Attend ADDP's Membership Meeting  

& Employment Conference

 

Employment First:  

From Vision to Reality
 

November 1, 2013

Bentley College

Waltham, Ma
 

8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Seating is limited, so
  

Why Aflac insurance for small businesses?

• You can add great value while protecting your bottom line because Aflac premiums are employee-funded and completely voluntary.
• Aflac policies help provide a safety net of protection for your employees when they need it most.
• Aflac pays fast, usually processing claims in about four days, letting your employees focus on recovery and not medical expenses.

Folks working on the draft DDS Employment Plan can readily tell you that change can be difficult when one tries to reach consensus in a way that reflects the concerns of all involved - - individuals, family members, provider agencies and the Department itself.

In the evolving draft Employment Plan, DDS has been working with the Arc of Massachusetts and ADDP to include alternative service options for consumers and change tools for the provider community.

Most important to consumers is the acknowledgement from DDS that no consumers will lose access to services, though the choice in service options will change from sheltered workshop services.

Most providers offer the full array of employment and day program services described below, and so individuals and their families/guardians will have the choice of staying with the same provider agencies if that is their preference.

People served currently in sheltered workshops will be eligible to continue being served in a variety of new services and settings including:

• Community Based Day Supports (CBDS):  This service builds affirmatively upon prior experience in the sheltered workshop. Community- Based Day Supports provides activities that focus on life skills, community integration, social inclusion, leisure and recreation.  This program also provides a pathway to employment through a variety of career exploration and skill training opportunities, and can include volunteer experiences and situational assessments to help individuals explore their interests. Participation in the community at large is available and a positive feature of this support.  A variety of trainings and group experiences are offered in order to meet the needs of each individual to best support and improve the quality of each person's life.
• Individual Supported Employment: This service assists an individual seeking and maintaining employment through job placements, job coaches, career planning, and ongoing support services.  This can include the development of self-directed/owned businesses. 
• Group Employment:  This service allows people to work in the community under the direction and support of a provider agency including work in enclaves and integrated environments. 

The DDS/Arc/ADDP workgroup plans to share the details of the developing plan on November 1, 2013 at the ADDP Membership Meeting and Employment Conference.

To Register for the Conference click here.