

  • A total of19familyforumswereheldfrom December2013throughJune2014atdifferentlocationsacrossthestatewith a total of1,250participants.Althoughfamilymemberswerethe primarytargetaudience, thereweremanyindividualsorself-advocateswhoalsoattendedsessions.
  • Fiveseparateforumswereheldforself-advocatesindifferent regionsofthestatereaching100individuals.Self-advocatesplayed an instrumentalrole inthesessionsassistingwith the presentation, helpingaddressquestions andconcerns, andsharingtheirownemployment experiences.

Aswith anychangeprocess, therewerearange ofreactionsandconcernsexpressedattheforums. Someindividualsandfamilymemberswerevery excitedaboutnewdirections andpossibilities and opportunitiesforintegratedemploymentandmeaningfulcommunityexperiences.However,somefamilymembersexpressedapprehensionandconcernaboutproposedchangesand howitwouldimpact theirson or daughter.Some of themainthemesandconcernsraisedincluded thefollowing:

  • pace andtimelineofproposedchanges,
  • lossofa paycheckreceivedandfriendshipsformedata shelteredworkshop,
  • impact on Social Securitybenefits,
  • availabilityofjobopportunities,
  • quality ofemploymentservicesandCBDS,
  • capability oftheir son or daughter tobe successfullyemployedin the community,and
  • transportationto jobs.

Thoughmany of theseconcernswereexpected,itwill be important tocontinue toworkin athoughtful andresponsivemannerwith each individual andfamilythroughoutplanningandchangeinserviceoptionstoaddressspecificreservations.

Technical AssistanceandConsultation

Inpartnershipwith theInstituteforCommunity Inclusion(ICI)attheUniversity ofMassachusettsBoston, DDSannouncedavailabilityoftechnical assistance inlate fall2013 to45 center-based(shelteredwork)providers. Technical assistancewasdesigned tosupporteffortstoincreaseintegratedemployment outcomesand toassist inthetransformationprocess. Technicalassistancewasprovided bybothICI staff andexternal, qualified, subjectmatter consultants. It isimportant to notethatprovideragencieswereindifferentplaces duringstartoftransformation,specifically in terms ofsize oftheshelteredworkshopprogram,number of peoplesupported,capacityto provideintegratedemploymentservices,progressmade injobplacements,andspecialization in providingservices toindividualswithmoreintensesupport needs.

Outofthe45providers whoweresolicited,19agenciesrequestedandhave beenreceivingtechnicalassistance servicesindividuallytailored to eachagency.Common areas oftechnicalassistanceincludethefollowing:

  • traininginperson-centeredplanningapproaches,
  • creatingjobdevelopmentstrategies,
  • re-definingstaff roles andresponsibilities tofocuson increaseddevelopmentofintegratedjobopportunities,
  • designingprogramsforCommunity-BasedDaySupports,and
  • managing thechangeprocess.

Provideragenciesfoundassistanceinstrumentalintheir servicetransformationeffortstoexpandcapacityto deliverhigh-quality,integratedemployment andcommunityservices.

“Collaboratingwithour consultantallowed usto planandimplementourtransitionout of shelteredworkshopservices in an objective, thoughtful,person-centeredandefficient manner. She[consultant]helpedwithdesignprinciples,sharedawealthof resources, challenged our thinkingandkeptusfocused on ourgoalto securejobswithcompetitivewagesfor individuals. Ourwork continues andwearegrateful forher continuedassistanceandsupport.”

[GailBrown,NewEnglandVillageExecutiveDirector

StaffDevelopmentandTraining

A comprehensiveapproach tostaffdevelopmentandtrainingwasinitiatedforproviderstaffmemberstobuildknowledgebase, skillsets, andexpertiserequiredto deliverquality,individualizedemploymentservices andtoeffectivelyengagethe businesscommunity.Therewas a specificfocus ondesigningtrainingfor staff currentlyworkinginshelteredworkshopprogramsto developdifferent skillsneededto supportindividualsinintegratedjobsandotherinclusivecommunityexperiences.Anextensiveamount oftrainingwasofferedin ashortamountoftimethat has reachedmorethan300providerstaffmembers.

Traininghighlightsincluded:

  • TheAssociationofDevelopmental DisabilitiesProviders,incollaborationwithDDS,hosted astatewideemploymentconferencewithover300attendees to unveilgoalsinBlueprint forSuccessand tobringtogether keystakeholders,includingbutnot limitedtodisabilityproviders,advocates,andstateagencypersonnel, tostart dialogueneededtobuildconsensus onredesigningMassachusetts’employment modeltoreflectintegratedemploymentopportunitiesforindividualswithI/DD.
  • A six-day(36 hourstotal) comprehensiveemployment supportsserieswasoffered twicethroughout the last tenmonthsforjobdevelopers andemployment specialistsworkinginprovideragencies. Thecurriculum wasalignedwithcredentialingrequirementsthroughthe AssociationforCertifiedRehabilitationEducators (ACRE),whichenablestrainingparticipants,uponthecompletionofspecificfieldworkassignments, to becomecertifiedemploymentsupport professionals.Atotalof48 staffparticipatedinthecombinedclassroom andexperiential trainingprogram.
  • Anadditional 91 providerstaff attended a oneor two-daytrainingprogram focused onjob developmentandbusinessengagement, jobcoachingandsupport strategies,andperson-centeredapproachtocareerplanning.
  • Thirty-eight providerstaff completed atwo-daytrainingon managing for success, whichwasdesignedtosupportcapacitydevelopment for program managers ofintegratedcommunityemploymentservices.
  • Seventy-sixpeopleattended aone-daytrainingonprogramdesignfor inclusivecommunity-baseddaysupports. Thetraining, “ANewDay:CreatingPathwaystoEmploymentandMeaningfulDays,”waspresented bySaraMurphy ofTransCen,anditwascomplementedbyanadditionalfull-dayworkingsessionwithsmallteamsofproviders.
  • Severalspecializedtrainingsessionswereofferedtorespondtospecificneedsandexpand the repertoireof skillsproviderstaff have in their “toolbox”insupportingindividualstosuccessfully obtain and retainemployment. Thefollowingspecifictrainingsreached 51 individuals:
  • A two-daytraining onsystematicinstructiontechniqueswith 28 participants
  • Strategiesforsuccessful jobplacementofindividualswith themost significantdisabilitieswasa one-daytrainingattended by23participants
  • Specificallydesignedforproviderstaffmembers whohave beenworkinginshelteredworkshopprogramsfor manyyears,aone-daytrainingsession wasoffered on transitionto community-basedwork fordirect supportprofessionals,whichwasattended by25individuals.

“The training was very comprehensive and interactive. I got great tips to help me better learn about a job seeker’s likes and dislikes, and their gifts and talents.”

“This training took me out of my comfort zone! Going out into the community to practice some of the job development strategies we learned was one of the things I liked best about this training. The trainer was very supportive!”

[Employment specialist training participants]

  • Through acontractwithBenePLAN ofthe University ofMassachusettsMedical School,thefollowingtrainingswereprovidedrelatedtoSocial Security benefitsworking-agebeneficiariesreceive,such asSupplemental Security Income(SSI) andSocial SecurityDeath Index(SSDI),andhowbenefitsareaffectedwhen abeneficiary startsorreturnsto work.
  • FiveregionalSocial Security “Nuts andBolts” trainingswereprovided for bothproviders’employmentspecialistsandDDSareaoffice staff.The12-hourcomprehensivetraining, whichincludeda robust setof trainingmaterialsandresourceinformation,wasattended byatotal of111individuals.
  • Four,two-houroverview sessionswereofferedtoparentsacrossdifferentregionsofthestate.Ninety-sevenparticipantsjoinedthesesessions.

“Information was fantastic and helpful. [It] really fostered the importance of reporting and using work incentives.”

“I was so impressed. I have learned an immense amount in 1.5 days. … [I] was able to follow and activities were a great reinforcement. I plan to recommend this training/BenePlan services to others at my agency. Thank you!!”

[Social Security training participants]

  • MassachusettsAdvocatesStandingStrong(MASS), throughfundingfromDDS, provided 56 “Explore,Prepare, Act”trainingsthat reachedmorethan600individuals/self-advocatesand 200support staff.Athree-hour trainingisdeliveredbyregionalteams ofself-advocates – with amentorfor support–to promotethebenefitsofemploymentand waysindividualscan becomemoreactivelyengagedinexploringtheirinterests, lookingforajob,andpreparingfor an interview.A videoaboutthistrainingcanbefoundat

EmploymentCollaborativeExpansion

TheRegional EmploymentCollaborative(REC),modeled on successful experiencesoftheCentral MassachusettsEmploymentCollaborativehostedbyRiversideCommunityCare,isapartnershipofcross-disability providerorganizations,stateagencies,workforcedevelopmententities, andemployers whosemissionistoimprovecompetitiveemployment outcomesforindividualswithdisabilities.Throughstaffmemberswhoserveas employerliaisons,theCollaborativeengages inemployeroutreachtoidentifynewjob opportunities,streamlineaccessto openingsamongpartners,andhelpscreateandfacilitatesaJob DevelopersNetwork(JDN)to sharejob leads.

TheCentralMassachusettsEmployment Collaborative(CMEC)presentlyservescitiesandtownsinsoutherncentralMassachusetts and isjointlyfundedby DDSandthe Department ofMental Health(DMH).Infiscal year2014, 93joboffersweremadetoindividualsserved byDDS funded employmentprogramsasaresult of CMECemployerengagement andjob leadsharingefforts.

ThroughfundingfromDDS,fiveadditional Collaborativeshave been developedindifferentregionsofthestate.RiversideCommunityCareistheleadagencyforthe followingCollaboratives:

  • Greater MerrimackValley EmploymentCollaborative(GMVEC)serves theareas ofLowell,Lawrence,andHaverhill
  • NortheastEmploymentCollaborative(NEEC)servesthecities andtownsserved byDDS’NorthShore,MetroNorthandCentral MiddlesexAreaOffices (fromCape Ann toConcord)
  • Greater BostonEmployment Collaborative(GBEC)servesMetroBoston (within theRoute 128 beltlooparea)
  • WesternMassachusetts EmploymentCollaborative(WMEC),whichwillserveFranklin,Hampshire andHampdencounties,isjointlyfunded by DDSandDMH.It isplanned tostartinOctober 2014.

TheSouthShoreEmploymentCollaborativecoveringSouthCoastal,Brockton, andPlymouthareas hiredan employer liaisoninpartnershipwith theInstitutefor CommunityInclusion(ICI)/University ofMassachusetts Boston,andtheyhavean activeJobDeveloperNetwork.

Furthermore, acohesivestatewidecoalitionoftheRegional EmploymentCollaborativeswill beestablishedthroughsupportfrom RiversideCommunityCaretomaximizeemployerrelationships and potential job opportunities.

NextSteps

TheEmployment ImplementationTeamispoisedto build upon itsefforts.A combinedeffortofrepresentativesofthe state,providers, andadvocateswillgreatlyassistinamutualgoal:increasethe number ofindividualswithdisabilitiesincompetitiveemployment andintegrateddayopportunities.

Nextstepsincludethefollowingareas:

  • Obtain additional investmentinfiscalyear2016budgetto assistmoreindividuals(about1,600) inshelteredworkprogramstomove tovalued jobsinthe communityand/orCBDS.There isa needtocontinuetocreateconditionsforsuccessthatcomesfrom aninvestmentinimprovements tothe basicinfrastructure.High qualityproviders, withwelltrainedstaff andinformedconsumers,willhelp makethis vision a reality.
  • Provideanadditionalarrayofrobusttrainings, for exampleprogram design todevelopmeaningful inclusivecommunityexperiencesthroughCommunity-BasedDaySupportprograms, employmentservicesforindividualswithautismspectrumdisorder,andSocial Securitybenefitsforindividuals, families,andproviderandstateagencystaff.
  • Offer ongoingtechnical assistancesupportasneeded forprovidersofshelteredworkprograms.
  • RemainactivelyinvolvedwithrepresentativesoftheMassachusettsDepartmentofLabor’sOfficefor FederalContractComplianceProgram. Thegoal istoengageinoutreachtofederal contractorstoincrease individualswithdisabilities asemployeesofthefederalcontractworkforce,asrequiredinSection503oftheRehabilitationActregulations.
  • Participateinan Employment IncentivePilotProgram with theMassachusetts ExecutiveOfficeofLaborandWorkforceDevelopmentandCommonwealthCorporation.
  • DistributeguidancefromDDS to providersonthedevelopmentofsocial enterprise.TheDepartment willreleaseguidelinesthatwill be used in conjunctionwith aprovider’sbusinessplan tohelpdetermineDDS’supportforan individualworkingina provider’sbusinessor social enterprise.
  • Meetregularly with the EmploymentWorkGroupcomprised ofrepresentatives ofDDS,TheArc ofMassachusetts,and ADDPtosupport goalsintheBlueprint.Original

membersandnewpersonswhojoined thegroupduringimplementation arelistedinAppendixA.

  • Furtherdeveloptransitionfrom schoolto employment topromotepositiveexpectationsfor employment and tofacilitateaccesstomeaningful careerexplorationandvocationalexperiencesforindividualswhile in school.Establishstronger partnershipswith schoolsystemsandtheMassachusettsRehabilitationCommissiontofacilitatestreamlinedmovementfrom schooltoemployment.

Conclusion

Althoughanallocationof$3millionin thefinalfiscal year2015budgetfallsshortofthe $5.5millionrequestedintheHouseTwobudgetbyGovernorPatrick, theEmploymentWorkGroupremainsoptimisticabout thefutureofemployment services inthe Commonwealth.Significantstridesarebeingmadewith theaforementionedallocation.For example, the abilityto investinexpertise has helpedindividuals, families,advocates,providers,andstateagencypersonnel tocometogether toadvance ina newdirection. In addition,providerorganizations areactivelyengagedinmakingfundamentalchangestotheir programsandareshowinginnovation in theirapproachestodevelopingqualityemploymentopportunitiesandmeaningful,inclusivecommunityexperiences.

Givenprovidersandindividualsareindifferent stages oftransformation,fundingover thenextseveralyearsiscriticaltocreatesystemicchange.Additional resourcesareinstrumentalformore individualstomoveintojobsin thecommunityand/or integrateddayprograms.TheEmploymentWorkGrouplooksforwardtocontinuedsupport from legislatorsandstateadministrators.Without theirsupport, changewill be very difficult.

“[Michael*] has made some remarkable changes … particularly helped by this new CBDS program. … This new-found confidence has manifested … to outside activities as well. Within the program, he has groomed a horse at a local farm and visited an animal shelter. … He's gotten to see a live news broadcast and to meet his favorite meteorologist. … Outside of the program, he is now trying new things like water yoga and tai chi. When asked a question, his answer is now usually ... ‘I can do it’ instead of a shrug of the shoulders, or no reply at all.”

[Mother of adult son with ID]

*Name changed to conceal identity

AppendixA:ListofEmploymentWorkGroupMembers

Coremembers

  • Gary Blumenthal,ADDP Presidentand ChiefExecutiveOfficer
  • ColleenBrosnan,SunshineVillageDirector ofDayServices
  • GailT. Brown,NewEnglandVillageExecutiveDirector
  • Daniel Burke,LifeworksInc.andThe ArcofSouthNorfolkPresident andCEO
  • MaryLeeDaniels,MassachusettsDepartment ofDevelopmental ServicesBerkshireAreaOfficeDirector
  • ColtDuckworth, KennedyDonovanCenter Transitional JobsCoachProgramCoordinator
  • Char Gentes,RiversideIndustries, Inc. President/ChiefExecutiveOfficer
  • BobHarris, CLASSInc./Arcof Greater LawrencePresident
  • DonHughes,RiversideCommunityCare AssociateDivisionDirector forClubhouseandEmploymentServices
  • DavidKent,MassachusettsDepartmentofDevelopmental Services,Worcester AreaOfficeAreaDirector
  • Joe Krajewski, CommunityConnectionsVicePresidentofPrograms
  • KellyLawless,MassachusettsDepartment ofDevelopmental ServicesNorthShoreAreaOfficeDirector
  • BarbaraL’Italien, TheArcofMassachusettsDirector ofGovernment Affairs
  • MandyNichols,ADDPDirectorofProgramsandAnalysis
  • PhilPhilbin,SevenHillsAssistant VicePresident
  • LeoSarkissian,The Arc ofMassachusettsExecutiveDirector
  • KenSinger,BerkshireCounty ArcExecutiveDirector
  • SharonSmith,WorkInc. SeniorVicePresident andChiefOperatingOfficer
  • CindyThomas, InstituteforCommunityInclusion/UMass BostonCoordinatorofEmploymentServices, Training,andTechnical Assistance
  • LarryTummino, MassachusettsDepartment ofDevelopmental ServicesDeputyCommissioner andEmploymentWorkGroupChair
  • Margaret VanGelder, MassachusettsDepartmentofDevelopmental ServicesStatewideDirector ofFamilyandEmploymentSupport

Guest contributorsandproviders

  • BruceBird,VinfenPresidentand ChiefExecutiveOfficer
  • GinaGolash,SunshineVillage,ExecutiveDirector
  • JeanGoldsberry,MinuteManArcExecutiveDirector
  • DonnaSabecky,CommunityConnectionsPresidentand ChiefExecutiveOfficer
  • TaraHopper Zeltner, ADDPDirector of Governmental Affairs