Project Description:
The Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabilities, a Center of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, at the University of Kansas (KUCDD), in partnership with Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Rehabilitation Research & Training Center on Workplace Supports and Job Retention, proposes to provide training, technical assistance, evaluation, and overall support to the direct service demonstration sites and Kansas Rehabilitation Services in the design, delivery, evaluation, and sustainability of the Kansas Employment Initiative. KUCDD draws together a distinct group of researchers and trainers with diverse talents and experiences who share a common interest regarding competitive, integrated employment for all people with disabilities including those with the most significant disabilities. The purpose of this project is to implement, expand capacity, and promote effective and replicable models of service delivery and systems change strategies that result in: competitive employment outcomes for increased number of individuals with developmental disabilities who are in sheltered workshops, on waiting lists for waiver services, or in non-work day services; a cultural, organizational, service delivery, and outcome shift at specified Community Developmental Disability Organization (CDDO) direct service demonstration sites; and the establishment of long-term, evidence-based provisions for the continuation of on-going training and resource sharing for key stakeholders statewide.
Keyword(s):
employment first, conversion, systems change, severe disability
Core Function(s):
Performing Technical Assistance and/or Training, Performing Research or Evaluation, Developing & Disseminating Information
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote, Specific Groups
