Welcome to the Massachusetts Employment First E-Newsletter

Explore-Prepare-Act: Training by and for Self-Advocates

Do you know someone with intellectual disabilities who would like to learn more about finding a job? Explore-Prepare-Act: Finding the Job You Want is a three-hour training presented by self-advocates for self-advocates. It provides an overview of the steps involved in finding a satisfying job in the community.

The training includes presentations, discussion, video clips, and small group activities. Providers interested in hosting a training session should contact Marie D'Aoust, Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong at 617-624-7549.

The training is free of charge, and provider support staff are welcome to attend.

Check out the Explore-Prepare-Act video:

 http://www.exploreprepareact.org  

Upcoming Events  

Seats are still available for our employment supports training, coming up in April through June. Space is limited, so register soon:

http://employmentfirstma.org/providertraining/ 

Massachusetts APSE will be holding their third annual Employment Matters! conference on April 22. Momentum is building, statewide and nationally, to increase the number of people who are taking home real paychecks. Join the conference to maximize your impact!

For information and to register:

http://www.massachusettsapse.org/years/2014.htm  

Resources

Providers, job seekers and family members need a basic understanding of work and Social Security benefits. BenePLAN offers two-hour overview trainings every month at One Stop Career Centers throughout the state. These sessions are free of charge and open to the public. For more information: http://www.beneplan.org/coming-events 

Limited expectations are frequently cited as a barrier to community employment. A powerful video from the Oregon Council on Development Disabilities shows the importance of setting high expectations around work.

The video, "Expect Me to Succeed, I Will," is under four minutes long, and well worth a look. Check it out:

Stay in Touch!

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