DBHDS Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services WHY EMPLOYMENT FIRST? Presentation to the DBHDS State Board October 13, 2011 Presented by: Lee Price, Director, ODS Adam Sass, DBHDS Employment Specialist

Page 2 DBHDS Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Brief History of DD/BH Employment in Virginia 1970s –Vocational Rehabilitation Dept. (Now DRS) established many sheltered workshops across the Commonwealth This model currently exists in Virginia in both the public and private sector Was developed on the premise that this model would teach work skills to individuals with disabilities Is supported by many in Virginia because of its convenience and its ability to provide some level of service to many people Is controversial nationally and in Virginia because it tends to keep people in sub-minimum wages and is a form of congregate service

Page 3 DBHDS Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Brief History of DD/BH Employment in Virginia 1980s –Supported Employment Model was introduced and began to grow in popularity and practice Matches individuals with jobs and provides the support to help them to succeed Virginia began to emerge as a leading state in the supported employment movement VCU developed RRTC (Rehabilitation Research and Training Center) as a leading promoter of supported employment nationwide Widespread national and state endorsement of the model Offers more challenges to providers than alternatives

Page 4 DBHDS Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Brief History of DD/BH Employment in Virginia 1990s –Medicaid funding provided alternatives for day support activities ID and DD Waiver funded Day Support and SPO funded Club House model for individuals with behavioral health needs now offer convenient hours of day time activity Medicaid Transportation pays for transportation to and from Medicaid funded services Unintended consequence of these services was a reduction in the supported employment enrollment by individuals supported through the DBHDS and CSBs/private providers

Page 5 DBHDS Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Recent Activities 2009 – DBHDS joined the State Employment Leadership Network (SELN) offered through NASDDDS Formed the Virginia SELN Advisory Committee made up of stakeholders from across Virginia and across departments Established, through the Creating Opportunities Employment Work Groups the goal of an “Employment First” policy for the Commonwealth Established a single position at DBHDS for an Employment Specialist for both DS and BH Governor McDonnell endorsed an “Employment First Initiative” Held the Employment First Summit in Virginia Beach on October 4 and 5 –More than 200 in attendance –Well received by all

Page 6 DBHDS Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Principles of Employment First Employment Is Community based, working with mostly non-disabled peers (integrated) Competitive Wages (minimum or better) Doing basically the same tasks as non disabled co-workers

Page 7 DBHDS Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Principles of Employment First Integrated Employment is work providing a minimum or commensurate wage and related benefits in a typical work setting where the employee with a disability has opportunity to interact with non-disabled co-workers, has an opportunity for career advancement and is preferably engaged full time.

Page 8 DBHDS Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Why Now? It is the next step on the path of a person- centered culture in our support system –People with disabilities want to work –Work provides Fulfillment Meaning and purpose to one’s life experience A means of self-support leading to –Greater self-esteem –Less reliance on a state-funded system

Page 9 DBHDS Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Why Now? Employment is part of the changing landscape in a national movement –Washington state maintains that, after over 10 years of an employment first policy, 80% of the individuals in their DD system have jobs –All systems are shifting toward supporting people toward greater independence and less reliance on a lifetime of full support

Page 10 DBHDS Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Benefits to the Employer Employers choose People w/Disabilities People with disabilities who are supported on the job represent a rich pool of talent with a strong work ethic and stable long term employment. Non disabled co-workers learn that people with disabilities are just like them. Attendance at the job by all workers increases when a person with a disability is employed.

Page 11 DBHDS Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Where We Want to Go Virginia Employment First Policy Statement proposed by SELN 3-10 Virginians with disabilities have the right to work. With that right, they have the responsibility to use their skills to contribute towards their own self-sufficiency to the degree that is reasonable as well as the opportunity to fully participate in their community.

Page 12 DBHDS Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Summit Outcomes Promote Employment to Individuals Change the way we do business Increase Connections with Employers Engage school age children early and consistently on employment related issues to prepare them for employment after graduation Educate, talk it up

Page 13 DBHDS Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Next Steps We would like the Board to consider a DBHDS Employment First Policy We will offer regional training around the Commonwealth on the cultural and practical changes we can all make now We will examine all funding strategies to insure maximum incentives for achieving an Employment First reality Continue to advance the person-centered thinking culture in Virginia through training and policy that promotes true assessment of individual desires and access to the lifestyle and opportunities of their choice