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:

Research and Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities

By conducting research across the focus areas of health, employment, and community participation and independent living, RTC: Rural uncovers the relationships among personal and environmental factors that show how people experience the rural environment to maintain quality of life. This work has led to the development of health promotion programs, disability and employment policy, and support and education for providers who serve people with disabilities.

As leaders in rural disability research, our projects incorporate the collaboration of stakeholders and consumers from the disability community. We seek input and advice in shaping research projects both during their development and throughout the research process. This partnership ensures the relevance of our research as we work to improve overall quality of life of people with disabilities.

Links:

Research and Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities

Montana Center for Inclusive Education

The Montana Center on Disabilities (MCD) is part of Montana State University-Billings. MCD works to make sure that all people are part of the community. The Center supports the idea that people with disabilities can make their own choices about how they live and work. MCD does this by offering education and information to many people. One focus is on giving young people with disabilities the tools to become leaders.

The vision of the Montana Center for Inclusive Education (MCIE) is creation of a fully inclusive society that values diversity. The mission supporting this vision states that MCIE serves the diverse population of Montana and provides continuing professional development opportunities for educators and direct service providers. MCIE also provides grant management and fiscal management for the Montana State University Billings (MSUB) College of Education’s externally funded projects.

Links:

Montana Center for Inclusive Education

Montana Vocational Rehabilitation Policy on Extended Employment

Extended Employment For some consumers receiving Vocational Rehabilitation services, additional support is necessary for them to continue working. Extended Employment offers guidance and follow-up services to these individuals, which can include:

Job coaching – Job coaches make sure an employee’s work is going smoothly, and can work with the employee to overcome work barriers such as new work place rules or excessive absences
Supervised work crews – On-site supervisor monitors work quality and guides employee through required tasks”

Links:

Montana Vocational Rehabilitation Policy on Extended Employment

Work Incentives Planning and Assistance Project

~~“The Montana State University Billings WIPA program has been awarded a grant as part of the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act that was established in 1999. The goal of the WIPA program is to assist Social Security Disability beneficiaries to make informed choices about work and to support working beneficiaries to make a successful transition to self-sufficiency. More information about WIPA services and eligibility criteria can be found by accessing the web link..

Links:

Work Incentives Planning and Assistance Project

Research and Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities

~~By conducting research across the focus areas of health, employment, and community participation and independent living, RTC: Rural uncovers the relationships among personal and environmental factors that show how people experience the rural environment to maintain quality of life. This work has led to the development of health promotion programs, disability and employment policy, and support and education for providers who serve people with disabilities.
As leaders in rural disability research, our projects incorporate the collaboration of stakeholders and consumers from the disability community. We seek input and advice in shaping research projects both during their development and throughout the research process. This partnership ensures the relevance of our research as we work to improve overall quality of life of people with disabilities.

Links:

Research and Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities

The University of Montana Rural Institute Transition 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:
-Providing education and training to schools, families, students and agencies;
-Developing creative strategies and transition models;
-Offering training and assistance on-site and long distance;
-Promoting systems changes to support effective transition for youth from school to adult life; and

Links:

The University of Montana Rural Institute Transition Projects

University of Montana Rural Institute Center for Excellence in Disability Education, Research, And Service

~~The University of Montana Rural Institute has strived to collaborate with partners across Montana and across the nation to further its mission. Partners include Department of Public Health and Human Services, Montana Child Care Resource and Referral Network, Missoula City/County Public Health Department, Montana Department of Commerce, Montana’s Office of Public Instruction, State Deaf-Blind Coordinator, and Vocational Rehabilitation agencies throughout the state.

Links:

University of Montana Rural Institute Center for Excellence in Disability Education, Research, And Service

Montana HB 922: Olmstead Plan (2023)

Enacted 5/18/23, effective 7/1/23

“An Act requiring the Department of Public Health and Human Services to develop and implement a plan complying with the principles of the Olmstead decision.

…Section 1. Olmstead plan — stakeholder involvement — elements. (1) The department shall develop and implement a plan to ensure that state-funded services and supports for Montanans with disabilities are, to the greatest extent possible, provided in the community rather than in an institutional setting in accordance with the requirements of the United States supreme court decision in Olmstead v. L.C., 527 U.S. 581 (1999).”

Links:

Montana HB 922: Bill Text

Montana Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD)

“What is the Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD) Program?

Montana’s Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program (MWD) recognizes the employment potential of people with disabilities. The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA) and the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 (TWWIIA) allow states to provide Medicaid coverage to working individuals with disabilities who, because of their earnings, cannot qualify for Medicaid under other laws or programs. Montana’s Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program is based on the Balanced Budget Act.

Medicaid eligibility is important because Medicaid is a program that covers typical health care expenses for individuals and families with limited incomes, including adults and children with disabilities. In addition, Medicaid covers many disability-specific services and supports not covered by private pay insurance, including things like personal assistance and developmental disability services. The fear of losing Medicaid coverage is one of the primary reasons many adults with disabilities are afraid or reluctant to gain employment.”

Links:

Montana Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD)

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