Project Description:
NEED: To teach sheltered workshop clients, their families, and the agency's staff about disability benefits, how their benefits may be impacted by work, and the importance of obtaining benefits counseling services through VR to support their preparation for the transition from sheltered to competitive employment.
DELIVERABLES/GOALS:
Update Let's Talk Benefits training and deliver 5 times, either online or in-person, for case managers, SE+ demonstration site families, clients, and staff members. ASL and captioning services will be provided, as needed.
Deliver 2 online refresher trainings for BIN providers serving the demonstration sites on the follow-up BIN services, how to implement and document the new service.
Provide open office hours twice monthly for case managers and others (e.g., service providers, sheltered work participants and their families) to get information and questions answered regarding the impact of benefits (technical assistance following training).
Benefits education and information plan, BIN strategic plan, and follow-up services review and technical assistance to BIN Liaisons serving the demonstration sites.
Provide site-based technical assistance for families and clients at the 9 demonstration sites. Schedule 2-3 site visits for meetings with families and clients to engage in benefits conversations, ensure referral to the BIN liaison for benefits services, and answer questions and concerns. This will also create an opportunity to engage with staff and address questions and concerns about benefits and working.
Conduct quarterly online meetings with BIN liaisons and VRCs serving SE+ demonstration sites.
EXPECTED BENEFITS:
Sheltered workshop clients and their families will receive benefits counseling and feel comfortable and confident in moving from sheltered to competitive employment, increasing the number of clients who are employed in the community for minimum wage or higher.
