Employment Workshops

The Disclosure Dialogue: Strategies for Effective Disability Disclosure to an Employer

You have your “elevator speech” prepared. You have researched the business you are calling on. You are ready to land the job for the person you are representing. So what went wrong? Often, in our presentation, we overlook an important element in representation, that of disclosure. How do we disclose the need for accommodation to an employer in a way that is ethical, valued and respectful? This presentation will focus on the disclosure conversation and will address the following issue: How do I disclose? When should I disclose? What if I choose not to disclose? When is disclosing a disability an advantage? When is it a liability? What protections do I have under the ADA in disclosing a disability?

  • Barry Whaley, Research Project Director
    Barry Whaley is a research project director at the University of Kentucky Human Development Institute working with the Supported Higher Education Project, the ADA Employment Consulting Project and the Kentucky Post School Outcome Center. Previously, Barry was a Consultant for Atlas Research providing technical assistance and training for staff working with the Homeless Veterans Supported Employment Project at Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers. For many years, he was the Executive Director of Community Employment, Inc. a supported employment provider. He has also worked for the Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and began his career with the “New Neighbors” deinstitutionalization project that allowed hundreds of people to exit institutions and return to their home communities. He is a founding board member and past president of Kentucky APSE.

The Accommodation Conversation: Strategies for Effective ADA Reasonable Accommodation Dialogue

A hallmark of the Americans with Disabilities Act is the provision of reasonable accommodation to ensure equality in the workplace. Often, employment professionals do not properly prepare for how to represent people in ethical, valued and respectful ways when disclosing disability and the need for accommodation. This presentation will discuss what is and is not reasonable accommodation, how to request accommodation, and most importantly, how to do so in a way that is respectful of the employee. Often, when employers hear the word “disability” they immediately become concerned with cost and legal liability. Often, employers do not understand that they too have rights under ADA. Many employers, job seekers, and SE staff consider ADA too “mysterious” to understand. This session will “de-mystify” the ADA providing practical information on ADA rights and responsibilities. 

  • Barry Whaley, Research Project Director
    Barry Whaley is a research project director at the University of Kentucky Human Development Institute working with the Supported Higher Education Project, the ADA Employment Consulting Project and the Kentucky Post School Outcome Center. Previously, Barry was a Consultant for Atlas Research providing technical assistance and training for staff working with the Homeless Veterans Supported Employment Project at Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers. For many years, he was the Executive Director of Community Employment, Inc. a supported employment provider. He has also worked for the Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and began his career with the “New Neighbors” deinstitutionalization project that allowed hundreds of people to exit institutions and return to their home communities. He is a founding board member and past president of Kentucky APSE.

VR and APD: A Lasting Partnership

The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) are committed to collaborating services to ensure individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities have the support and opportunity to find and keep competitive employment. Attendees will see how VR and APD are working together to provide a seamless transition of services and continue long term support services to help individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities keep their job.

  • Meghan Murray, Director of Community Support
    Agency for Persons with Disabilities
    Meghan Murray has held various positions with the Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) and currently serves as the Statewide Director of Community Supports. She provides leadership to the Agency’s initiative to combat human trafficking, increase community resources and services, and enhancing competitive and community integrated employment opportunities for individual with developmental disabilities.
  • Jan Pearce, Supported Employment Administrator
    Jan Pearce is the Supported Employment Administrator for the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR).   Jan has the responsibility for administering the Title VI-B Statewide Supported Employment Program.  She is coordinating related services such as Discovery and Customized Employment within VR. Jan is also assigned to the Transition Team and is working with other VR team members to assist in the implementation of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. Prior to joining VR in 2010, she worked for over thirty years in the not for profit provider world developing community services for individuals with most significant disabilities.

The Times They Are A-Changin (by Bob Dylan)

This presentation will provide a review of services including new updates, initiatives and enhancements of services available through the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR).  The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) was signed into law in July 2014 and amended the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.  This law places an expanded focus on serving youth and identifies employers as customers of VR. VR has created a new pathway for youth to obtain selected VR services.  The STAR program allows youth to participate in a variety of Pre-Employment Training opportunities.  Youth who choose STAR services do not have to apply for or participate in VR’s traditional application and eligibility process.  This session will also introduce VR’s development of services to comply with Section 511 – Limitations on the use of Subminimum Wages.  Career guidance and options will be available to individuals participating in programs that pay subminimum wages.

  • Jan Pearce, Supported Employment Administrator
    Jan Pearce is the Supported Employment Administrator for the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR).   Jan has the responsibility for administering the Title VI-B Statewide Supported Employment Program.  She is coordinating related services such as Discovery and Customized Employment within VR. Jan is also assigned to the Transition Team and is working with other VR team members to assist in the implementation of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. Prior to joining VR in 2010, she worked for over thirty years in the not for profit provider world developing community services for individuals with most significant disabilities.

Employment Enhancement Project (EEP)

The Agency for Persons with Disabilities has been appropriated special funding to help individuals on the APD waiting list find, obtain, and maintain competitive employment, and engage in internships that will increase the likelihood for employment. This presentation will provide additional information on this exciting initiative. Attendees will have a more in-depth understanding of a new and exciting funding stream to help individuals waiting for Home and Community-Based Services or iBudget Waiver funding to find and maintain competitive employment.

  • Meghan Murray, Director of Community Supports
    Meghan Murray has held various positions with the Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) and currently serves as the Statewide Director of Community Supports. She provides leadership to the Agency’s initiative to combat human trafficking, increase community resources and services, and enhancing competitive and community integrated employment opportunities for individual with developmental disabilities.

Employment First Florida

This presentation will provide participants with information and resources on Florida’s Employment First efforts. Since 2011, the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council has engaged in Employment First work. Since 2013, nine Florida state agencies and organizations have worked collaboratively to create a common vision and charge for prioritizing and improving employment outcomes for all Floridians with disabilities. The collaborative work has resulted in an Executive Order, an inter-agency collaborative agreement and legislation prioritizing and supporting the efforts. Participants will learn about outcomes of the efforts, including local pilots. Related federal and state initiatives that complement the efforts will also be discussed (e.g., Abilities Work Portal and Help Desk, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Florida Department of Management Services’ state workforce improvement efforts).

  • Sheila Gritz-Swift, Deputy Director of Programs
    Sheila Gritz-Swift has worked with and on behalf of individuals with disabilities in Florida for the past 29 years. She currently serves as the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council’s Deputy Director of Programs and facilitates Florida’s Employment First efforts. Mrs. Gritz-Swift’s background includes 25 previous years working in the educational field of secondary transition as a practitioner, statewide trainer and program specialist for the Florida Department of Education and its discretionary projects. During her years in education, she authored and co-authored numerous journal articles, guides and curricula for youth with disabilities.

ABLE United

Since the passage of the ABLE Act, there has been a great deal of progress both at the state and federal levels. This progress includes pieces of legislation, development of proposed regulations, and guidance and direction from the Social Security Administration. Florida has recently launched its ABLE program which is important to individuals with disabilities and their families to have the information needed to feel comfortable with enrolling in these programs. This session will highlight the major components of ABLE in an effort to prepare and educate individuals with disabilities and their families, and the disability advocacy community, as to the current status of ABLE and what we can expect in Florida in the months to come.
  • Christopher Rodriguez, Senior Public Policy Advisor
    Chris Rodriguez is the Senior Public Policy Advisor for National Disability Institute (NDI). Chris has extensive experience working on behalf of individuals with disabilities both on the state and national levels. Prior to joining NDI, he worked for Michigan Protection & Advocacy Service, Inc. as director of governmental affairs and media relations. He has also worked for UCP National, the National Association of Councils for Developmental Disabilities, and The Arc of Texas. Chris earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley, and a master’s degree in Public Affairs from the University of Texas, concentrating on Social and Economic Policy as well as Disability Studies. His drive to assist individuals with disabilities is a result of his personal experience with disability: Chris is the younger brother to an individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  • John Finch, Director
    John Finch serves as the Director of ABLE United at the Florida Prepaid College Board. John is helping facilitate the development and successful implementation of ABLE United including day to day operations, contract, financial, and communications management. Previously he served at The Arc of Florida in various capacities including Director of Dental Services which seeks to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities receive much needed emergency dental care. With experience in both the non-profit social services field and financial sector, John continues to strive to make a difference in people’s lives.

Five Key Strategies to Build Financial Stability

Studies show that when financial stability strategies are a part of employment programs, it leads to better employment outcomes, greater educational attainment, and enhanced long term planning for individuals. Studies also show that the best time to teach an individual about their money is at a point in time when it is needed, such as during a job search, collecting that first paycheck, and/or transitioning from school to work.  This session will explore strategies, tools and resources that allow individuals to build a life of work, savings, and asset development.  The session will highlight strategies that build upon benefits planning and work supports, employment, free tax preparation, financial education, savings and asset development.  This session will provide an overview of available resources not only for individuals with disabilities, but also for their families and supports.

  • Nancy Boutot, Manager of Financial Empowerment
    Nancy Boutot, MS, is a Manager of Financial Empowerment at National Disability Institute (NDI). Nancy provides training on Social Security work incentives, benefits planning and work supports, employment, financial education and other asset development strategies to empower individuals and communities to maximize financial capabilities.  Nancy trains throughout the country on integrating financial capability strategies and curriculums into disability employment projects. She serves on both the Florida APSE and National APSE Board of Directors.

Supporting Supported Employment: Achieving a Social Tipping Point

Do you have a vested interest in helping individuals with disabilities meet their vast potential? Do you believe in the values of self-advocacy, greater independence, and equal rights for all people? Do you know a business that is making the correct business decision when they hire individuals with disabilities? This presentation will highlight a path forward for Supported Employment and Customized Employment from where they stand today to where they can and will be in the not-so-distant future.  A future where opportunities for all individuals are plentiful, and the prevailing thought of the business world and our culture as a whole has changed dramatically. A set of concrete strategies to create this path forward will be discussed and outlined.

Quality Supported Employment & Why it Matters

 “Quality Supported Employment Services.” We read, and probably espouse, the phrase all of the time. But do we really offer “quality?” Are we able to customize employment for a job seeker? How do we know? And does it really matter? We are busy, funds are limited, and waiting lists are long. If we get people integrated jobs at minimum wage, isn’t that good enough sometimes? This session will discuss the key points of quality service, the principles that determine quality, and many ways these points can be encouraged amongst our staff and applied in our everyday work. If our field is to move forward in Employment First, to have more people choose work, and to be able to negotiate with employers (who are interested in listening) then we need to truly practice quality service.
  • Katie Wolf Whaley, Director
    Katie Wolf Whaley, MSW, CESP, is the Director of the Kentucky Supported Employment Training Project and oversees other contracts with the state Office of Vocational Rehabilitation at the University of Kentucky’s Human Development Institute.  She coordinates training and technical assistance for service providers and presents on personalized employment supports for people with disabilities across the state and nationally. She currently serves as the President of the Kentucky Chapter of APSE and sits on the national board of APSE.  Katie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Ohio Wesleyan University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Kentucky.

The Power of Discovery

The Discovery Profile is much more than a form to be completed. When used with forethought and planning, it can document the process of discovering “Who the job seeker is”, understanding their strengths, interests, support needs and overall ideal conditions of employment. Through storytelling, short video and discussion we will delve into the art of discovery as a best-practice vocational tool and methodology!

  • Nancy Brooks-Lane, Senior Consultant
    Nancy Brooks-Lane’s diverse skills include: training, technical assistance and mentoring in best practices; organizational transformation; and aligning policy, funding, and change. She has assisted persons with significant disabilities obtain customized employment or start their own business and has mentored, trained and provided technical assistance to self-advocates, families, providers, citizen advocates, funders and social and political leaders in best practices and system change. She has co-authored chapters in the books Real Work for Real Pay: Inclusive Employment for Individuals with Disabilities and The Job Developers Handbook: Practical Tactics for Customized Employment, and serves on the Editorial Board for the Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Rural Routes to Employment: From Transition to a Working Life

What are the keys to job development in rural communities? How can students transitioning from school, who live in rural communities, have a working life? What is the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities required of Employment Specialists and teachers? This session will focus on employment best practices, and the process of the small rural school district in Levy County, through a project funded by the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council in partnership with Griffin Hammis Associates, Inc. developed a strategy to address these issues.

  • Nancy Brooks-Lane, Senior Consultant
  • Dr. Rosalind Hall, Director

    Dr. Hall has been an educator for 34 years and serves on a multitude of FDOE Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services Advisory Boards and Committees, which includes Bureau of Exceptional Education Student Services District Partners, State Secondary Transition Interagency Board, State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG) Division on Career Development and Transition (DCDT), Facilitated IEP Advisory Committee, Florida Teacher Certification Examination ESE K-12 Advisory Committee, University of Florida Special Education Advisory Board and previously served two (2) terms on the State Advisory Board.  Dr. Hall recently received the FCEC President’s Award for her leadership and support to students with disabilities and awarded the Outstanding Administrator of Special Education and service to Florida CASE.

The Able Trust, Youth Programs

This presentation will provide an overview of the Able Trust statewide youth programs including Florida High School High Tech and the Florida Youth Leadership Forum.  The mission of the Able Trust is to be a key leader in providing employment opportunities to Floridians with disabilities.  The AT youth programs are a critical part of achieving our mission.  Florida HSHT is provided in 42 counties in the state and focuses on career development and exploration for high school youth with disabilities.  Florida YLF recruits youth from across the state to spend 5 days on the Florida State University campus each summer developing leadership skills and gaining exposure to in-demand careers.

  • Allison Chase, Vice President of Youth Programs
    For over twenty years, Allison Chase’s career has centered on public policy and programming for employment of people with disabilities.  Allison has worked in the public, private, and non-profit sectors giving her a 360 degree perspective of the field.  She has both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Rehabilitation Services from Florida State University, and completed the National Executive Leadership Institute for rehabilitation leaders at the University of Oklahoma in 1999 and most recently, the Florida State University College of Business, Non Profit Executive Program.  Allison works for The Able Trust, Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, as the Vice President of Youth Programs. 

Inclusive Post-secondary Education and Employment for People with Intellectual Disabilities (ID)

This presentation will detail the programmatic elements, philosophy and strategies of two inclusive postsecondary programs who have had a high success rate of employment of individuals with disabilities. Two types of inclusive postsecondary programs will be highlighted – the Vocational/Technical Training Program (Project Achieve/VERTICAL) and the University/College Experience Program (Project 10 STING RAY). Presenters will detail the structure/framework, partners and supports in place at each campus to facilitate employment success.  Practical recommendations for implementation and resources, such as sample career exploration ideas, job skills curricula, and internship structures will be shared.

  • L. Danielle Roberts-Dahm, Director
    L. Danielle Roberts-Dahm, M.A., is the Director for Project 10 STING RAY (Students Transitioning Into the Next Generation, Recognizing Alternatives for Youth) and the USFSP partnership with the Florida Consortium on Inclusive Higher Education. Danielle’s experiences working in transition and postsecondary programs for students with disabilities has inspired her to continue her education in the field of Special Education and policy studies through pursuit of a doctorate at USF.
  • Rachel Rippey, Project Achieve Coordinator
    Rachel Rippey is the Project Achieve Coordinator at Florida State College at Jacksonville. Project Achieve houses the VERTICAL+ Training program, which provides supports to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their pursuit of Workforce Certificates and career training. She is also the President and founder of Dandelion House, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides paid training to individuals with disabilities seeking employment in the food and beverage industry. Rachel has a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education and a Master’s degree in Special Education with a specialization in low incidence disabilities from Florida State University.

Project SEARCH 101

 Are you looking for a hands on employment training program for your students ages 18-21 years old immersed directly within a business environment? Project SEARCH is a one-year internship program for students with disabilities, who typically are in their last year of high school. The goal of Project SEARCH is competitive employment for each student intern utilizing the skills they learned during the program. This presentation will focus on the history, key concepts, collaborative partners, employment outcomes, structural overview and expansion efforts in Florida.

  • Carly Detlefsen, Regional Transition Representative
  • Project 10, University of South Florida-St. Petersburg, FL
  • Carly Detlefsen is the Project 10 Regional Transition Representative for Northeast and North Central Florida. She provides training and technical assistance to 18 school districts and relevant stakeholders in the area of transition. Ms. Detlefsen holds a Master’s Degree in Counselor Education. Carly’s prior work experiences include teaching and school counseling as well as previously serving as a Staffing and Transition Specialist for a Florida school district. Carly serves as the Project 10 liaison for Project SEARCH, is a member of CEC, on the Board of Florida CASE, the current Vice President of FL-DCDT and is also the Secretary /Treasurer for the Florida Chapter of APSE.

Building a Successful Employment Network and Advisory Board

This presentation will share successful practices for building an Advisory Board comprised of business leaders and human resources directors from the private and public sectors, City Commissioners, representatives from social service agencies, employees, parents, and students.  Participants will be given the frameworks on how to develop their own Advisory Board related to supporting students as they prepare for and maintain employment.

  • Debbie Oistacher, Career Placement Facilitator
    Debbie Oistacher received her Master’s degree in Special Education with an endorsement in Learning Disabilities. During the 30 year span of her career Debbie has served as an ESE classroom teacher, ESE Specialist, ESE Program Specialist, Transition Program Developer, and Facilitator.  In her role as the Career Placement Facilitator on the Atlantic Technical College campus, Debbie assists the Career Placement students with obtaining as well as maintaining competitive employment.  Debbie serves on the Board of Directors for the Center for Independent Living-Broward, Board of Directors for the Coral Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Florida DCDT Board Member.

Building Employment for Individuals Who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing

The unique and unjust struggles often endured by persons who are deaf and hard of hearing attempting to seek and build successful careers can be significantly lessened with the general population’s further understanding of the deaf and hard of hearing culture.  The webinar will help to clarify facts, myths, and misconceptions related to the deaf and hard of hearing culture. Participants of this webinar will be provided with promising practices to support successful employment outcomes for job seekers, employees, and employers who are deaf and hard of hearing.  The presenter will share ways to better communicate with persons who are deaf and hard of hearing.  She will also provide strategies which make communication with persons who are deaf and hard of hearing less complex and more productive.  Participants will also hear various effective suggestions to assist persons who are deaf and hard of hearing obtain and maintain successful employment outcomes.

  • Patti Sánchez, Senior Employment Consultant
    Patti Sánchez is a Senior Employment Consultant and On-the-job Training Coordinator for the deaf and hard of hearing community at TDI. Patti received a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and a B.S. Degree in Business Management with a minor in accounting, human resources and marketing from St. Francis College of Brooklyn, New York. She is a pre-certified deaf interpreter and a member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.  Patti won the 2012 first quarter outstanding TDI award for bringing extraordinary results to clients, colleagues and the community. She has successfully supported job seekers with an array of careers from education, hospitality, recreation, retail, restaurateurs, Law Firm, and many more.

Understanding the Essential Program Elements for an Effective Transition Program for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Despite the increasing numbers of individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who seek assistance from Vocational Rehabilitation programs, the employment outcomes for this population have been poor.  This presentation will describe the most recent research data on the employment status of individuals with an ASD.  The presenters will describe the important steps in providing effective workplace supports for individuals with ASD and include examples of the utilization of these steps resulting in successful outcomes for individuals. The Learning Academy at USF, a transitional program that guides individuals with ASD through a discovery process identifying employment skills, talents and preferences will be highlighted.  An extensive evaluation of this eight year old program will be described identifying the essential program elements that have proven to be effective for individuals with ASD.  Outcome data for the program will be presented with comparison of results with Florida data.

  • Dr. Karen Berkman, Director
    Dr. Berkman has a Doctoral degree in Special Education from Syracuse University and Master’s degrees in Social Work and Counseling Psychology. She has over 30 years of experience in the fields of developmental disabilities. Before joining CARD in January 2004, Dr. Berkman served as the director of the Center for Autism at Pressley Ridge in Pittsburgh. Her experiences have included working in residential programs, as well as community-based and clinical settings for individuals with developmental disabilities. Dr. Berkman has published several articles that have addressed issues on challenging behavior and lifestyle changes.
  • Susan Richmond, Coordinator
    Susan Richmond is the Coordinator of the Learning Academy at USF.  She has over forty years of experience in the field of disabilities.  Susan has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a Master’s in Education.  She served as the Deputy Director of the NJ Council on Developmental Disabilities for twenty years where she participated in numerous advocacy and policy related activities aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.  In her current position at USF Susan enjoys working directly with individuals, their families and the professionals that serve them.

Community Action Team

The Community Action Team provides intensive mental health services to clients age 11-21 whom have a mental health or co-occurring substance abuse diagnosis. The program is multi-disciplinary and provides services in a team approach. Eligible clients must be at risk for out of home placement due to: repeated failures with less intensive services, two (2) or more hospitalizations, involvement with the Department of Juvenile Justice, or poor academic performance. The services provided by the CAT program include: psychiatric care, case management, therapy- individual or family, community resource coordination, educational advocacy, parenting skills, vocational/educational skills, therapeutic mentoring, respite care- up to 4 hours, behavioral management, and social skills development. The goal of the CAT program is to prevent out of home placement by supporting and sustaining the client and family in the community.

Resource Mapping:  Enhancing Employment Outcomes for People with Disabilities

Join The Diversity Initiative and National Disability Institute as we explore Resource Mapping and the impact it has to enhance employment outcomes for individuals and the community providers that support them.  Resource mapping offers a strategy that can help organizations view the larger picture of supports and resources that are available to help individuals improve their employment outcomes.  Rather than programs and resources being isolated from one another, mapping allows us to work holistically with other community resources to assist individuals in meeting their goals. This session will define resource mapping, provide tools so you can complete a resource map for your area, and identify key resources to include in your local resource map.

  • Vanessa Rodriguez, Vice President
    Vanessa Rodriguez, BA, BS, is the Vice President of The Diversity Initiative, Inc.- a 501C(3) non-profit organization and Vocational Rehabilitation Vendor whose mission is to promote Diversity & Inclusion in the workforce by connecting Job Seekers with Disabilities with businesses that have a need for their unique skills, abilities and talents. Throughout the past 10 years, her support services have facilitated hundreds of successful employment outcomes that increased empowerment, improved quality of life and allowed Individuals with Disabilities to reap the many benefits of inclusion.  She presently serves on the board of FL APSE and Florida Rehabilitation Advocacy Coalition (FRAC).
  • Nancy Boutot, Manager of Financial Empowerment
    Nancy Boutot, MS, is a Manager of Financial Empowerment at National Disability Institute (NDI). Nancy provides training on Social Security work incentives, benefits planning and work supports, employment, financial education and other asset development strategies to empower individuals and communities to maximize financial capabilities.  Nancy trains throughout the country on integrating financial capability strategies and curriculums into disability employment projects. She serves on both the Florida APSE and National APSE Board of Directors.

APSE: What Can It Do For You?

APSE is the only national organization with an exclusive focus on integrated employment and career advancement opportunities for individuals with disabilities. APSE has been a leader on Employment First, and continues to be, a strong, clear and consistent voice demanding that every individual with a disability have the same opportunities for employment as every other citizen.  APSE’s almost 3,000 members enjoy professional development opportunities, legislative advocacy, and the only national certification program for supported employment professionals. Come hear what APSE can do for you!

  • Katie Wolf Whaley, Director
    Katie Wolf Whaley, MSW, CESP, is the Director of the Kentucky Supported Employment Training Project and oversees other contracts with the state Office of Vocational Rehabilitation at the University of Kentucky’s Human Development Institute.  She coordinates training and technical assistance for service providers and presents on personalized employment supports for people with disabilities across the state and nationally. She currently serves as the President of the Kentucky Chapter of APSE and sits on the national board of APSE.  Katie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Ohio Wesleyan University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Kentucky.

THRIVE: Connecting Students with ASD to Postsecondary Education

With more students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) attending postsecondary institutions, the need for program supports is also on the rise. At the University of North Florida, THRIVE was created and developed with the Disability Resource Center (DRC) to strategically support matriculating students with ASD in addition to accommodations provided through the DRC. With independent living, social skills, and career development, THRIVE students are provided with supports in all areas to help promote successful transition and degree completion. Starting with only 6 students in 2012, THRIVE has grown to include students across every major and every level at UNF. Session participants will have the opportunity to learn directly from students of their experiences and what transition recommendations THRIVE students have for helping others prepare for life after high school.

  • Tara Rowe
    Doctoral Candidate
    University of North Florida – Jacksonville, FL

    Tara Rowe is currently a doctoral candidate in educational leadership at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. After spending several years living overseas and teaching internationally, Tara settled in Jacksonville to pursue her desires in higher education. Tara, along with two other peers and the former director of the Disability Resource Center, developed and created THRIVE as a way to address the “soft-skills” concerns that students, parents, and UNF staff had. Tara is the Program Coordinator for THRIVE and is excited about the endless opportunities that have continued to thrive since its’ inception!

The Key to Meeting and Exceeding Financial Goals:  Employment, Work Incentives, and Other Asset Building Strategies

For individuals with disabilities who receive a public benefit from SSA, employment may be an option which enables them to save for a home, to go on a vacation, or to enhance their quality of life in other ways.  In this session, employment along with the usage of the Social Security Administration’s work incentives will be explored as one way to build assets. Participants will learn the differences between the SSA disability-based benefit programs and learn how to use the work incentives to achieve their goals. Additionally, the safety nets built into the programs and the removal of disincentives to working will also be discussed.  The session will provide a picture of how these public benefits combined with the usage of work incentives and other asset building strategies can help individuals with disabilities meet goals which can enhance their quality of life. 

  • Marlene Ulisky, Manager of Financial Empowerment
    Marlene Ulisky, a 35-year former employee of the Social Security Administration, developed expertise in developing relationships with partners across Florida to educate them on the disability programs administered by SSA, to their mutual benefit. After leaving SSA she worked with the Florida Office of Vocational Rehabilitation to establish the Partnership Plus Program under the Ticket to Work Program and then was re-hired by SSA to conduct training and to assist them with managing critical integrity workloads including OIG investigations and medical and work continuing disability reviews. At the National Disability Institute, she is a part of the Training and Technical Assistance Team and works on the Maximus and other projects along with providing support to her colleagues and to beneficiaries when complex SSA issues arise. She is the proud Aunt and Advocate of a nephew with a developmental disability.

VR Vendor: Nassau County School Board’s Experience in Becoming a Vendor

Nassau County School Board collaborates with Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) in a Third Party Cooperative Agreement (TPCA) to employ two VR Employment Specialists to assist with Community Based Work Experience activities for supported level students. For 19 years, Nassau County has offered career development services to students from a grant funded by CareerSource through the Workforce Investment Act (now known as the Work Incentive and Opportunity Act (WIOA). As WIOA changed their funding stream, the school district no longer had access to funding through Career Source for the employment of job coaches, internships, and summer vocational training programs. In searching for alternate revenue streams, Nassau County School Board hopes to partner with VR to re-establish a funding source to offer pre-employment training and internship opportunities to students during non-school days/hours. The school system is also working to bridge a gap in services as Nassau County currently has no locally based employment placement service. The hope is that we can increase our post-school outcomes through this employment training and job placement service. As a VR vendor, the school system will be able to bill for the services to enhance and grow the programs available to students in Nassau County.

  • Jim Burns, Transition Specialist
    Jim Burns has been a Transition Specialist for Nassau County for 22 years.  His work has been focused primarily on grant procurement and management, and program development.  He has worked extensively with CareerSource and Vocational Rehabilitation to create work readiness opportunities for Students with Disabilities.  He is a past president of the Fernandina Beach/Amelia Island Chamber of Commerce, the Nassau County Board of Realtors and the Fernandina Beach High School Foundation, and served as a director for several other community organizations.  Jim received his Master’s Degree in Social Work from Florida State University.
  • Donna Thompson, Employment Specialist
    Donna Thompson holds a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education. She began her career working with Vocational Rehabilitation as a vocational evaluator for the Renaissance Center and Brooks Rehabilitation Hospitals. Donna developed one of the first post-high school transition career development programs in Duval County at The H. Warner Webb Center. For her work with this program, in 2001 she was awarded the Outstanding Educator Award from the Florida Division on Career Development and Transition. Donna furthered her transition experience working to develop an independent living and career development transition program for young adults at North Florida School. She is currently one of two Nassau County Employment Specialists. Last year, she worked to establish Nassau County as one of three pilot sites for the Employment First Florida initiative. Donna leads the Nassau County Transition Team and sits on the Board of Directors for Ark of Nassau.