Strategic networking involves setting goals and considering different techniques to expand our personal and professional networks in a meaningful way. Topics include a) Strategies and connection to quality services and best practice, b) Matching personalities to methods, and c) Action plan and mentoring. The exercises will provide attendees with the opportunity to begin a reflective practice to consider past, present, and future networking efforts including time devoted and analysis, with the goal of increasing one’s social capital which is essential for robust employment services.

This training focuses on providing the learner with the resources and skills in assisting an individual in learning a new job or work skill based on the needs and learning style of the individual. It will walk the learner through what a task analysis is, and the processes required in developing a solid task analysis. Finally, the training will cover how to implement the task analysis into the job coaching and fading process.

During this session you will learn how to facilitate and honor informed choice regarding employment, as part of the service planning process, and aligned with Missouri’s Employment First Policy. A step-by-step process will be discussed, with emphasis on strategies for getting beyond simply asking an individual their employment preferences, and use of an experiential approach for choice making. Included will be a discussion of how to address common concerns about employment. Employment and integration activities should be driven by individual interests, goals, and needs. We will discuss the basics of person-centered planning, and how it serves as the basis for the employment and community integration activities pursued by an individual. We’ll also review how person-centered planning guides exploration and discovery activities that assist individuals in determining their preferences for employment.

Supporting individuals to succeed in employment requires an organizational commitment to employment. You’ll learn about the importance of aligning an organization’s mission and values with support for employment in the community, and the specifics of what organizational support for employment entails. Included will be a discussion of Missouri’s Employment First policy, and what that means on a day-to-basis for organizations supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

This session will look at employment for people with disabilities within the overall context of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Learn about how disability fits within overall full inclusion efforts, and the importance of providing services and supports in a way that is sensitive to and responsive to diverse communities. You’ll also learn about the ongoing evolution of language in describing people with disabilities, the difference between person-first and identify-first, and the importance of honoring individual preferences.

This training will cover the most effective strategies for staff supporting individuals in employment. Ways to foster a fruitful partnership with an employer will be reviewed such as first impressions, learning company culture, and adapting methods to match the environment and needs of the individual. You will learn about the critical importance of staff supplementing, not replacing, existing natural supports, the full range of support strategies, and the importance of facilitating full social inclusion in employment and community settings.

At this training, you’ll learn about the employment provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the implications of the ADA in terms of supporting individuals to become successfully employed, and ensuring individuals understand their rights under the ADA. This session will also look specifically at the reasonable accommodation provisions of the ADA, and how to guide and support an individual through identifying and negotiating job accommodations.

This session will look at employment for people with disabilities within the overall context of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Learn about how disability fits within overall DEI efforts, and the importance of providing services and supports in a way that is sensitive to and responsive to diverse communities. You’ll also learn about the ongoing evolution of language in describing people with disabilities, the difference between person-first and identify-first, and the importance of honoring individual preferences.