Unsicker hosts town hall to discuss Disability Employment Project
“JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – State Rep. Sarah Unsicker D-Shrewsbury, will host a town hall meeting at Webster University on June 28 at 7:00 p.m. to have an open dialogue regarding the barriers to employment for citizens with disabilities and to begin developing possible solutions.
“There are a wide range of issues to take into consideration when working to improve employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities such as healthcare and Medicaid needs, state employment policy, employer education and transportation,” said Unsicker.
“During the hiring process, it is important that employers are aware of the many capabilities citizens with disabilities possess. My goal with this town hall is to provide the disability community with the opportunity to give feedback regarding these issues so we can work towards expanding employment opportunities for people with disabilities.”
Missouri SB 43: Modifying the Missouri Human Rights Act (2017)
“AN ACT To repeal sections 213.010, 213.040, 213.050, 213.055, 213.065, 213.070, 213.075, 213.101, and 213.111, RSMo, and to enact in lieu thereof ten new sections relating to unlawful discriminatory practices.”
Missouri SB 66: Payment of temporary total disability or temporary partial disability benefits (2017)
Missouri SB 66: Payment of temporary total disability or temporary partial disability benefits shall be paid throughout the rehabilitative process
“Temporary total disability or temporary partial disability benefits shall be paid throughout the rehabilitative process until the employee reaches maximum medical improvement, unless such benefits are terminated by the employee’s return to work or are terminated as otherwise specified in this chapter.
The permanency of the employee’s disability under sections 287.170 to 287.200 shall not be established or adjudicated while the employee is participating in rehabilitation services.
Refusal of the employee to accept rehabilitation services or submit to a vocational rehabilitation assessment as deemed necessary by the employer shall result in a fifty percent reduction in all disability payments to an employee, including temporary partial disability benefits paid pursuant to section 287.180, for each week of the period of refusal.”
Reverse Job Fair 2017 and Disability Employment Event
“The Third Annual Accommodation for Success Disability Employment Event took place on August 10, 2017, at the Forest Park Campus of St. Louis Community College. The event was organized to make it easier for area businesses to build diverse workforce. This year, the event included the first Reverse Job Fair in St. Louis.
Unlike most traditional job fairs, this innovative recruitment event focused on showcasing talents and professional interests of 80+ job candidates with disabilities. Participants met with potential employers in their booth spaces, demonstrating experience and skills in a variety of industries, while human resource professionals roamed the room, meeting the candidates they were interested in hiring. More than 116 recruiters representing 99 area companies were present. With 236 total registrants, not including job candidates, this year’s event was the largest yet.
Accommodation for Success event is a collaborative effort between the St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE), regional job centers, and more than 20 of the region’s disability employment organizations. Workshops and resources on disability inclusion, etiquette, recruitment, and workplace culture were offered to registered businesses, prior to the reverse job fair.”
Missouri Division of Developmental Disabilities: Employment First Policy, 2018
“This policy establishes community integrated employment services and supports as the first service option and primary outcome for individuals (both youth and adults.) It also establishes employment planning (Career Planning) and supports as priorities to explore with all working adults who receive services in order to ensure that supports, services, and outcomes are consistent with what the person is seeking.
Each individual will be supported to pursue his or her own unique path to work, a career, and his or her contribution to/participation in community life. All individuals, regardless of the challenge of their disability, will be afforded an opportunity to pursue employment. Career planning, including job exploration and on-going person focused self discovery, is critical when assisting individuals in making informed choices about their future careers.”
Missouri Veterans Health Administration: Compensated Work Therapy
“Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) is a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) clinical vocational rehabilitation program that provides evidence based and evidence informed vocational rehabilitation services; partnerships with business, industry and government agencies to provide Veteran candidates for employment and Veteran labor, and employment supports to Veterans and employers.
CWT programs strive to maintain highly responsive long-term quality relationships with business, government agencies, and industry promoting employment opportunities for Veterans with physical and mental health challenges.
CWT programs are located within all VA medical centers. Review the CWT Locations page to find site specifics. Many of our CWT programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) – an independent accrediting body of health and human service providers. CARF accreditation confirms that CWT programs are committed to continuous quality improvement, accountability for its performance through outcomes evidence, and monitoring the satisfaction of the persons served.”
“MFP Eligibility
Individuals who transition from a Habilitation Center or nursing home may be eligible for MFP. MFP is a demonstration grant that supports efforts to:
Provide Medicaid eligible individuals the choice of where they live and receive services;
Allow qualified individuals living in nursing facilities or Habilitation Centers to move to the community; and
Promote a system that is person-centered, based on needs, and ensures high-quality services in the community.”
“Job Development (H0038)
The goal of Job Development is the acceptance by the individual of a job offer that meets the individual’s personal and career goals
Job Development may include:
• Application completion assistance with the individual,
• Job interviewing activities with the individual,
• Completion of task analysis with or without the presence of the individual, based upon individualized need,
• Negotiation with prospective employers and education of prospective employers of their role in promoting full inclusion with or without the presence of the individual based upon individualized need.”
Missouri Dept. of Mental Health: Promoting Employment
“The Division of Developmental Disabilities is committed to supporting all individuals with having the opportunity to seek competitive employment and being a part of their community’s workforce. To affirm our commitment, an Employment First Policy guides our expectations with supporting self-determination, independence and community membership.
Supporting individuals with their career pathways is important for many reasons:
Physical Health – Research has shown employment leads to a longer lifespan.
Mental Wellness –Performing activities that bring value to others brings value to ourselves and fosters connectedness with our community. These social connections provide us greater social capital, expanded friendships and increased self-confidence.
Financial Stability – Individuals with disabilities are one of the highest subsets of our population who live in poverty. Employment provides income and expanded opportunities for financial security.
Diversity in Our Workplace – Businesses universally support the value of their workplaces being reflective of all individuals in their community.”
