Montana DPHHS Announces Plan to Continue Services… in Response to COVID-19 (2020)

Montana DPHHS Announces Plan to Continue Services While Temporarily Closing Some Offices in Response to COVID-19

“Disability Employment and Transition Division (DETD)

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors and Blind and Low Vision instructional staff will continue to support Montanans with disabilities by providing employment, transition, and telecommunication access services via telephone or online where appropriate. DETD staff will be reaching out to consumers on their current caseload to arrange the best way to continue services.“

Links:

Montana DPHHS Announces Plan to Continue Services... in Response to COVID-19 (2020,PDF)

2020 MYTransitions Conference

This page will have information about this year’s MYTransitions Conference which is scheduled to take place on November 16-20, 2020 in Missoula, Montana.

Links:

2020 MYTransitions Conference

The University of Montana Rural Transition & Employment

"What We Do

Since 2000, we’ve focused several of our projects on customized community employment for youth with significant disabilities. We have developed and implemented unique models of transition planning that continue to evolve as we learn more from the youth and families with whom we work.

Our transition activities are unique in that they promote:

Customized Employment strategies for youth with disabilities;
The use of Social Security work incentives for students;
Transition planning for middle school students;
Collaborative funding across agencies to create individually-driven employment supports;
Self-employment as vocational experience or as a post-school outcome; and
Self-determination for youth as we empower them to identify strengths, skills, and needs for transition planning.

Visit our link to “Articles and Products” for information and tools you can use in your own programs."

Links:

The University of Montana Rural Transition & Employment

Montana DPHHS The Rehab Act

“The purposes of this [Rehabilitation] Act are:
(1) to empower individuals with disabilities to maximize employment, economic self-sufficiency, independence, and inclusion and integration into society, through (A) statewide workforce investment systems implemented in accordance with title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 that include, as integral components, comprehensive and coordinated state-of-the-art programs of vocational rehabilitation; (B) independent living centers and services; (C) research; (D) training; (E) demonstration projects; and (F) the guarantee of equal opportunity; and
(2) to ensure that the Federal Government plays a leadership role in promoting the employment of individuals with disabilities, especially individuals with significant disabilities, and in assisting States and providers of services in fulfilling the aspirations of such individuals with disabilities for meaningful and gainful employment and independent living.”

Links:

Montana DPHHS The Rehab Act

Montana Money Follows the Person (MFP)

“MFP is a demonstration program [that] helps Montana shift its long term care system by reducing the use of institutionally based services and increasing the use of home and community based services (HCBS). MFP is focused on helping individuals transition from in-patient facilities to the community. [The Program’s vision is to] create a sustainable system that supports community options as a first choice for individuals needing long term care services.”

Links:

Montana Money Follows the Person (MFP)

“MFP is a demonstration program [that] helps Montana shift its long term care system by reducing the use of institutionally based services and increasing the use of home and community based services (HCBS). MFP is focused on helping individuals transition from in-patient facilities to the community. [The Program’s vision is to] create a sustainable system that supports community options as a first choice for individuals needing long term care services.”

Links:

Montana Money Follows the Person (MFP)

Montana DLI Rights of Persons with Disabilities

“Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Employment Rights

Qualified persons with physical and mental disabilities:

May not be refused an application, interview or employment because of their disability
May not be terminated or discharged because of their disability
Have the right to a reasonable accommodation which would allow them to perform the essential functions of their position”

Links:

Montana DLI Rights of Persons with Disabilities

The University of Montana Rural Institute: Transition & Employment Projects

“The University of Montana Rural Institute has been a leader in the area of transition planning for youth with disabilities since 1995. Activities have included:

• Provision of education and training to schools, families, students and agencies;

• Development of innovative strategies and transition models;

• Demonstration, outreach and technical assistance, both on-site and long distance;

• Promotion of systems changes to support effective transition for youth from school to adult life; and

• Information dissemination.

Links:

The University of Montana Rural Institute: Transition & Employment Projects

MT INVEST Employment Specialist Training

Many of us know somebody that has a disability. Individuals with disabilities can face additional challenges to obtaining and retaining good jobs. To create an opportunity for that person to be most successful, there are several activities and/or steps to identify employment options that are a good match to the person’s skills, interests, and workplace preference (likes quiet or likes noise and activity for example). The curriculum and testing will help learners develop the skill of facilitating Employment Supports, as well as inspire and motivate employment staff to new levels of performance and professionalism. Whether you are helping a family member or friend, or whether you are or plan to be, an employment specialist professional: this information can help you bring successful results to those you are assisting.

The course consists of five sections, including resources and sample forms:

1. Introduction to Community Employment

2. Assessment for the Job Seeker

3. Job Development

4. Job Analysis, Training & Job Coaching

5. Long-Term Supports, Customer Service & Review

Links:

MT INVEST Employment Specialist Training

Montana Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)

“The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act recommended that VRBS serve high school youth with disabilities much earlier than before with a new set of services called Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS). Perhaps the most amazing characteristic of Pre-ETS is its collaboration between high schools and VRBS. The WIOA wants schools and VRBS to work together to deliver Pre-ETS within the educational setting. The change is relatively radical for VRBS because our model of service is one based on serving individuals through a vocational plan. VRBS still delivers those case services, but we now emphasize the delivery of Pre-ETS in the school setting. The case services work in conjunction with the school’s transition services and are based on individual need. In fact, high school students with disabilities do not have to be VRBS clients. Pre-ETS are open to all students with disabilities, even those who have no intention of applying to VRBS. Pre-Employment Transition Services are available to student with disabilities ages 14-21 who are in high school, college, or another recognized education program.

With this in mind any paid work opportunities for students must be in a competitive and integrated setting. Internships, unpaid work experiences, job shadowing and volunteer experiences must also be in an integrated setting.”

Links:

Montana Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)

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