Employment First
May 19, 2020
Online Conference via Zoom


Welcome to the 2020 Wisconsin Employment First Conference!

May 19, 2020
Virtual Conference

Details


This year’s Employment First conference will offer a variety of sessions geared toward policy, direct service, leadership and advocacy, including sessions by state and national experts. 

2020 Wisconsin Employment First Virtual Conference Agenda-at-a-Glance

​8:30-9 a.m.
 ​Log into Zoom 
​9-9:45 a.m.
 ​Welcome & State Agency Updates
​9:45-10:15 a.m.
 Keynote Speaker
​10:15-10:30 a.m.
 ​Break
​10:30-11:30 a.m.
 ​Breakout Sessions #1-7
​11:30-11:45 a.m.
 ​Break
​11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
 ​Breakout Sessions #8-14
​12:45-1:30 p.m.
 ​Break for Lunch
​1:30-2:30 p.m.
 ​Breakout Sessions #15-21

Virtual Conference Links

9-10:15 a.m. - Welcome, State Agency Updates, and Keynote Speaker

9:00-9:45 a.m. 
 Welcome and State Agency Updates

Click to join Welcome, State Agency Updates, and Keynote Speaker (Dial In: (312) 626-6799  //  Meeting ID: 956-7201-4407)

Welcome
Beth Swedeen, Executive Director, Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities

State Agency Updates
Panel Moderated by Lisa Pugh, The Arc Wisconsin
Alexa Nobis, WI Department of Health Services
Sarah Lincoln, WI Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Alicia Reinhard, WI Department of Public Instruction


9:45-10:15 a.m.
Keynote Speaker


"Be the Change You Want to See"

Genni Sasnett, Human Services Consultant and National Subject Matter Expert  

We are fully engaged in the Civil Rights movement for people with disabilities right now! The ADA is 30 years old, yet we haven’t made the progress we hoped for toward Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) and full community inclusion for people with disabilities. But legislation is just one part of acquisition of civil rights. The cultural aspects of change are equally important and harder to achieve. There is more to do and we all have a role to play. Ms. Sasnett will send you home with your head full of ideas and your heart bursting with pride about the invaluable work you do.

Keynote Bio

Before her retirement in January 2014, Genni Sasnett was the COO for a not for profit agency headquartered in the District of Columbia serving people with disabilities in 100% facility-free services in DC, New Jersey, Tennessee, Virginia and Pennsylvania. As a consultant subject matter expert, Genni’s passion is working directly with private provider agencies, assisting them with conversion from sheltered work and other segregated services to competitive, integrated employment. She also provides technical assistance in the development of community-based day services that serve as a pathway to employment.

10:30-11:30 a.m. - Breakout Sessions #1-7
1
Advancing Employment First: What Are Other States Doing?


Click to join Advancing Employment First: What Are Other States Doing?  (Dial In: (312) 626-6799  //  Meeting ID: 966-3366-6610)

Presenter: Lisa Mills, Inclusa, Inc.

This presentation will provide an overview of recent efforts by other states to advance Employment First. Learn how the goals of Employment First are being tackled, as well as how innovative funding models and service models are advancing Employment First in other states.

Learning objectives:
  1. Understand how the goals of Employment First are being tackled in other states.
  2. Understand how innovative funding models are advancing Employment First in other states.
  3. Understand how innovative service models are advancing Employment First in other states.
Handout:
2
Expanding Possibilities: Evidence-Based Supported Employment (IPS) for Persons with I/DD


Click to join Expanding Possibilities: Evidence-Based Supported Employment (IPS) for Persons with I/DD  (Dial In: (312) 626-6799  //  Meeting ID: 983-4270-5252)

Presenter: Gene Oulvey, Ph.D., Illinois Department of Human Services - Division of Rehabilitation Services

Bridgeway, a community based human service provider in Illinois, in collaboration with the Division of Rehabilitation Services, has been providing Individual Placement and Support (IPS) services for the past decade for ALL individuals with a disability desiring a job in the community. Bridgeway has been a pioneer in serving persons with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) achieving success utilizing the IPS model of supported employment. This session will share their experiences and how the 8 IPS principles are applied to this special population. 

Learning objectives:
  1. Identify Best Practices IPS Strategies that Work Well with the I/DD Population.
  2. Understand a model of community agency/government agency partnership that facilitates the growth and enhancement of IPS services for persons with I/DD.
  3. Understand current practice and technology enhancement that expand the scope and effectiveness of IPS.
3
All the Moving Parts of Getting to Work 


Click to join All the Moving Parts of Getting to Work  (Dial In: (312) 626-6799  //  Meeting ID: 972-4213-4828)

Presenters: Jolene Wanek and Sarah Schroeder, Employment Resources Inc. 

There are a lot of moving parts to becoming employed. In this session we will discuss topics such as the importance of work incentives benefits counseling and where to find the resources for answering questions about benefits such as Medicaid, Medicare, and other public benefits. We will discuss transportation including considerations around getting a driver’s license and pre-driving assessments. We will also address employment related services and where to find resources around becoming employed.

Learning Objectives:
  1. Learn the importance of work incentives benefits counseling and where to find these services.
  2. Address employment concerns around transportation and possibilities of addressing those concerns.
  3. Learn about employment related services available and how to find those services.
Handout:
4
Job Coaching – Tools for the Professional
 

Click to join Job Coaching - Tools for the Professional  (Dial In: (312) 626-6799  //  Meeting ID: 976-7980-3387)

Presenters: Beth Lohmann, Milwaukee County Behavioral Health; Stacey Teegarden, Department of Health Services/Division of Care and Treatment Services and UW-Madison Department of Psychiatry

Like a sports coach who helps athletes train for their sport, a job coach helps people prepare and maintain employment.  The Job Coach must prepare for whatever is thrown their way---even in a worldwide pandemic. Join us as we discuss strategies and tools that we can use now and, in the future, to help support individuals on their job and increase their independence. We will be exploring both hands on and virtual option of support. 

Learning objectives:
  1. Understanding why the job coach is a professional and vital part of the team. 
  2. Exploring options for systematic instruction both in person and virtually.
  3. Utilizing an effective job support plan to create individualized supports. 
5
 Using CB Service as an Effective Pathway (though not a prerequisite!) to Work


Click to join Using CB Service as an Effective Pathway (though not a prerequisite!) to Work  (Dial In: (312) 626-6799  //  Meeting ID: 951-1273-0219)

Presenter:  Genni Sasnett, Human Services Consultant with Employment First State Leadership Mentoring Program, Office of Disability Employment Policy, & US Department of Labor

Meaningful community participation is key to employment success. Often we are in the community with people yet miss opportunities to teach critical skills in natural environments where they are best learned. This session will focus on preparing staff to identify these opportunities and use them.  The presenter will provide strategies for developing sound Community-Based (CB) supports which can help people identify work they may prefer and develop both the hard and soft skills to be successful in that work. She will also share tips for collecting important data during participation in CB activities as part of an effective employment assessment.

Learning objectives:
  1. Participants will be able to articulate why Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) and meaningful community inclusion are essential to the acquisition of civil rights for people with disabilities.
  2. Participants will gain new insights into the importance of their work in supporting the acquisition of full civil rights for people with disabilities.
  3. Participants will learn the importance of the following to employment success:
    • having expectations,
    • providing effective community based preparation,
    • employing successful employment strategies, and 
    • providing essential post-employment acquisition supports.
6
Leading Change is Hard - It’s Also an Incredible Opportunity for Inspiration, Growth & Impact!


Click to join Leading Change is Hard - It's Also an Incredible Opportunity for Inspiration, Growth & Impact!  (Dial In: (312) 626-6799  //  Meeting ID: 927-7476-7755)

Presenter:  Molly Keaveny, Independent Consultant

When we think of ourselves as leaders of change, our role and responsibility take on whole new meaning.  In the era of COVID-19, the ability to lead fast with creative change has become critical to adapt and survive as service providers. Hear what Molly has learned about leadership, team-building and herself through her journey in the field of disability employment.  Also learn from "spotlight stories" about how Wisconsin leaders and their teams are responding to our transformed environment to meet the needs of each other and the people they serve. Highlights include the importance of purpose, courage as a change agent, the dynamic of resilience and self-care/compassion, trusting and empowering others, and the power of positivity, connection and love. 

Learning objectives:

  1. Learn new strategies and tools for leading change.
  2. Think about your role as a leader in new ways.
  3. Connect with others on challenges and ways to strengthen your leadership approach. 
Handout:
7
Re-Opening Considerations and Questions


Click to join Re-Opening Considerations and Questions (Dial In: (312) 626-6799  //  Meeting ID: 995-4432-5528)

Presenters:  Lisa Pugh, The Arc Wisconsin; Shannon Webb, inControl WI

(Repeated in Session 12) Everyone wants to know when and how service providers can return to providing face-to-face services and re-open their doors.  There is so much to consider as we move forward: use of PPE, testing, accommodations, group sizes, social distancing, personal cares, funding needs, training, technology, rights, etc.  This session will share considerations and questions related to participants, staff/providers, employers, and families/guardians.  Join this interactive session to hear these ideas and to provide your feedback and perspective. 

Learning objectives:

  1. Learn about important considerations and questions as service providers move toward re-opening.  
  2. Share your thoughts and feedback about re-opening.
  3. Provide your questions about what guidance is needed to safely re-open.

11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. - Breakout Sessions #8-14
8
Citizen-Centered Leadership: “You are a Citizen where you are defined by what you contribute, not what you consume”


Click to join Citizen-Centered Leadership: "You are a Citizen where you are defined by what you contribute, not what you consume"  (Dial In: (312) 626-6799  //  Meeting ID: 934-4904-2616)

Presenters:  Carol Blessing, K. Lisa Yang and Hock E. Tan Institute on Employment & Disability (YTI); Cornell University, School of Industrial & Labor Relations

Compliance or Community:  Exploring the Transformational Threshold and Community Inclusion. Mike Mayer and Derrick Dufresne’s Beyond Accreditation: 5 Star Quality 2.0 From Clienthood to Citizenship and John O’Brien’s Valued Outcomes of Person-Centered Planning are the frameworks used to walk participants through a process for examining the distinction between system-centered and citizen-centered practices.

Learning objectives:
  1. Introduce Mayer’s 5 Star Quality framework as a process for distinguishing system-centered from person-centered practice.
  2. Integrate O’Brien’s Valued Outcomes of Person-Centered Work in the context of citizenship/community.
  3. Explore the transformational threshold and the ‘integrity gap’ of community inclusion/integration.
9
Working Partnership – DHS and DSPN – for HCBS Nonresidential Provider Review Process


Click to join Working Partnership - DHS and DSPN - for HCBS Nonresidential Provider Review Process  (Dial In: (312) 626-6799  //  Meeting ID: 961-5154-8034)

Presenters:  Tammy Hofmeister and Sue Krueger, WI Department of Health Services, Division of Medicaid Services; Angie Kieffer and Jeff Kaphengst, Disability Service Provider Network (DSPN)

This presentation will provide nonresidential providers updated information about the DHS nonresidential HCBS Final Rule process. Nonresidential providers will also learn about how best to prepare for their site visit and learn about how DSPN can assist them with the review and compliance process.

Learning objectives:
  1. Review updates to Wisconsin’s HCBS compliance review process and timeline for nonresidential provider settings.
  2. Learn what providers can be doing in preparation for the onsite assessment, as well as the resources available to them through the DHS-DSPN working partnership. 
  3. Define DSPN’s role in supporting members throughout the HCBS compliance review process.  
10
On the Job (Coaching)!


Click to join On the Job (Coaching)!  (Dial In: (312) 626-6799  //  Meeting ID: 962-8592-1553)

Presenters:  Cindy Bentley and Ashley Mathy, People First WI

Everyone needs support, especially when learning a new job. Hear from veteran self-advocates what works for them and what does not. How to use your job coach to learn what you can’t do. Failure should not be a punishment; it should be a learning experience.

Learning objectives:
  1. Support from others (i.e. job coach) should be viewed as a positive thing to help you learn a new task.
  2. Figure out one thing that doesn’t work for you. Identify one thing that can help you be successful.
  3. Learn how to use the natural supports within your place of work.
11
What is Technogility?  The Ability to Make Technology Work for You


Click to join What is Technogility? The Ability to Make Technology Work for You (Dial In: (312) 626-6799  //  Meeting ID: 945-1810-2255)

Presenter:  Dedra Hafner, Innovations Now

Incorporating technology tools in the workplace can increase independence, self-reliance, and levels of confidence. This presentation will provide examples of how low cost, readily available applications can serve as accommodations in the workplace for people with disabilities. Discussions will also be around new job training concepts such as video task sequences and remote spot-checking. 

Learning objectives:
  1. To promote the use of technology tools as practical applications in the workplace.
  2. To discuss strategies for promoting self-reliance in the workplace.
  3. To discuss new techniques for job trainers to support their clients by using technology.
12
Re-Opening Considerations and Questions


Click to join Re-Opening Considerations and Questions (Dial In: (312) 626-6799  //  Meeting ID: 986-0864-3817)

Presenter: Lisa Pugh, The Arc Wisconsin; Shannon Webb, inControl Wisconsin

(Repeated from Session 7) Everyone wants to know when and how service providers can return to providing face-to-face services and re-open their doors.  There is so much to consider as we move forward: use of PPE, testing, accommodations, group sizes, social distancing, personal cares, funding needs, training, technology, rights, etc.  This session will share considerations and questions related to participants, staff/providers, employers, and families/guardians.  Join this interactive session to hear these ideas and to provide your feedback and perspective. 

Learning objectives:

  1. Learn about important considerations and questions as service providers move toward re-opening.  
  2. Share your thoughts and feedback about re-opening.
  3. Provide your questions about what guidance is needed to safely re-open.
13
Training and Retaining Your Staff


Click to join Training and Retaining Your Staff  (Dial In: (312) 626-6799  //  Meeting ID: 955-0161-5454)

Presenter:  Janet Estervig, MS, RN; Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE)

Training is a critical component of Job Coaches, Employment Specialists and other direct service staff who support people with disabilities in their jobs. Being prepared and knowledgeable is key to successfully retaining those employees.  Learn about best practices in adult learning, important competencies needed to be successful in their job and tips to retain your employees with ongoing support and training.

Learning objectives:

  1. Attendee will learn about adult training strategies to fit various learning styles.
  2. Attendee will be given suggested key competencies needed to use when training your employment staff.
  3. Attendee will receive tips they can use to retain staff with ongoing training and connectedness with others in the field.
14
Collaboration is Key


Click to join Collaboration is Key  (Dial In: (312) 626-6799  //  Meeting ID: 973-9800-9272)

Presenter: Pam Jenson, Brian Kenney, and Lisa Van Dyke, Transition Improvement Grant 

It is important for school personnel and agency representatives to collaborate with each other to improve the postsecondary transition process and increase outcomes for students with disabilities. Through this collaboration, we are able to identify gaps in services within the community and create solutions to decrease these gaps.  Join this session as we discuss collaboration between schools and agencies, barriers to communication and how County Communities on Transition and the Wisconsin Community on Transition are working together to eliminate these barriers.

Learning objectives:
  1. Identify agency school district collaboration.
  2. Identify potential barriers and ideas to eliminate them.
  3. Identify how agency school district collaboration functions at a county and state level.

1:30-2:30 p.m. - Breakout Session #15-21
15
Call & Response: Three Very Different Questions that Drive Organization Design & Person-Centered Practice


Click to join Call & Response: Three Very Different Questions that Drive Organization Design & Person-Centered Practice  (Dial In: (312) 626-6799  //  Meeting ID: 979-6237-4163)

Presenters: Carol Blessing, K. Lisa Yang and Hock E. Tan Institute on Employment & Disability (YTI); Cornell University, School of Industrial & Labor Relations

Questions are fateful. The questions that service organizations ask set everything else in motion.  Responses become the architecture of programs, services, supports and ultimately the experience for people with disabilities. This session offers a brief overview of the design questions that inform and shape traditional, transitional and transformational disability service models.

Learning objectives:
  1. Understand the distinction between traditional, transitional & transformational service design.
  2. Recognize that all three can be evident in a single organization.
  3. Explore current service structures participants operate within.
16
Perspectives on Workplace Inclusion 


Click to join Perspectives on Workplace Inclusion  (Dial In: (312) 626-6799  //  Meeting ID: 910-0844-0044)

Presenters:  Judy Quigley, Disability:IN Wisconsin; Traci Jones, Kalahari Resorts  

Disability:IN Wisconsin is a business-to-business network that raises awareness and works to advance, improve and expand employment options for people with disabilities. Kalahari Resorts & Conventions operates three destination Resorts. Their inclusive culture of Ubuntu provides careers and advancement for all regardless of learning style or accommodations. Join this session to learn how Disability:IN collaborates with businesses to promote the full inclusion of people with disabilities to inspire accessible innovation for all and to foster cultures of change and how Kalahari’s approach to adapting job descriptions to skill levels and interests has created business critical work in all of their departments. 

Learning objectives:
  1. Learn how Disability:IN Wisconsin partners with businesses in business-friendly ways.
  2. Identify elements of Kalahari’s culture that foster successful career opportunities for all. 
  3. Understand how workplace culture can support meaningful inclusion and contribution.
17
DVR 101, Busting Myths and the Client Assistance Program (CAP)


Click to join DVR 101, Busting Myths and the Client Assistance Program (CAP)  (Dial In: (312) 626-6799  //  Meeting ID: 966-3253-3719)

Presenters:  Sarah Lincoln, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation; Deb Henderson-Guenther, Client Assistance Program-Director, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection

In this session you will learn the basics of DVR and how we assist individuals with disabilities to prepare for, obtain, keep, or regain employment. Many individuals with disabilities and their families, teachers, employers, and advocates have found that DVR can provide flexible services that help people reach their competitive integrated employment goals. We will bust common myths regarding the DVR experience, and you will have an opportunity to ask questions and get answers. In addition, you will learn about the Client Assistance Program (CAP), CAP’s scope of services, CAP advocacy tools, and the importance of the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE).

Learning objectives:
  1. Identify Myths regarding specific DVR services.
  2. Know how to apply for DVR services.
  3. Identify 3 resources of where to go for help with employment for people with disabilities.  
18
Connecting and Contributing to Your Community: It’s as Easy as ABCD


Click to join Connecting and Contributing to Your Community: It's as Easy as ABCD  (Dial In: (312) 626-6799  //  Meeting ID: 960-1172-3112)

Presenter:  Deb Wisniewski, Consultant/Connector/CEO, Sharing Common Ground; Faculty, ABCD Institute at DePaul University

Every community is rich with assets, including the gifts and talents of people with disabilities. Join us as we explore how we can use our gifts to make connections, build relationships, and make our communities better places for all. We will be introducing the principles and practices of asset-based community development (ABCD) as a foundation for our exploration. 

Learning objectives:
  1. Identify the six types of assets in every community.
  2. Explain why we use the assets to help make connections and build relationships.
  3. Begin exploring strategies for making connections using the six assets and other tools.

Part 3 of an interview with John McKnight of the ABCD Institute. This episode focuses on community membership of people who are labeled with disabilities. This also includes great stories of people who believe in the community contributions of people with disabilities 

19
Attracting, Developing and Supporting Our Most Valuable Asset: Staff


Click to join Attracting, Developing and Supporting Our Most Valuable Asset: Staff  (Dial In: (312) 626-6799  //  Meeting ID: 952-4495-6231)

Presenter:  Genni Sasnett, Human Services Consultant with Employment First State Leadership Mentoring Program, Office of Disability Employment Policy, & US Department of Labor

Direct Support staff have always been of great value in our efforts to serve individuals with disabilities.  However, today as we move more and more toward supporting people to work in the community and become meaningfully involved in their communities, the importance of staff and the role they play has grown exponentially. In this session, the speaker will discuss strategies for getting and keeping staff during this challenging time of staff shortages.

Learning objectives:
  1. Participants will be able to identify effective strategies to attract the kind of staff needed to provide community based employment and other community based supports. 
  2. Participants will gain insight into how to orient, train and develop staff so they may exhibit skills and competencies necessary for community-based work.
  3. Participants will learn strategies to support staff as they perform work in the community, often away from managers and working on their own for long periods of time and with great responsibility. 
20
A COVID Policy Overview with The Arc


Click to join A COVID Policy Overview with The Arc  (Dial In: (312) 626-6799  //  Meeting ID: 999-0533-4864)

Presenter: Nicole Jorwic, Senior Director of Public Policy at The Arc

Come and hear from The Arc’s National Federal Policy staff a COVID policy overview that touches on the work happening in Washington D.C. to secure HCBS funding in Congress.  Nicole will also share what’s happening in other states and what’s missing for HCBS providers.  You’ll learn how service providers and advocates can take action to advocate for what is needed in Wisconsin to support people with disabilities receiving HCBS services and the providers who support them. 

Learning objectives:

  1. Learn about federal efforts to secure HCBS funding.
  2. Updates on other states’ situations and strategies.
  3. Learn ways to take action to advocate at this challenging time.
21
Virtual Services Learning Collaborative Sessions


Click to join Virtual Services Learning Collaborative Sessions (Dial In: (312) 626-6799  //  Meeting ID: 923-4922-1316)

Presenters:  Shannon Webb, inControl WI; Lynn Hrabik, Waisman Center; Sally Flaschberger and Molly Cooney, WI-BPDD

Collaboration and innovation go hand-in-hand. Join these open forums to learn how the WI BPDD and the Waisman Center are working with service providers across the state to evaluate the best practices and outcomes of providing virtual HCBS services. This session is all about sharing and learning from each other. Come with your ideas and your questions!

Learning objectives:
  1. Hear about promising strategies to delivering meaningful virtual services and ways to connect people to their communities while still at home.
  2. Share and learn innovative ideas for providing virtual services.
  3. Learn about an evaluation project that aims to evaluate and identify best practices in virtual services.
Handout: 
​ ​​ ​

Closed Captioning


Closed captioning is available for the plenary and breakout sessions.

Please follow these directions:
  1. Once you are connected to the Zoom meeting, you should see a dialog box with a button to “Join with Computer Audio.” Please click this button before closing that dialog box.
  2. Move your cursor to the bottom of the screen to show the Zoom Taskbar. On the Taskbar is an icon for Closed Captions. Click on the up arrow to the right of the closed caption icon to pull up the caption menu.
  3. Click on “Show Subtitle.” Captions should now appear near the bottom of your screen.

CRCs and CEUs


CRCs and CEUs are provided by Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. People seeking CRCs/CEUs should look for the link to a Google Form posted in the chat box at the end of each session. Copy the link to enter it in a new browser window to complete the form. This will verify your attendance in the session. Email Shannon Webb or Molly Cooney with questions or difficulties. shannon@incontrolwisconsin.org or molly.cooney@wisconsin.gov

Zoom Tutorial


Need help with using Zoom? Click here for our Zoom Tutorial Help page! 

Registrants are responsible for ensuring they have the minimum computer standards​ for participating in the virtual conference. Zoom works best with Chrome or Firefox. Opportunities to practice joining a Zoom meeting will be offered May 6 from 12-1pm; May 14 from 3-4pm, and May 18 from 4-5pm.  Click on this link https://dhswi.zoom.us/j/96338806414 to join a practice session.  Please take advantage of this opportunity so that you are less likely to have technology challenges the day of the conference. Guests can sign-up for a free Zoom account by going to https://zoom.us/freesignup/​.


​Conference Evaluation


We need your feedback! Your feedback on this year's conference is more important than ever! We want to hear how this virtual format worked for you and your suggestions for improvement. Please take a few minutes to complete the conference survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EFC_2021

Contact Information


Do you need help? If you run into problems with technology during the conference, call Jeremy Gundlach at 608-535-5591.