Let’s Get to Work Project of National Significance

Abstract

Wisconsin’s Let’s Get to Work project will develop and implement policies and practices that elevate community expectations and overall employment outcomes for youth with intellectual and other developmental disabilities (I/DD). To accomplish this, the project will use statewide school pilot sites to test evidence-based practices and simulated policy changes that expand competitive employment in integrated settings. A coordinated set of intervention strategies and awareness-building activities will be implemented at the sites with a total of 40 youth, ages 15–17, who have been identified through the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process as having intellectual or multiple disabilities or autism.  Results will be evaluated for efficacy, and then analyzed by a broad-based Consortium of statewide policy, systems, and grassroots leaders. This Consortium will then develop strategies for dissemination of policies and practices, grassroots advocacy, and ultimate implementation. The Consortium’s goal will be to embed findings into existing policies and practices at the local, state, and federal levels, ultimately resulting in sustainable, improved employment and self-sufficiency outcomes for youth with ID/DD. 

Organization

Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities
201 W. Washington Avenue
Suite 110
Madison, WI 53703-2796

Contact

Beth Swedeen, Executive Director
Phone: (608) 266-1166
Fax: (608) 267-3906
E-mail: beth.swedeen@wisconsin.gov

Grant Number

90DN0286

Award Amount

$365,000 per year

Project Period

9/30/11 – 9/29/16

Project Officer

Larissa R. Crossen
Phone: (202) 690-5999
E-mail: Larissa.crossen@acl.hhs.gov