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Welcome to the Massachusetts Employment First E-Newsletter
August 2016
Self-Advocates Talk About the Employment Support They Want
VT self-advocate Stirling
Self Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE), in partnership with ThinkWork at ICI, have developed two great resources for employment support professionals.  The Truth Comes From Us outlines key steps that allies can take to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities achieve their employment goals. 
 
And check out this video, where you can hear directly from self-advocates about what matters to them when working with an employment support professional.  
Fall Training Opportunity: Register Now!
ICI is offering our popular 6-day training for employment specialists again this fall.  
The Comprehensive Employment Supports Training covers the foundations of community employment, career planning, job development, and job coaching & support strategies. 
 
This training will be held in Marlborough, and begins on September 27.  ICI also offers the option for participants to earn a certificate from the Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE).  
 
Get more details and register here. Do it soon-seats are limited!
New Webinar Series Begins September 16
ICI, in partnership with DDS, is launching a new webinar series.  Webinars will be held monthly on topics that are important for anyone assisting individuals in meeting their employment goals.  Join us for the first session!
 
Online Applications and Personality Tests: Don't Get Screened Out!
Friday, September 16, 9:30-11 AM
Most employers now use complicated online applications along with personality tests.  This webinar will address common questions:
  • How can I assist job seekers in preparing for and successfully completing online applications?
  • Which strategies work best to help job seekers understand test questions and make informed choices as they answer them?
  • Are personality tests discriminatory?  Are they legal?
This webinar will provide resources, information, and tips to assist you with this complex and challenging topic.  We welcome you to share strategies you have used to manage the online application process.
 
Save the Date! 
Plan to attend the upcoming statewide conference Building on Success: Expanding Employment Opportunities on November 30 in Marlborough. 
 
Designed for DDS staff and providers, educators, individuals with disabilities, and family members, as well as other state agency partners, this conference will celebrate what has been accomplished in MA in terms of integrated employment.  Speakers will also provide information and resources to support the continued expansion of employment opportunities for individuals served by DDS. 
 
Registration will be available in late September.  Watch your email for announcements!
 
We'll also be sharing updates on speakers and session topics via ICI's social media, so make sure you're connected to us on Facebook and on Twitter.

Stay in Touch!

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Institute for Community Inclusion | 617-287-4300 voice | [email protected]  |   www.communityinclusion.org
UMass Boston
100 Morrissey Blvd.
Boston, MA 02125