HF 1469

as introduced - 88th Legislature (2013 - 2014) Posted on 03/11/2013 02:56pm

A bill for an act
relating to workforce development; appropriating money for a grant to
Advocating Change Together.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATION.
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new text begin (a) $120,000 in fiscal year 2014 and $120,000 in fiscal year 2015 are appropriated
from the workforce development fund to the commissioner of employment and
economic development for a grant to Advocating Change Together (ACT). ACT shall
implement Explore-Prepare-Act workshops to train up to 720 people with intellectual and
developmental disabilities across the state in pre-employment and on-the-job advocacy
skills.
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new text begin (b) Program participants must receive training regarding:
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new text begin (1) applying for and securing a new job;
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new text begin (2) negotiating wages and benefits;
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new text begin (3) developing communication skills;
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new text begin (4) networking with others to find or increase employment;
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new text begin (5) developing professional conduct that includes personal hygiene, grooming, and
appropriate workplace behaviors;
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new text begin (6) advocating for transportation to more actively seek employment or more actively
participate in work opportunities;
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new text begin (7) requesting disability-related accommodations at work or during a job interview;
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new text begin (8) integrating support services including social worker, job coach, or service
provider;
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new text begin (9) developing budgeting and money management skills;
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new text begin (10) participating in supplemental educational services and resources; and
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new text begin (11) peer-to-peer supports as people make changes that lead to better work outcomes.
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new text begin (c) Program administration must include:
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new text begin (1) hosting the training sessions throughout statewide regional offices;
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new text begin (2) providing curriculum and program facilitators;
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new text begin (3) hosting a Leadership Circle twice each year to set employment goals for the state
and serve as an advisory council;
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new text begin (4) offering peer-to-peer supports to all participants as they seek new employment,
promotions, and to maintain employment;
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new text begin (5) offering peer-to-peer supports to all participants as they seek supports from
social workers, job coaches, family, or service providers for support and assistance in
implementing their employment goals;
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new text begin (6) evaluating program outcomes via contract with the University of Minnesota
Institute on Community Integration;
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new text begin (7) participating in the Self-Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE) 2014
conference by presenting program results and methods; and
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new text begin (8) providing an annual report on the findings of the Explore-Prepare-Act workshops
in paragraph (a) to the legislature in January 2014 and January 2015.
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