AUCD Experts

Vicki Ferrara, M.A.

Center:

RI-The Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities, UCEDD

Contact Information:

RI College-Sherlock Center 600 Mt. Pleasant Ave., Providence, RI, 02908

401-456-8092

[email protected]

Leadership:

Primary Activity Coordinators:

Vocational Rehabilitation/Employment
Transition

Discipline Coordinators:

Project/Program/Clinic Contacts:

Coordinator, Access to Integrated Employment
Director, Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA)

Discipline(s):

Mental and Behavioral Health
Rehabilitation Counseling
Vocational Rehabilitation

AUCD Council Membership:

No Council Membership

Vita/Bio:

Victoria E. Ferrara, MRC, CWIC, is Coordinator of Access to Integrated Employment and Director of the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Program for Connecticut and Rhode Island at the Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities, Rhode Island College. She holds a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Assumption College and has more than 30 years of experience in disability employment, community rehabilitation, and workforce inclusion.

Since 1994, Ms. Ferrara has provided training, technical assistance, and information dissemination to advance competitive integrated employment for people with disabilities. She coordinates and delivers Supporting Meaningful Employment, an ACRE-endorsed Basic Employment Services Training curriculum, and has led numerous employment-focused systems change initiatives, grant-funded projects, and pilot programs.

Ms. Ferrara has extensive experience in survey development, data collection, analysis, and reporting, including leadership of the Rhode Island Day and Employment Outcomes Survey project. She also coordinates three statewide professional development groups focused on employment practices and workforce development.

A longstanding advocate for employment policy and systems change, Ms. Ferrara serves on advisory boards and committees, including RI APSE, RI SHRM, Diversity Committee ACRE strategic planning, Providence Housing Advisory, and chairs the Medicaid for the Working Disabled Work Group.

Service:

Direct the CT/RI WIPA project providing information, referral and 1:1 work incentive benefits counseling services to over 500 annually. Provide employment related training ACRE/FEAT/WOrking with Benefits / SE program management) for professionals, people with disabilities and family members) Provide Employment focused Technical Assistance

Linked Projects

Meaningful Employment

EnVision

Meaningful Employment

Employment Training

Meaningful Employment

WIPA

Employment Supports

WIPA

Supporting Meaningful Employment

Benefits Counseling

Benefits Counseling - WIPA