Project Description:
Accessing Health Care and Human Service Occupations Project The U.S. Department of Labor projects that of the 25 fastest growing occupations during the 1996-2006 time period, 12 are in the health care-related fields. In addition, one-third of the 25 highest paying occupations are in these fields. Individuals with disabilities continue to be significantly under-represented in these occupations. The health care field encompasses widely diverse career areas. Just a few examples include nurses, nurses aides, dental assistants, pharmacy packaging, massage therapists, central supply courier, phlebotomist, and medical records specialists. One of the greatest challenges in the developmental disabilities and mental health services field is the recruitment and retention of qualified staff. In additions, in line with the self-determination movement, the development disability and mental health systems are being reconfigured to offer individuals greater flexibility in choosing who will provide their services. These individuals will no longer be limited to choosing among provider organizations, but can choose to contract with independent providers for their services and supports. However, there is a great need to enlarge the pool of independent providers who are available within communities from which persons in need of services can choose. The services which these independent contractors may provide include person-centered planning, job training assistance, personal assistance, and community integration facilitation. Persons with disabilities themselves, including individuals with physical, sensory, mental health and learning disabilities represent an untapped labor pool for these career areas. The Center on Self-Determination (CSD) at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) proposes to respond to the Department of Labor Request for Proposals for the Disability Employment Grant Program. The goal of the proposed project is to increase the number of individuals with disabilities in health care and human services jobs. This Project will assist at least 200 individuals to participate in health care and human services career training and education, and to assist at least 100 individuals in unsubsidized employment in these career areas. The Project will include individuals who experience the full range of disabilities, including developmental, mental health, physical, sensory, and learning. Explicit efforts will be made to insure that the participant pool include the approximate same percentage (i.e., 20%) of individuals in each of the five disability categories.
Target Audience:
Students/Trainees (long or intermediate trainees), Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, General Public
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English, Geographic Areas, Empowerment Zone, Rural/Remote, Urban
