Roads to Community Living (RCL) Employment Initiative

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In 2011, the Washington State Legislature closed the Frances Haddon Morgan Center (FMHC), a Residential Habilitation Center (RHC/institution) for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Bremerton, Washington. 31 people moved from FHMC into communities throughout Washington State by December 2011.  

This Employment Initiative is sponsored by WA State's Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA).  It initially focused on 14 individuals – 12 who moved from FHMC to communities in Kitsap, King, and Pierce Counties, one who moved out of Fircrest School into the community in King County, and one who is currently preparing to leave Fircrest.  Most experience significant autism and all experience daunting challenges to community inclusion and employment.

The project formed a statewide Steering Committee and three local workgroups for Kitsap, King, and Pierce Counties.  In addition, teams of support were built around each participant.  Teams included representatives from the individuals’ families and social circles, residential support providers, employment support providers (once interviewed and selected), Washington State DDA staff, county developmental disability (DD) staff, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) staff, school staff and consultants if applicable.  Person-centered employment plans, facilitated by WiSe, were developed for each participant, resulting in clear next steps and use of Roads to Community Living (RCL) enhanced resources.  Individuals and their teams continue to work together with the goal of finding the person a real, paying, job in the community.

The main goal of the project is to look at systems change and figure out what it will take to get these individuals jobs, despite the complexity and severity of their barriers to employment.  Most of the first year was dedicated to starting the process, forming the teams around the individuals, getting the employment service providers on board and building relationships and trust, and developing the employment plans.  Most participants needed professional consultations to get communication systems in place and functioning.  The employment plans helped the teams gather and build on historical and relevant information, align activities and resources, define next steps and responsibilities, and move forward toward the person’s desired future.   Other goals of the project include designing a process and model to enhance employment opportunities for those leaving RHCs, and sharing the information learned with other counties, communities, and the WA State Legislature.  As of August, 2013, 4 of the 16 participants had paid part time jobs (25%).  The low rate reflects the difficulty we are having trying to place people with severe autism.  We are working to correct this through training and technical assistance, and trying to develop new skilllsets addressing this with our Employment Specialists. 

The project will continue to add new participants who are moving to different counties statewide through 2014.