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Luxury or Necessity? (Supported Employment Study Results)

Supporting Nebraskans with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to Join the Workforce and Contribute to Nebraska's Economy

Presented by Dr. Lisa Mills

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The Nebraska Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCDD) has included improving competitive, integrated, and meaningful opportunities for employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) as one of our new State Plan goals.  To launch efforts in this area, NCDD contracted with national subject matter expert Dr. Lisa Mills, to conduct a comprehensive study of supported employment outcomes and services for people with IDD. Dr. Mills has expertise and knowledge as a national consultant on Employment First who has worked with over 30 states, including Medicaid, Vocational Rehabilitation, and workforce agencies.  She has expertise in Medicaid waivers, Customized Employment, and value/outcome-based reimbursement models for supported employment services.

NCDD is pleased to share the report, Necessity or Luxury? Supporting Nebraskans with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to Join the Workforce and Contribute to Nebraska’s Economy, with our stakeholders and partners.  This report summarizes the methods and findings of a study undertaken to assess and better understand current employment outcomes for people with I/DD in the State of Nebraska. This study also included a focus on gaining a comprehensive understanding of the history of policy, practice and outcomes leading up to the current situation. Overall, the study was undertaken to identify strategic recommendations that the State of Nebraska and other key stakeholders can consider for implementation to improve employment opportunities and outcomes for Nebraskans with I/DD.

Study Results Include the Following Documents:

• Necessity or Luxury – Nebraska Supported Employment Outcomes Study Final Report Executive Summary
• Necessity or Luxury? Supporting Nebraskans with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to Join the Workforce and Contribute to Nebraska’s Economy, February 2023
• At Work Our Abilities Shine – NCCD 2023 (Handout for families and self-advocates)
• Workforce Shortage – Investing in Untapped Solutions for Legislators

(To read through the report presentation slides at your own pace, click HERE)

PRESENTATION OF FINDINGS 03/28/2023