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Forums
VRS is pleased to invite VRS Community Partners and VRS Staff to regular VRS Community Partners + VRS Staff Forums. To receive email updates regarding the Forums, please subscribe to the VRS Community Partner and VRS Stakeholder listserv.
- What is the purpose? VRS Community Partners + VRS Staff Forums create a consistent communication opportunity for Vocational Rehabilitation Services staff and staff from Community Partners to hear VRS leadership and Community Partnerships updates. Hearing the same information at the same time facilitates a shared point of reference for VRS staff and Community Partners.
- What's the structure? VRS leadership and VRS Community Partnership team program specialists lead the forums, with speakers pulled in from all areas of our program to address specific topics.
- Who should attend? Any and all VRS Community Partner staff and VRS Staff are encouraged to attend.
- When will the meetings happen? VRS Community Partners + VRS Staff Forums are recurring meetings on the first Tuesday of every month from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Forum Registration: VRS Community Partners + VRS Staff Forums Conversations will be held using Zoom. Each forum has a unique zoom link to register which will be sent in the weeks prior to each forum. Registration links for the year are also posted below. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the VRS Community Partners + VRS Staff Forum you registered for.
- Forum Accommodations: ASL Interpreters and Live-Closed Captioning are be provided for each VRS Community Partners + VRS Staff Forum. If you need any other accommodation, please contact Janeen Oien at Janeen.Oien@state.mn.us.
- Forum Recording and Materials: A recording and transcript of the forum and any shared meeting materials will be posted after each VRS Community Partners + VRS Staff Forums on this webpage.
- Email List: To receive forum registration information and Zoom links prior to each forum, please register your mail in the VRS Community Partner and VRS Stakeholder listserv.
- For More Information: If you have any questions about any forum, please contact Janeen Oien at Janeen.Oien@state.mn.us.
Upcoming Forums
February 4, 2025
April 1, 2025
June 3, 2025
August 5, 2025
October 7, 2025
December 2, 2025
Past Forums
December 3, 2024: VRS Community Partners + VRS Staff Forum - Video (passcode: %M3SE^bs) | Presentation | Transcript
October 1, 2024: VRS Community Partners + VRS Staff Forum - Video (passcode: YIV!9wqz) | Presentation | Transcript
August 6, 2024: VRS Community Partners + VRS Staff Forum - Presentation
June 4, 2024: VRS Community Partners + VRS Staff Forum - Video (passcode: 6N3+&zI^) | Presentation | Transcript
April 2, 2024: VRS Community Partners + VRS Staff Forum - Video (passcode: +^1F8VUw) | Presentation | Transcript
February 6, 2024: VRS Community Partners + VRS Staff Forum - Video (passcode: 5.=fg8pn) | Presentation | Transcript
October 3, 2023: VRS Community Partners + VRS Staff Forum - Video (passcode: &W75mA&N) | Presentation | Transcript
June 6, 2023: VRS Community Partners + VRS Staff Forum - Video (passcode: S2gTWW1=) | Presentation | Transcript
February 7, 2023: VRS Community Partners + VRS Staff Forum - Video (passcode: @JyXN.54) | Presentation
December 6, 2022: VRS Community Partners + VRS Staff Forum - Video | Presentation | Transcript
October 4, 2022: VRS Community Partners + VRS Staff Forum - Video | Presentation | Transcript
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CP Conversations
The Community Partnerships Team hosts regular office hours. These are virtual and open to any contracted community partner.
Office hours are from 9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. on the Second Friday of the month. Recurring Zoom link.
These office hours will have updates from the Community Partnerships team and have time for questions and answers. Any contracted partner staff is welcome to attend.
Here are the scheduled dates for 2024:
- Wednesday September 4, 2024 - CANCELLED, no office hours
- Friday, October 11, 2024
- Friday, November 8, 2024
- Friday, December 13, 2024
2025 will continue with office hours on the second Friday of the month from 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
If you need an accommodation for this meeting, please contact Sara Sundeen, Community Partnerships Program Specialist at sara.sundeen@state.mn.us.
Past CP Conversations
Previous recordings, these are no longer recorded.
October 4, 2023
September 6, 2023 - Youth Team
August 2, 2023 - Extended Employment and Long Term Supports
June 7, 2023
May 3, 2023
March 1, 2023 - Workforce1 Provider Access
February 1, 2023 - Customized Employment
November 2, 2022- Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)
October 5, 2022 - Discussing Service Needs and Reading Authorizations
September 7, 2022 - Performance Based Agreements (PBAs)
August 10, 2022 - Travel and Transportation
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VR Community Learning Connections
VRS is pleased to invite VRS Community Partners and VRS Staff to VR Community Learning Conversations training. To receive email updates regarding the VR Community Learning Conversations, please contact Karla.F.Eckhoff@state.mn.us.
- What's the purpose? The purpose of the VR Community Learning Connections training series is to provide an opportunity for VRS staff, SSB staff, and Community Partner staff to join together in shared experience to strengthen skills and grow stronger together in serving Minnesotans with disabilities. This training series also supports our Community Partners in meeting the contractual obligations to provide and train employees that are culturally informed and affirming of the lived experiences of individuals served by the contract.
- Who is Hosting? The VR Community Learning Connections training series is a collaboration between the VRS Staff Development team and the VRS Community Partnerships team.
- Who Should attend? The VR Community Learning Connections training series are open to all Vocational Rehabilitation Services staff, State Services for the Blind staff, and VRS and SSB Community Partner staff.
- When will the Trainings Happen? The VR Community Learning Connections will be held on an ad hoc basis at this time. The first three trainings are set, with more to be added as trainers are scheduled.
- Cost: The VR Community Learning Connections training series are free trainings.
- Zoom: The VR Community Learning Connections training series will take place virtually via Zoom.
- Registration: Registration is required for each session. Each training session has a unique zoom link to register. Please register early so we have a sense of attendance before the training date.
- Accommodations: Closed Captioning and ASL interpreting will be provided for all sessions. For additional accommodation requests please contact VRS.StaffDevelopment.DEED@state.mn.us at least 10 business days before each event.
- Recording: Whenever possible, VRS will post the recordings of the training to the VRS website. The first three sessions will be recorded and posted to the VRS website.
- CRC Credits: The first three sessions all offer CRC credit.
- Email List: To receive information about future VR Community Learning Connections trainings, please request to join our Community Partner email list serve by contacting Karla Eckhoff at Karla.F.Eckhoff@state.mn.us.
- Questions: If you have questions, please contact VRS.StaffDevelopment.DEED@state.mn.us or Janeen.Oien@state.mn.us"
Providing Services to LGBTQ+ Individuals With Disabilities
The first 3 sessions in our training series focus on providing services to LGBTQ+ individuals with disabilities. Currently LGBTQIA+ workers earn on average 90 cents or less per 1 dollar earned by other workers. Further, 20% of queer individuals live in poverty when compared to 16% nationally of their cis-gendered and straight peers. When applying for jobs 20% of LGBTQIA+ jobseekers experience discrimination, and 46% of queer employees remain closeted at work.
Working effectively with LGBTQIA+ individuals with disabilities to find employment requires an understanding of the unique issues facing individuals in this community and strategies to find the best outcome for the individual.
We are thrilled these sessions will be presented by DJ Ralston, M.A. (They/Them/Theirs). DJ is a Senior Technical Assistance & Research Analyst at The George Washington University Center for Innovative Training in Vocational Rehabilitation (CIT-VR).
An Introduction to working with LGBTQ+ Individuals with Disabilities
- Learning Objectives:
- Increased knowledge on the application of CRC/ACA ethics for working with LGBTQ+ persons
- Increased knowledge and ability to utilize common language related to LGBTQ+ identity(ies)
- Increase knowledge of how to create affirming and inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ identified individuals
- How to support LGBTQ+ people, including Transgender and Gender Expansive persons, in their pursuit of work.
- Presenter: DJ Ralston, M.A. (They/Them/Theirs), Senior Technical Assistance & Research Analyst at The George Washington University Center for Innovative Training in Vocational Rehabilitation (CIT-VR).
- CRC: 1 CRC
- Recording
Special Considerations for working with LGBTQ+ Youth and Students with Disabilities
- Learning Objectives:
- Increased understanding of nuances associated with working with students/youth as it pertains to safety
- Increased understanding of the role of the VR Counselor and when and where to provide support with referrals and coordination of additional supports and services
- Increased understanding and application of how to address needs of LGBTQ+ students and youth as it pertains to working with agency partners and natural supports (i.e. school systems and families).
- Increased knowledge of resources to support LGBTQ+ youth
- Presenter: DJ Ralston, M.A. (They/Them/Theirs), Senior Technical Assistance & Research Analyst at The George Washington University Center for Innovative Training in Vocational Rehabilitation (CIT-VR).
- CRC: 1.25 CRCs
- Recording
Supporting LGBTQ+ Individuals with Disabilities in Pursuing Work
- Learning Objectives:
- Increased knowledge of how agencies and organizations can support LGBTQ+ identified individuals through policies and procedures
- Increased capacity to support LGBTQ+ identified persons in their pursuit of work including how to approach potential employers.
- Increased understanding of what to do in cases of discrimination, including resources and bystander intervention practices.
- Increased knowledge of resources to support LGBTQ+ individuals, including the discernment of legitimate resources.
- Presenter: DJ Ralston, M.A. (They/Them/Theirs), Senior Technical Assistance & Research Analyst at The George Washington University Center for Innovative Training in Vocational Rehabilitation (CIT-VR).
- CRC: 1.25 CRCs
- Recording
Unconscious Bias
Understanding and Supporting Autistic Individuals on the Job
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Messages
| Bulletin Title |
Date |
| VR Community Learning Connections: Foundations and Implications of Working with People who are Deaf, DeafBlind, or Hard of Hearing |
1/13/2025 |
| Register for the February 4, 2025, VRS + CRP Forum |
1/13/2024 |
| Statewide Business Engagement Network Meeting |
12/30/2024 |
| Minnesota Customized Employment (MN-CE) Training Announcement for Winter 2025 |
12/17/2024 |
| Message from the VRS Director on Pre-ETS authorizations |
12/11/2024 |
| Join us for the next VR Community Learning Connections: Foundations and Implications of Working with People who are Deaf, DeafBlind, or Hard of Hearing! |
12/5/2024 |
| REMINDER! Register for 12.03.2024 VRS + CRP Forum |
12/3/2024 |
| MN Disability Hub Resource List for Professionals |
11/20/2024 |
| VRS Pre-ETS Authorizations |
11/6/2024 |
| DEED VRS wants to hear from people with disabilities |
10/7/2024 |
| Join DEED-VRS for Advanced Resume Writing |
10/3/2024 |
| Training Opportunities for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum and Professionals |
10/1/2024 |
| Adjustments in supporting student work experiences |
9/30/2024 |
| Changes to VRS CP Conversations meetings |
9/3/2024 |
| Project SEARCH Engagement Request |
8/5/2024 |
| iGREET free training opportunity |
6/21/2024 |
| 6.4.2024 VRS + CRP Forum recording is posted |
6/10/2024 |
| VRS and Community Partners - upcoming events |
5/31/2024 |
| VRS and CP Upcoming Events |
3/29/2024 |
| Minnesota Customized Employment (MN-CE) Training Announcement |
3/13/2024 |
| VRS Learning Connections 4/4/24 session |
3/6/2024 |
| Follow-Up to February’s VRS Community Partners + VRS Staff Forum |
2/16/2024 |
| Pathful Explore |
2/15/2024 |
| VRS Contracted Services Review Workgroup Update |
1/29/2024 |
| REGISTER for February’s VRS Community Partners + VRS Staff Forum! |
1/29/2024 |
| iGreet, Placement 101, Job Coaching, and Generational Considerations trainings |
1/29/2024 |
| Minnesota’s new Earned Sick and Safe Time law |
1/22/2024 |
| Project SEARCH Letter of Interest Opportunities |
1/4/2024 |
| VRS Contracted Services Review Workgroup has launched |
12/7/2023 |
| Important Update to Go MN! Service Provider Grant RFP |
12/5/2023 |
| Minnesota Customized Employment (MN-CE) Training Announcement for Winter 2024 |
11/16/2023 |
| Cancelled! VRS CP Forum 12-05-2023 |
11/7/2023 |
| VRS Pre-ETS Community of Practice Expansion |
9/14/2023 |
| REMINDER: VRS Community Learning Connections - new training scheduled |
9/6/2023 |
| VRS Community Learning Connections - new training scheduled |
8/4/2023 |
| August 1, 2023: VRS Community Partners + VRS Staff Forum |
7/24/2023 |
| VRS Minnesota Customized Employment (MN-CE) Training Announcement for Fall 2023 |
7/20/2023 |
| VRS Announcing our New Contracts-Partnerships Director! |
7/12/2023 |
| VRS Request for Proposal is Posted |
6/29/2023 |
| 7/1/2023 Reauthorizations |
6/27/2023 |
| VRS Registration Reminder! 6.06.2023 VRS Staff + Community Partners Forum |
6/6/2023 |
| VRS Historic Legislative Summary |
6/5/2023 |
| E1MN Online Training Announcement |
5/31/2023 |
| VRS_Interim Community Partnerships Director Announcement |
5/3/2023 |
| Transition in VRS-CP Director |
4/27/2023 |
| VRS CPC Key Messages March 2023 |
3/31/2023 |
| VRS April Forum and CP Conversations Cancelled |
3/28/2023 |
| VRS MN-CE Training Spring 2023 |
3/24/2023 |
| VRS "Pathful Explore" Resource and Training |
3/6/2023 |
| VRS CPC Key Messages February 2023 |
3/2/2023 |
| VRS End of Signature Approval Policy Exception |
2/17/2023 |
| VRS_OIO Workforce Shortage and People with Disabilities Community Input Event |
1/24/2023 |
| VRS_Connect with VRS in February! |
1/24/2023 |
| VRS Re-opened: Burnsville Project SEARCH Opportunity, Webinar Scheduled |
1/23/2023 |
| VRS Closing Current Community Partner RFP |
12/19/2022 |
| Register! 12/1 Learning Connections, 12/6 Forum! |
11/29/2022 |
| Next Steps: Serving Minneapolis Public Schools Students |
11/28/2022 |
| VRS Community Partners Conversations November Registration and October Follow-Up |
11/1/2022 |
| VRS Serving Students in Minneapolis Public Schools |
10/10/2022 |
| VRS Reminder – Register! VRS Community Partners + VRS Staff Forum October 4 |
9/28/2022 |
| VRS CP Conversations - October Registration, September Follow-up |
9/28/2022 |
| VRS Project SEARCH Provider Opportunities |
9/21/2022 |
| October VRS Community Partners + VRS Staff Forum |
9/9/2022 |
| VRS CP Conversations - September Registration, August Follow-Up |
8/30/2022 |
| Invitation for Applications to the VRS Community Partners Committee |
8/16/2022 |
| VRS August 10, 2022 Community Partners Conversations |
8/3/2022 |
| VRS Invitation for Applications to the VRS Community Partners Committee (CPC) |
7/28/2022 |
| VRS Canceling August 2 Forum |
7/25/2022 |
| VRS July 1 Contracts |
6/30/2022 |
| VRS Project SEARCH Provider Opportunity |
6/28/2022 |
| VRS Community Partners Committee June Key Messages |
6/24/2022 |
| VRS Forum and CP Conversations Updates |
6/16/2022 |
| VRS Register! Forum Tomorrow: June 7 |
6/6/2022 |
| VRS CP Conversations: Register for June 4 |
5/27/2022 |
| VRS Amended RFP/Addendum 2 |
4/29/2022 |
| VRS CP Conversations: May, April |
4/27/2022 |
| VRS RFP Questions/Answers |
4/20/2022 |
| VRS 2022 Contract RFP Published |
4/18/2022 |
| VRS ADA Rights and Responsibilities for Students in Post-Secondary Education & Employment |
3/23/2022 |
| VRS Connect with VRS in April: Forum, CP Conversation |
3/22/2022 |
| VRS CPC Key Messages March 2022 |
2/25/2022 |
| VRS 3/2 Community Partners Conversations |
2/24/2022 |
| VRS Community Partners Committee January Key Messages |
2/4/2022 |
| VRS State Services for the Blind Pre-ETS forum |
2/3/2022 |
| VRS Signature Approval Exception Policy |
2/2/2022 |
| VRS Forum Tomorrow! 2/1 |
1/31/2022 |
| VRS Register! Forum Tuesday, 2/1 |
1/28/2022 |
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Partner Opportunities
Project SEARCH Provider Agency
DEED-VRS is announcing an "Engagement Request" opportunity for VRS Community Partners with a DEED-VRS Master Contract to become the "Provider Agency" at the following Project SEARCH sites:
- M Health Fairview – Ridges in Burnsville
- M Health Fairview – Southdale in Edina
- M Health Fairview – St. John's in Maplewood
Applicants can apply for one, two, or all three sites.
A Project SEARCH Provider Agency provides Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), Job Placement, and Job Coaching services (as needed) for students with disabilities participating in the Project SEARCH program.
Questions and Answers
A question and answer period for this Engagement Request was open from August 5 through August 30, 2024. Here are the questions asked during that time along with their answers:
Deadline
Letters of Interest must be emailed to Alyssa Klein, alyssa.klein@state.mn.us, by 4:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT) on Friday, September 13, 2024.
Webinar Recording: Learn more about the Project SEARCH Engagement Request
DEED-VRS hosted a live webinar on Friday, August 9, 2024. This webinar gave an overview of Project SEARCH, the role of the Provider Agency, and the Engagement Request process.
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Funding
The VR program received 78.70% of federal fiscal year 2024 funding through grants from the U.S. Department of Education. The federal fiscal year 2024 grants totaled $52,850,455. The required state match for these funds is $14,299,999. The state of Minnesota appropriated $14.3 million to meet the match requirement.
