1. Vermont Supported Employment
Lisa Culbertson, Employment Director
Upper Valley Services
Bradford, Vermont, USA
Dr. Bryan Dague, Ed.D.
University of Vermont
Burlington, Vermont, USA
Elizabeth Sightler, Executive Director
Champlain Community Services
Colchester, Vermont, USA

2. Values and Philosophy Guide Policy
Policies shaped by a philosophy that presumes employability for all when the right supports are provided to the individual
Segregated and sub-standard wage models deemed undesirable are terminated
Person-centered planning, meaningful job matches, and creative strategies build inclusion in Vermont’s workforce, shaping the cornerstone practices of Vermont Supported Employment
Those historically excluded from workforce become employed
Vermont’s policy began with strong values and philosophy that people belong in the community. Strong leadership from the State of Vermont and the University of Vermont guided future policy.
State of Vermont, USA 2017

3. Leadership and Collaboration for Success
Developmental Disabilities
University of Vermont
Vocational Rehabilitation
Collaborative partnerships working for full inclusion of people with developmental disabilities since the late 1970’s
University of Vermont-Center on Disability & Community Inclusion
State Developmental Disabilities Services Division
State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Established first supported employment pilot program in 1980
Green Mountain Self-Advocates (DPO) 1994
Statewide programs achieved by 2000
Collaboration continues today
Leadership from the state and university led to strong partnerships and collaboration to support the mission of full inclusion. Today we have a strong network and partnership with the State of Vermont, University of Vermont, Green Mountain Self-Advocates and the community in general.
State of Vermont, USA 2017

4. Vermont State Policy Guides Change
PromotED with funding incentives
Restricted funding of undesirable models
Only individualized integrated employment
Training and consulting from University of Vermont
State departments collaborate to provide blended/combined funding
Developed statewide specialized employment programs that aspire to 45% employment rate
1999- Access to sheltered workshops is restricted
2002- Access to group enclaves is restricted
2005- No sheltered workshops may be funded
2008- No congregate work may be funded
2011- Bonus payments for growth in employment rate %
The fundamental philosophy is to promote and pay for what you want, and do not fund or support what is not desired.
State of Vermont, USA 2017

5. Vermont’s Path Toward Community Inclusion
1980 Pilot Program
Replication of Program
Restricted access & funding
1993 State Institution Closed
1999: 289 Employed
2002 Last Sheltered Workshop Closed
2010 Post Secondary Education Initiative
2015: 1,260 Employed
Vermont’s path toward inclusion began in the late 1970’s as leaders sought a better way to include people with developmental disabilities into the community. Supported employment expanded as sheltered workshops closed down. Continuously seeking to improve and expand services.
State of Vermont, USA 2017

6. Employment Data (USA and Vermont) for ID/DD
USA national average: 19%
Vermont average: 48%
Some Vermont agencies have reached 80%
No sheltered or segregated work
Vermont’s employment rate is double the national average. However, we continually strive to increase the number of people employed.
State of Vermont, USA 2017

7. Impact of Policy & Practice
INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES: Increased income, a sense of contribution and skill acquisition, increased confidence, independence and social connections all enable people to develop meaningful careers and lives.
EMPLOYERS AND COMMUNITY: Employers and the community benefit from the social inclusion and diversity people with developmental disabilities contribute to the workforce through improved morale, customer loyalty and overall productivity and presence.
A sense of belonging is essential in all walks of life
Social and economic contributions develop confidence and individuality
Supported employment has promoted out-of-the box thinking for community businesses.
State of Vermont, USA 2017

8. Tiffany: TiffMark Art
Tiffany has significant challenges; however she is able to manage a greeting card business with the help of her team and the greater community
Tiffany enjoys and appreciates the relationships she has developed that in part, have facilitated her success.
Self-employment has afforded Tiffany the ability to have a venue for expression, social interaction and economic enhancement.
Small businesses are recognized and celebrated all across the state
Vermont sees self-employment as a viable employment option for many people with developmental disabilities
Self-employment can offer flexibility, creativity, and self sufficiency.
State of Vermont, USA 2017

9. Ryan Ryan works at Lund Family Center caring for children
We often hear “thank goodness Ryan is here today!”
Ryan works between 16 to 24 hours per week and completed Child Care Development Accreditation through coursework at Think College
Being born with Asperger’s Syndrome has changed my life.  My journey has taken many different roads; some were bumpier than others, but when I came to a crossroads, I took the path of acceptance, and my life then became very clear.
State of Vermont, USA 2017

10. Next Steps Increasing/enhancing regional youth transition teams
Online supported employment certification course
Enhance transition and postsecondary options like Project Search and Think College
Raise expectations for work and community at younger ages
Pilot study regarding embedded supports in the workplace
State of Vermont, USA 2017

11. Contacts Bryan Dague, Research Associate
University of Vermont-Center on Disability & Community Inclusion
Elizabeth Sightler, Executive Director
Champlain Community Services,
Lisa Culbertson, Employment Director
Upper Valley Services-Bradford
State of Vermont, USA 2017