Workforce and Subminimum Wage Opportunities:
Opportunity 1: From DDD for Providers – Dec 5
With gracious support from the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities (ICDD) the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) has become a member of the State Employment Leadership Network (SELN). The goal of the SELN is to assist member states in increasing the number of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities working in the general labor force by assisting states to:
- Develop more effective employment systems and partnerships
- Use data to guide program management at the local and state level
- Improve employment-related staff competencies
- Maximize resources such as funding and employment services
- Share resources for systems change across states
The SELN project will kick off when SELN staff will be in Illinois December 4th and 5th. The two areas that DDD has chosen as our areas of focus are employment data collection and supporting day services providers to increase their internal capacity and ability to provide community integrated employment opportunities for the individuals they support.
We would like to ask current 14c certificate holder providers/day programs if they would be interested in discussing their experiences. In particular, barriers to providing supported employment services to individuals with I/DD. This meeting will take place on December 5th from 9:30am to 11:30am. SELN staff will be in Chicago but we’ll have video conference capabilities for Springfield. So both locations will be operational. If your organization is interested in participating, please let Director Stark know (allison.stark@illinois.gov)!
Opportunity 2: Chicago Listening Session on the AbilityOne Program/Subminimum Wage, Nov 5, 4-6 pm
Opportunity 3: Hearing on Subminimum Wage, Tentatively November 13
We believe Senator Morrison will be hosting a hearing on subminimum wage in Illinois on November 13. More details to follow!
Federal: HCBS Infrastructure Act
HCBS Infrastructure Act is anticipated to be introduced in November. There will be a large amount of funds going to the state and facts sheets to follow. Key goals include strengthening housing, transportation, employment, workforce and caregiver supports in communities across the country with initiatives that address social determinants of health (SDOH), so that persons with disabilities and older adults with disabilities are served where they wish to be served. https://clpc.ucsf.edu/sites/clpc.ucsf.edu/files/reports/HCBS%20Infrastructure%20Brief%2010.21.19_0.pdf
Autism Webinar Series
The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP) and UIC Institute on Disability and Human Development (IDHD)
To create an account and register, please follow this link: www.accessibilityonline.org/IDHD
Please join us for a series of webinars designed to provide information and resources across a broad spectrum of issues impacting the Autism community. This series will include topics related to direct services and supports, innovative programs and interventions, research, identity, and information for self-advocates and their families.
Psychopharmacology of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Speaker: Fedra Najjar, MD, Associate Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, UIC 11/13/2019 Noon to 1pm
This webinar will cover psychopharmacological interventions targeting challenging behaviors associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Illinois I/DD Community System Highlights
Speaker: Kathy Carmody, CEO, Institute on Public Policy for People with Disabilities 11/18/2019 Noon to 1pm
This session will provide an overview and update on key issues impacting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Illinois and the organizations that provide them services and supports. Featured topics will include Illinois and national I/DD spending trends, the Ligas Consent Decree, CMS’ HCBS Settings Rule and efforts to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
Understanding the Pathological Demand Avoidance Profile of ASD
Speaker: Diane Gould, LCSW, BCBA 12/11/2019 Noon to 1pm
Individuals with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) profile share challenges in social communication/interaction and restricted and repetitive behaviors with others on the autism spectrum. However, PDA is characterized by high anxiety and a need to be in control. Individuals with PDA can find everyday demands and requests intolerable resulting in behaviors that are challenging. Strategies developed to manage PDA differ from strategies considered effective for individuals with other forms of autism. This presentation will discuss PDA and focus on practical interventions helpful to this population.
To create an account and register, please follow this link: www.accessibilityonline.org/IDHD
By creating an account, participants will be able to register for additional webinars and access CEU certificates. Questions? Please contact Susan Kahan at skahan@uic.edu