You are cordially invited to attend the 7th National Organizational Change Forum: A Time for Change: Sheltered Workshop Conversion to take place October 22-23, 2013 at the Hilton Hotel in Burlington, Vermont. Join us for this dynamic event focused on employment for individuals with disabilities. Hear from leaders who have aligned federal, state, and local systems and agencies to offer employment supports.

Sheltered Workshops have been a hot topic lately. Many realize it is time to change their workshops to community-based employment but aren't sure how. In 2002, Vermont closed its last sheltered workshop for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Former Vermont Senator Jim Jeffords noted, "As we close this chapter on work centers in Vermont, I hope that we encourage others to follow Vermont's lead to a place where all of us work side by side."

In this spirit we invite you to join us in Vermont this fall to continue the dialogue in partnership with the National Organizational Change Forum to improve employment outcomes for people with disabilities. We'll examine the issues of policy change, training, and culture-shift needed to foster the conversion of sheltered workshops to community-based employment services. State policy makers, Developmental Services, Vocational Rehabilitation, Advocates, and Families are encouraged to attend. State teams are strongly encouraged!