Worksupport.com e-Newsletter

Information, resources and research about work and disability issues

July 2008 | Visit Worksupport.com

Upcoming VCU CRP-RCEP Webcast

Peter Gerhardt

Autism Spectrum Disorder & Employment

Date: 7/8/2008 | Time: 2:00pm ET
Presenter: Peter Gerhardt

Today, families and learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are beginning to redefine the outcomes of the transition process beyond the production side of employment to include measures of social competence and involvement as well as life satisfaction. To this end, this presentation will provide an overview and practical suggestions for supporting learners with ASD to be competent, productive, and socially included coworkers and colleagues.

This includes issues related to effective communication, understanding social challenges and the hidden curriculum, behavior support, production competence and interdependence. Register for this webcast

This activity is funded by grant (RRTC) #H133B040011 with the US DOE - NIDRR and by grant (CRP-RCEP) #H264B050007 with the US DOE - RSA.

New RRTC Product

Research in Review, June 2008

This research monograph describes the research that the VCU-RRTC on Workplace Supports and Job Retention has developed and implemented over the past 4 years. It looks at workplace supports and job retention broadly, not limiting to only one disability or one illness or type of injury; furthermore, it looks at workplace supports in the context of job retention but also access to the work force and job procurement. (Price $24.99 )

Product Flyer (PDF) | Shop Online

This activity is funded by grant (RRTC) #H133B040011 with the US DOE - NIDRR.

Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation Article

Experiences of State Vocational Rehabilitation agencies with the Ticket to Work program

This article describes the experience of State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies (SVRAs) with the Ticket to Work (TTW) program. We examined administrative data from the Social Security Administration and the Rehabilitation Services Administration and conducted site visits and telephone interviews with SVRA officials in 25 states as part of a five-year evaluation of the TTW program.

Read this JVR article

ATIA Leadership Forum on Accessibility

January 29 - 30, 2009 | Orlando, FL
Caribe Royale All-Suites Resort & Convention Center

The ATIA Leadership Forum on Accessibility is an exciting two-day event designed specifically to help large corporations, government agencies and educational institutions derive business value through accessibility. During the two days you will hear the business case for providing accessible solutions for your employees and clients with case studies from major corporations, government agencies and educational institutions. There will also be the opportunity to see the latest technology from 100+ leading assistive technology manufacturers and service providers. Find out More

Upcoming Self-Employment Webcast

Christine Hess

Microloans & Small Business Loans

Date: 7/9/2008 | Time: 2:00pm ET
Presenter: Christine Hess

Planning for a business start-up is one thing, but finding funding for business start-up is yet another. Often, great business ideas are not implemented, because financial feasibility is not a focus during the business planning process. This webcast will review the components of financial feasibility during the business planning process, including adequate capitalization for business success. Micro and small business loan products will be discussed including local and national resources. Discussion points will address who is likely to qualify for a loan and what to do if an entrepreneur is not able to get a loan.

Start-Up-USA is funded by cooperative agreement # E-9-4-6-0111 from the U.S. DOL-ODEP.

START-UP/USA Self-Employment Fact Sheet

Start Up USA Fact Sheet Medicaid Home and Community Based Services

Medicaid is a state-federal program that provides health care to eligible low income individuals. When states participate in Medicaid, the state contributes part of the funding, and the federal government contributes part. The federal government provides guidelines for the program, but each state establishes its own requirements. In addition, states can elect to provide “optional” services. The specific services that are available and whether a person with a disability is eligible for these services is state specific and will vary depending on where an individual lives in the U.S. Medicaid Waivers may be one of the tools that individuals with disabilities can use to support self-employment. Read the fact sheet

Start-Up-USA is funded by cooperative agreement # E-9-4-6-0111 from the U.S. DOL-ODEP.

It's Not too Late to Register for the Next 2008 Online Courses! Offered Aug 18 - Nov 10 | Brochure (PDF)

Supported Employment Web-based Certificate Series - This online course provides an extensive overview of supported employment and how to facilitate competitive jobs for individuals with significant disabilities. Topics include:

Federal Policy and Overview Customer Profile
Marketing and Job Development
Job-Site Support
Special Topics
Long Term Supports & Funding.

Earn 3.5 CEUs or 35 CRCs, and a certificate of completion. Cost: $250 per individual or 5 participants for $1,000. Find Out More and Register Online | Brochure (PDF)

Supported Competitive Employment for Individuals with Mental Illness - This online course provides an extensive overview of supported competitive employment for individuals with mental illness. Sessions will include these topics:

Overview and Values Base
Building Relationships with Business
Establishing a Career Direction
Locating Work Opportunities
Employment Support
Funding & Other Topics.

Earn 3.5 CEUs or 35 CRCs, and a certificate of completion. Cost: $250 per individual or 5 participants for $1,000. Find Out More and Register Online | Brochure (PDF)