Jumpstarting Results
For quite some time, I, like many of you, have been searching for ways to improve supported employment outcomes for people with disabilities. While some states lead the way with higher job placements, more hours, and better financial rewards for supported employees, others struggle with what was once a fertile field of opportunities and passionate leadership. Over time, changes in leadership, shifting funding, and a lack of sustained values have caused the momentum of employment initiatives to stall, even falter, often resulting in fewer job and business opportunities for people with disabilities.
Essential Elements
In this series, we’ll dive into the essential elements needed to rejuvenate your field of dreams and cultivate a vibrant landscape of employment opportunities for people with disabilities. We’ll spotlight the Colorado Employment First Advisory Partnership, known as Employment for All, which aims to transform supported employment by implementing innovative strategies and fostering collaboration across the state. EFAP, as it is known, is Colorodo’s best effort at improving employment outcomes for people with disabilities and improving their prosperity. In full disclosure, I serve as Co-Chair of EFAP.
Key Elements
Let’s explore five key elements geared to ignite your efforts in no particular order.
1. Community
2. Individuals and Families
3. Creativity
4. New Ideas
5. Passionate Leaders
As we dig deep into the rich soil of creativity, we tap into the energy of inclusive growth, creating the all-important factor of success…momentum. This concept goes beyond accepting people with disabilities into mainstream society and workforces; it fosters economic advancement that benefits all, enabling individuals with disabilities to move from poverty to prosperity.
Self-Determination
Genuine self-determination can only be realized when people with disabilities experience the power of financial independence, and employment is a crucial aspect of financial security. But without community involvement, employment initiatives will struggle to flourish—plain and simple.
Mobilizing
Mobilizing local communities seems logical, but you may find yourself resisting. Where do you find the time? Your schedule is likely already consumed by efforts to bring stability and predictability to the ever-changing world of rehabilitation. It’s tempting to hunker down, seek shelter in the slow-moving bureaucracy, and wait out the latest storm of unwelcome change.
However, allowing resistance to take root is like letting weeds grow in an untended spring lawn. Often, a crisis forces us to pull those weeds, stop resisting change, and begin solving problems or seizing new opportunities. Beware: fearing the unknown can put your job development efforts at a standstill, but discovery is vital. So explore the options daily
Wondering where to start? How do we engage the community?
Stay tuned for Part Two of our series on Supported Employment, where we’ll explore actionable steps to bring these crucial elements to life and cultivate a thriving environment for supported employment, with insights and strategies from the Colorado Employment First Advisory Partnership’s “Employment for All” initiative.