Transcript Alliance for Full Participation

I
Ray Graham
Association
Empowering people with disabilities
Alliance for Full Participation
• AFP is a formal partnership of leading national
I/DD organizations with a common vision – to
create a better and more fulfilling quality of life
for people with I/DD.
• Vision: That People with I/DD and their families
realize the promise of integration, productivity,
independence and quality of life choices.
AFP Partners
AFP History…
• Founded in 2003 as a collaboration of key
stakeholders.
• 2005 hosted first national summit.
• 2009 launched a new campaign: “Real Jobs – It’s
Everyone’s Business”. Goal: Double employment
by 2015!
• 2011 Employment First Summit.
AFP Vision for Employment
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Employment expectations are the same for all;
Education settings assist in raising expectations;
Person is the focus of the employment process;
Discovering interests and experiences are important;
Customization, choice, and natural supports ensure
satisfaction and retention;
Career development is always a consideration;
Employment is in regular, competitive, inclusive settings.
Interactions and relationships are valued;
Compensated at or above minimum wage, up to
prevailing wage.
AFP - Illinois State Team
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30 diverse members statewide and growing;
Team includes self advocates and families;
Completed “score card” (IL did not score well…);
Identifying priorities;
Advocacy role and provide input and leadership on
the development of key public policy;
• Governors Task Force (overlap of membership and
collaboration);
• Illinois – Employment First Summit
Olmstead Supreme Court
Decision
• As described the DOJ website: Olmstead v. L.C. is
a ruling that requires states to eliminate the
unnecessary segregation of persons with
disabilities and ensure that persons with
disabilities receive services in the most integrated
setting appropriate to their needs.
• Where do sheltered workshops fit in?
National Efforts to End Subminimum
Wage for People with Disabilities
• “Ensuring that Americans with disabilities receive
equal pay for equal work is more than a matter of
basic fairness, it’s a long-overdue
acknowledgement of the value disabled
Americans contribute to our workplaces every
day,” said Rep. Tim Bishop, D-N.Y., who
introduced the bill along with Rep. Cliff Stearns,
R-Fla. (disabilityscoop, Oct. 2011)
Join Team AFP-Illinois
Email Kim Zoeller
[email protected]
Think outside the box…
• Yes, you can transition your sheltered work program
to a more beneficial model of services (it’s about
people not programs).
• Micro-Business Development is a great option for
people.
• Use existing fund streams creatively!!
• Collaboration!
• Willingness to take a risk and think outside of the
box!
• Encourage families to push….