FLAPSE Conference, Day Two, Jenny’s Entry
Following the State of the State session, the second session of the morning was the refreshing Washington Initiative, a model supported employment program which implemented the Working Age Adult Training Policy for all persons ages 21 to 62. Washington State was the first state to implement such a work initiative and was among 3 other states that began practicing supported employment in 1980, six years prior to the inaugural federal legislation regarding the subject.
The basic premise of the Washington Initiative is to provide “supports to pursue and maintain gainful employment in integrated settings” and to offer “technical assistance and support” in the process. The representatives who joined us from the state of Washington brought a candid and down-to-earth quality to the table and discussed both what is working in Washington and what isn’t. Based on the results, which demonstrate that 57-60% of the persons living with developmental disabilities are employed placing WA in the top 3 states in the country, I would suggest that more is right than wrong with their approach! This session really got our collective brainstorming juices flowing! To learn more, check out www.theinitiative.ws.
During the afternoon’s breakout sessions, we had the opportunity to see a post-secondary program live in action! The On Campus Transition Program invited 4 participating students with developmental disabilities to the workshop to present their experiences directly! The program takes place at UNF in Jacksonville and links directly to the president of UNF’s mission for the university to foster transformative education experiences to its students. The president so fully embraces the program that he has sent a letter to all students, staff, and faculty as well as suggesting on campus housing for participating students!
Finally, we divided up to learn more about the Center for Self-Employment based at USF in Tampa, as well as encouraging Family Advocacy. What a wealth of resources!