Wisconsin

All services must comply with the technical specifications outlined for each service or payment will not be made. A revised report must be submitted to DVR in 10 business days if returned for non-compliance. No additional fees will be paid for requested meetings.

Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development chart of supported employment and customized employment fees.   It details the Supported Employment Service, and the fee for each service.

This Transition Action Guide (TAG) was developed to support the 2007 Interagency Agreement among the Department of Workforce Development (DWD), the Department of Public Instruction (DPI), and the Department of Health Services (DHS). This guide suggests best practices and resources to assist key stakeholders (students, parents/guardians, teachers and school team members, DVR counselors, Children and Adult Long –Term Care and Mental Health professionals, and ADRC representatives) involved in the transition process. This tool can be used as a framework to improve communication, coordination, and services for students with disabilities transitioning from school to employment.

“Governor Walker proclaimed 2014 as the Year of A Better Bottom Line to encourage and promote employment opportunities for people with disabilities... During the Year of A Better Bottom Line, Governor Walker is directing state agencies to focus on recognizing and promoting public and private programs, companies, and organizations that are improving employment opportunities for people with disabilities, including veterans and students.”

“This packet provides information and recommendations on various issues that people with disabilities face, including integrated employment, access to health care and schools, and special education funding.”

IPS is an evidenced based practice model of supported employment for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. In Wisconsin the Department of Workforce Development, DVR has partnered with the Department of Health Services - Division of Mental Health to establish IPS in Wisconsin as part of a grant from Dartmouth College and Johnson and Johnson. Mental health services in Wisconsin are provided by each county. The IPS model involves a team approach involving an Employment Specialist and a DVR counselor becoming a part of a mental health treatment team, with employment becoming a focus of mental health services. Adherence to the prescribed national model is essential. Fidelity reviews are conducted until good fidelity is achieved. Technical assistance is provided as part of the grant and can be provided for counties wishing to implement IPS. Legislation has been proposed (2014) for a significant expansion of IPS availability in Wisconsin.

The IPS project emphasizes best practice implementation strategies in collaboration and modifying existing practices and organizational barriers. There is long term technical assistance for statewide implementation. Outcomes are tracked closely. On the local level the work is done in a team with all members contributing expertise towards employment and other goals. DVR would be expected to be a member of that team and provide expertise and case service based funding for related vocational services. The day to day work is done by an Employment Specialist with a small caseload (20) of participants. Strict guidelines and fidelity scales are used to insure that evidence based best practice is used and not services based on anecdotal, casual or existing practice. This document is intended to provide an outline of process elements needed for Individual Placement and Support (IPS) in Mental Health for WI DVR Counselors and others

The Governor’s Committee for People with Disabilities: • Advises the Governor and state agencies on problems faced by people with disabilities, • Reviews legislation and advises the Governor about legislation affecting people with disabilities, • Suggests to the Governor and state agencies ways to enhance the effective operations of publicity and privately administered or supported programs serving people with disabilities, • Promotes the goal of self-sufficiency for people with disabilities, • Promotes the collection, dissemination and incorporation of adequate information about persons with disabilities into public planning at all levels of government, • Promotes public awareness of needs and abilities of people with disabilities, and • Encourages the effective involvement of people with disabilities in government.

The Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) conducts an annual update to the statewide assessment of the rehabilitation (and other) needs of individuals with disabilities residing in the state. The comprehensive statewide assessment process also includes an annual review of Wisconsin disability statistics, DVR customer and service federal report data, and public comment and input provided to the Wisconsin Rehabilitation Council (WRC) throughout the year. This attachment also includes input received during public hearings conducted by DVR and WRC during May 2014 regarding FFY15 State Plan

Purpose: To provide WI DVR’s definition of successful employment outcomes (coded as a status “26”) and to describe our policies, the Federal Regulations, and the Intent of Title I of the Rehabilitation Act that support the definition of a successful employment outcome. Rationale: There may be employment settings where a more thorough review will be necessary to ensure that the setting and wages meet the requirements of an employment outcome. Guidance: The Wisconsin Vocational Rehabilitation Program Policy Manual states as one of its requirements that a consumer has achieved an employment outcome when the employment is in the most integrated setting possible that is consistent with the consumer's informed choice. The consumer must also be compensated at or above the minimum wage i.e., competitive employment, and receive at least the customary wage and benefit level paid to other individuals performing similar work for the same employer.

“This program works to increase employment opportunities for people with the most significant disabilities by working with a consumer and an employer to find a job that suits the consumer's specific skills and abilities. DVR works with county agencies to provide the long-term supports that will help the consumer keep their job.”

“With stakeholder input, the Department of Public Instruction has developed a web-based IEP: Postsecondary Transition Plan (PTP) that will assist local educational agencies to document the postsecondary transition requirements with 100% compliance while allowing for individualization to meet student needs. The PTP is the application for collecting Indicator 13 data. Because state law requires transition plans for students with disabilities aged 14 and above, the PTP is used to develop and monitor transition plans for all students with disabilities who need a postsecondary transition plan.”

This WIOA Combined State Plan was jointly developed by one state team, guided by the WIOA Leadership Team. The WIOA Leadership Team is comprised of executive level leadership from all of Wisconsin's combined state plan programs. The strategic and operational planning elements were written with input from and approval by the WIOA Leadership Team, while program‐specific requirements were written by each program and shared for vetting with the WIOA Leadership Team.

Employment First is, “a national movement that is helping states improve their economies by supporting businesses to find talent and meet their needs by hiring people with disabilities. The intentional creation of policies and practices that result in a significant increase in the numbers of people with disabilities being employed in the community. A policy initiative that promotes employment in the community at minimum wage or higher as the preferred outcome for publicly funded services for all working age citizens with disabilities.”

Addresses other FAQs regarding Employment First.

“The Employment First Initiative is a project of the Wisconsin Board for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (WI BPDD) in partnership with Wisconsin APSE, and People First Wisconsin.”