TAVAC+Board+April+Meeting

=**Hi everyone,**= =Excellent resources for people with autism= = REFERENCE POINTS: Employment Resources =

ADULT AUTISM AND EMPLOYMENT This guide produced by the University of Missouri for vocational rehabilitation professionals, includes a synthesis of existing literature, promising practices, and previously unpublished insights and suggestions from a national expert on autism & employment. To access the guide go to []

VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICE MODELS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS A new web site focuses on issues and strategies for improving employment outcomes for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. It features resources developed by the Vocational Rehabilitation Service Models for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders project that began in October 2008. This project has also developed a service provider directory intended to help consumers and families initiate contacts with the vocational rehabilitation system by providing contact information for state agency lead counselors for individuals with ASD. For more information go to []

MEASURING THE OUTCOMES OF JOB SEEKERS LIVING WITH I/DD IN THE VOCATIONAL REHAB PROGRAM Most people living with intellectual or developmental disabilities aspire to gainful employment. To assist them with this goal, state Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies offer employment-development services that are based upon Individualized Plans for Employment (IPEs). This Data Note explores how many individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities progressed from application to eligibility to IPE development and services, and how this figure varied across states. []

SUPPORTING INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS: QUALITY EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES This issue brief from ICI explores employment issues for persons living with autism spectrum disorders and provides helpful strategies for supporting professionals. For more information go to []

REAL PEOPLE REAL JOBS: STORIES FROM THE FRONT LINE The Institute for Community Inclusion's Real People, Real Jobs website is a growing catalogue of employment success stories. The site features a wide range of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities working in paid jobs in their communities. Through their stories, these individuals are spreading the word about the full range of employment opportunities and support options available. The website is designed to broaden perceptions about what is possible for people with disabilities, their families, and front-line employment support professionals. To read their stories go to []

= Senate bill 596 update... = []

= House Bill 1481 update (persons first language) = []

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