Ready & Able:
Independence, Employment and Disability Benefit Programs
December 3 & 4, 2009 (Thursday & Friday) 8:30am-4:30pm
DECEMBER 3 Theme of events– Programs for Independence (Programs to Assist People with Disabilities)
DECEMBER 4 Theme of events– Employment and Disability Benefits (How Employment Impacts Public Benefits)
General Description: This is a 2 day event where folks can learn about programs, meet specialists, network, share information, access new resources and get some training in target areas that impact the lives of beneficiaries.
GOAL of this event: To provide a casual atmosphere where participants will have opportunities to learn how they can improve their services for people who receive social security disability benefits and who want to transition into self sufficiency, gain employment while managing public benefits and explore how to be successful in these areas.
Target Audience: Service Providers, Counselors, Case Managers, Program Coordinators, Employment Specialists, Educators, Support Team Members
Location: Hope Learning Center – 570 W. 53rd, Anchorage - Seating 100, there is a stage, audio/visual equipment and room for 4-5 tables
Day I Programs for Independence = is designed to alert direct service workers (& those in supervisory rolls) to new programs, changes in programs, and what is currently available to better assist their consumers who receive disability benefits. Providing greater independence will be the emphasis of the day, Lunch will address independent living programs, with the last time slot hosting a panel of experts to provide advisement and skill development for the best practices of job coaching.
Day II Employment and Disability Benefits = is designed to offer specific class information on employment issues and what information is needed to better support beneficiaries with employment goals to include information on assisting transition aged youth. The lunch will include special guest speaker, Mona McAleese who will facilitate an Employer’s Forum to talk about what are the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities. The day will end with a panel of experts to provide tips on alternative employment strategies to help beneficiaries return to the workforce while managing their disabilities.
SCHEDULE for DAY I : December 3 - Programs for Independence
8:30am-9:00am |
Min. |
Doors open - Play Able and Willing DVD – 26 min. |
Coffee/Tea/Juices/Network |
9:00am – 9:10am |
10 |
|
Introductions – Planning team members and how to get the best use of these 2 days |
9:10am-9:30am |
20 |
Ellen Sales-Johnson , DPN/DOL
|
The DPN program and DOL Where to find stuff? Career and Training Services |
9:30am- 9:55am |
25 |
Katie Johnson, Program Officerfor AMHTA |
Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority Mini Grant program – does grant $ impact benefits? |
9:55am- – 10:15am |
20 |
Debbie Casie, Asst. Manager Credit Union 1 |
Individual Development Accounts or IDA programs – Do these funds impact resources? |
10:15am-10:30am |
15 |
Rich Sanders, Program Coordinator, Gov’s C- |
Financial literacy & resources Earned income tax credit |
10:30am-10:45am |
15 |
15 min. Break |
|
10:45am -11:45pm |
60 |
Josetta Cranston, CWIC and Employment Services Coord.-Center for Human Development
|
Tools for job retention using The Benefits Summary Analysis and the Work Incentive Plan |
11:45am-12pm |
15 |
Break - Prepare for lunch |
|
12pm – 1:15pm |
ACCESS AK Lunch Speakers Best Practices in Independent Living Programs |
Employment Network – Community Partnerships and ILPs Is being on social security a barrier to employment? Baked Potato Luncheon |
|
1:15pm-1:30pm |
15 min. Break |
||
1:30pm – 2:30pm |
60 |
Terry Hamm, DPA Long Term Care Coordinator-
|
Interpreting the Alaska Public Assistance Payment Printout and When are you eligible for SSI but not APA? |
2:30pm –3:15pm |
45 |
David Berube |
Developing a Good PASS (Plan to Achieve Self Support) |
3:15pm – 3:30pm |
15 min. break |
Snacks Play Able & Willing 10 min. version DVD? |
|
3:30pm – 4:30pm |
60 |
Job Support Experts Panel Sharon Cannon (CHD) –tracking data and fading strategies Hope: Sandy Hobbs – new Supported Employment director and Eric Gurley - Danny Parish from ARC |
Best Practices of a Good Job Coach – What do you need to know? Tracking Critical Touch Points |
Schedule for DAY II: December 4 - Employment and Disability Benefits
8:30am – 9am |
Min. |
Doors open – Play Able & Willing DVD – 26min. |
Coffee/Tea/Juices/Network |
9:am – 9:10am |
10 |
|
Welcome & Introduction: |
9am- 9:40am |
28+12 |
Sharon Cannon, CHD educator |
Teaching Self Determination In Alaskan Schools Includes 12 min. video: “Hey, It’s My Life” |
9:40am – 10:30am |
40 |
Josetta Cranston CHD employment services coordinator/CWIC |
Transition Aged Youth on SSA and Employment – What is YOUR Job? |
10:30am – 10:45am |
15 min. Break |
||
10:45am-11:45am |
60 |
Terry Hamm, DPA Long Term Care Coordinator-
|
Working Disabled Medicaid and When do you need to apply for the Medicaid Buy In |
11:45am – 12 |
15 |
Break: Prepare for Lunch |
Play Able & Willing 10 min. version DVD??? |
12 noon – 1:30pm |
1hr 15min. |
Introducing: Host and Special Speaker: Mona McAleese from ESS and the Employer’s Forum - confirmed |
Lunch with Mona: Employers’ Forum
Sandwiches and Sandwich Wraps with Chips |
1:30pm – 1:45pm |
15 min. Break |
||
1:45pm – 2:30pm |
45 |
|
Getting that Job- Negotiating with Employers: Their Bottom Line |
2:30pm -3pm |
30 |
Robin Schmidt, SSA Public Relations with other SSA staff introductions |
Keeping organized, reporting income and maintaining good communications with the SSA office |
3 pm – 3:15pm |
15 min. Break |
Snacks Play Able & Willing 10 min. version DVD??? |
|
3:15pm – 4:30pm |
1 hr 15 min. |
Panel of Experts- Danny Parish from ARC of Anchoratge on Job Dev. David Walker, Employment Specialist from Assets, Inc. Josetta Cranston, Center for Human Development
|
Employment options: Best Practices in Job Carving, Person Centered Case Management, & Self Employment Work incentives for the beneficiary |