Project Description:
The John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University in partnership with the Institute for Community Inclusion at the University of Massachusetts and the Institute on Community Integration at the University of Minnesota will undertake an evaluation of New Jerseys Employment First policies and practices, and develop a comprehensive advocacy plan to increase meaning competitive employment and day services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in New Jersey.
New Jersey became an Employment First state in 2012. As in many states, more work is needed to increase competitive, integrated employment outcomes and decrease dependence on center-based work. Using data from key informant interviews, stakeholder forums, an online survey, and a document review, this project will develop a white paper that will identify and explore New Jerseys policies, practices, programs and services, and outcomes in the area of employment and employment preparation for individuals with I/DD, including transition planning for those ages 14+. After the white paper is developed, it will be circulated to NJCDD and among key informants for feedback and discussion of next steps. Based on the content of the white paper and information received an Action-Oriented Plan for Advocacy and Systems Change will be developed, based on the requirements of the RFP. The recommendations for systems change based on the high performing states framework, with specific, concrete and measurable activities, to advance Employment First in New Jersey. It is critical that the report be more than a series of recommendations. To ensure progress and achievement of these recommendations, the report will also integrate within it specific strategies for implementing these recommendations. The expected benefit of this project is that key stakeholders in New Jersey will have a clear path forward to advancing Employment First within their state.
Target Audience:
Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities, Legislators/Policy Makers, General Public
