TASH is currently seeking proposals to present during the 2012 TASH Conference. The 2012 Conference theme focuses on challenging long-held presumptions - presumptions that have persistently limited people with disabilities from accessing full lives in schools, employment, and the community. Challenge the notion that answers can't be changed!

The TASH Conference (November 28-December 1, Long Beach, CA) highlights progressive practices and research that advance the employment outcomes of people with severe impact of disability. It's a place where advocates, self-advocates and all variety of professionals and researchers converge to share ideas, discuss priorities and take action to create positive change in the lives of people with disabilities. Come share your research findings, evidence-based practices, personal stories and experiences in systems change with more than a thousand passionate attendees.

The deadline to submit your proposal is April 5, 2012, at 11:59 p.m. PST. Visit the 2012 TASH online submission site for instructions and access to the call for proposals process.

The University of Massachusetts Transition RTC and the Community of Practice, Northeast Massachusetts recently posted a tip sheet for youth. How to Stay in Contact with Professionals [PDF], offers advice for keeping in touch by phone, text and internet with doctors, psychiatrists, counselors, etc. It also includes tips professionals can use to stay in touch with young adults.

A Tax Tips video describing the EITC is available on YouTube. The Earned Income Tax Credit is a federal income tax credit for low-income workers. The credit can reduce the amount of tax owed, or be a direct refund to filers. The tax credit ranges from $475 for an individual with no children, to $5,236 for a family with two children. The Internal Revenue Service offers an online EITC Assistant to help people find out if they may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit.

The IRS provides a number of resources for people with disabilities. The local IRS Tax Assistance Center, or Volunteer Income Tax Assistance or Tax Counseling for the Elderly site (VITA or TCE) may be able to assist individuals who are unable to complete their tax returns because of a disability. To find a Tax Assistance Center near you, visit the IRS web site, click on "contact IRS," and then select "contact your local IRS office." You can also find a nearby VITA or TCE location online or by calling 1-800-906-9887. Publication 907, Tax Highlights for Persons with Disabilities [PDF], explains the tax implications of certain disability benefits and other issues. There is even a YouTube video that highlights IRS products and services available for people with disabilities.

The Campaign for Disability Employment is launching its second nationwide video contest to promote the talent and skills that people with disabilities bring to America's workforce. This year the campaign will recognize winners in up to three specific categories (general public, youth and employer), and the public will be encouraged to select those winners. First place winners in each of the three categories will be recognized and awarded an Apple iPad, and cash prizes will be awarded to second place winners in the general public and youth categories. Submit your entry by March 30, 2012.

Are you connecting with your state's UCEDD (University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities)? UCEDDs were created in 1963 to serve people with intellectual disabilities and are now a resource for individuals with a wide range of disabilities. A new brochure [PDF] from the Association of University Centers on Disability outlines the functions and recent accomplishments of the UCEDDs and provides the locations of each.

On February 2, 2012, the Southeast TACE hosted the next webinar of the Improving Employment Outcomes for Individuals with Psychiatric Disabilities series. Career Exploration, Development and Planning for Consumers with SMI --Part 1 featured presenters Charles Bernacchio, Ed.D., CRC and Eileen J. Burker, Ph.D., CRC. Bonnie Schell, Consumer Affairs Project; Obie Johnson, BA/QMHP; and Laurie Coker, Director of NC CANS served as consultants.

During the webinar, the dismal employment rates of individuals with severe and persistent mental illness were reviewed. Even though people with SMI want to work, they are less likely to achieve successful VR closure rates when compared to other individuals with disabilities.

So what can VRCs do to improve this picture? For starters, consider the "assumptions of rehabilitation readiness":

• Readiness describes intent (the person's willingness to engage in the rehabilitation process), not ability.
• Readiness is not static - it changes due to factors such as illness and personal circumstances.
• Readiness is related to an environment (living, learning, working...).
• The person should be involved in the process of assessing his/her readiness.
• The perspective of the person being assessed must be included.
• Readiness shouldn't be used to deny services to someone with SMI - it should be used to select services.

Accurate vocational assessment is important when working with individuals with SMI. The presenters described two methods of assessing vocational functioning: work-based performance measures and situational assessments, and measures developed specifically for individuals with SMI.

The importance of using networks was also addressed. According to research by Temelini and Fesco (1996) cited during the webinar, "The use of networking among CRPs serving consumers resulted in higher wages, greater number of hours worked and shorter length of time on job search." Connections must include not only those of the CRPs but also of the individual job seekers. Personal, organizational and community networks should be explored. Benefits of network contacts may include:

• The job seeker has credibility through known relationships
• Connections draw attention to applicants who might otherwise be overlooked
• Gleans important information on the history of the employer, who to approach, business needs and hiring preferences
• May prevent "screening out"
• Makes it easier to request support when hiring and afterwards

Next the presenters discussed career development approaches. Steps may involve:

• Considering potential skill gaps
• Identifying interests and abilities, along with occupations that relate to these
• Evaluating occupational alternatives based on personal values
• Listing more than one work alternative
• Developing a career plan/goal
• Identifying symptoms that hinder career activity
• Reading about occupations
• Discussing/clarifying past experiences and current preferences
• Collecting information from family members and friends
• Interpreting standard vocational interest and aptitude tests
• Researching jobs in the library or one-stop career centers
• Shadowing or talking with workers doing jobs
• When possible, observing the actual jobs as they're being performed
• Helping to arrange for informational interviews
• Trying out targeted jobs
• Analyzing the experience for skill and fit
• Using the information gathered to make subsequent decisions
• Using unpaid or volunteer experiences, provided they follow Department of Labor guidelines
• Helping the consumer to process and make use of all the information and experiences
• Using support groups focused on the career development process and goals for consumers
• Introducing the consumer to peers who now work to provide valuable encouragement and feedback
• Exposing consumers to job clubs and employment dinners

Finally, the presenters covered Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), as well as the work incentives available through both programs.

To learn more review the archived webinar and join Career Exploration, Development & Planning for Consumers w/SMI- Part 2 on March 9, 2012 from 12:00-1:00 PM Eastern. During this webinar, presenters will address skill training and development (preparing for interviews, job clubs, the clubhouse model, drop-in centers, peer support, and the Individual Placement Service- Dartmouth model); disclosure and confidentiality; and suggestions/recommendations for rehabilitation counselors.

Kim Brown
Southeast TACE