Ride in 55

Gateways: West Virginia's Comprehensive Employment System (CES)

West Virginia has the highest percentage of people with a disability in the nation (24.1%). A person with a disability in West Virginia is one-third as likely to hold a job and almost three times as likely to be living in poverty as a person with no disability.

In 2006, the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) received funding for a comprehensive employment systems change grant from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Grant funds were utilized to develop a strategic plan for the employment of people with disabilities in West Virginia, entitled "Gateways."

Gateways provides a vision and a plan for changing the disability and employment paradigm in West Virginia. It's Strategic Plan is the blue-print to a consumer-driven support system that effectively increases employment options, demonstrates clear measures of success and is sustainable.

Contracting with the Center for Excellence in Disabilities (CED) at West Virginia University and using the services of the Center for Entrepreneurial Studies and Development, Inc. (CESD), a comprehensive map of West Virginia's current landscape for employment of people with disabilities was developed. Comparisons with other states, information from surveys and interviews with stakeholders as well as presentations to stakeholder groups around the state, helped determine needs and potential supports. Input was gathered from agencies, organizations, businesses, advocates, policymakers and people with disabilities and their families. This input resulted in the identification of seven areas of focus.

Development of a Leadership Council, Steering Committee and Work Groups fulfill the need for a leadership forum where agencies, policymakers, advocates, employers and people with disabilities can direct the comprehensive system of employment for people with disabilities in West Virginia. The Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) has accepted the leadership role, with these partners, for the successful implementation of Gateways.
Employment supports will be expanded through new collaborations, directed training and technical assistance for supported employment and community rehabilitation programs in the movement to expanded opportunities, choices and ompetitive employment.
Transition services and supports will include a statewide Transition Conference that will result in new collaborations and "state-of-the-art" practice and policy enhancements. An emphasis will be on promoting person-centered planning and building employment expectations for transitioning students and their families.
A booklet, "Getting from Here to There" as well as "ride-share" and web information will expand transportation information for people with disabilities and service providers. Gateways will participate on existing committees already established to address transportation issues in the state, ensuring that disability issues are part of state planning.
Gateways will promote assistive technology and job accommodation by partnering with the state's Assistive Technology Program and the national Job Accommodations Network, located in West Virginia.
An Employer Business Packet with information that supports businesses in hiring people with disabilities will be developed. A series of presentations for employment groups and businesses and marketing activities that link potential employers with positive images of people with disabilities will bring business "to the table."
Gateways will review existing employment data in the state to help determine service gaps and identify needed information. A work plan with timelines, responsible parties, and potential outcomes per activity will guide the implementation of Gateways for the next eighteen months.

Each goal has a plan for ensuring that successful activities are continued.