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Self Advocacy

SELF-ADVOCACY MEANS MAKING YOUR OWN DECISIONS ABOUT YOUR LIFE

This page has resources that can help you learn how to speak up for yourself. Click on some links to learn more about self-advocacy and what it means for you!

DES Logo with silhouettes of people holding hands above text reading DES Your Partner for a Stronger Arizona

Do You Want to Work?

Resource Description
The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) can help you find and keep a job. This brochure explains what services DDD can provide for you, who can help you, and how to get started. Some of the things DDD can help with are: Person-centered career planning Identifying your strengths Building your skills Information about vocational rehabilitation (VR).
2017 Milestones Handout

AZ Employment First 2017 Review & Milestones

Resource Description
This infographic describes the activities of Arizona Employment First between January and December 2017. Highlights include: 10 Core Team meetings 20 speaking engagements reaching 934 individuals Signing of the EF Executive Order by Governor Ducey
EF Executive Summary

AZ Employment First Executive Summary

Resource Description
This two-page document summarizes need for Employment First in Arizona, the development of the Employment First Core Team, and the 2014 community forums across the state. It argues there is an urgent need for Employment First policies in Arizona.
First Page of MOU

AZ Employment First MOU

Resource Description
This document is an agreement between representatives of organizations, agencies, and school districts across Arizona to implement the Arizona Employment First Strategic Plan. Signees include representatives from: Sonoran Center Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council Arizona Department of Economic Security/Division of Developmental Disabilities and Division of Employment and
Title Page of Employment First Strategic Plan. Employment First Logo with blue gears

AZ Employment First JOBS - Strategic Plan

Resource Description
This plan summarizes the key directions, strategies, next steps, and evaluation measures guiding Arizona Employment First. It was collaboratively written by the Arizona Employment First Core Team, which represent stakeholders from across the state. The strategic plan is also available in a text-only document.
Cover of Forum Report

AZ Employment First Community Forum Findings (September 2014)

Resource Description
In 2014, Arizona Employment First hosted six community forums with people from all over Arizona. Nearly 300 people from across the state participated. The comments and themes from these forums, summarized in this report, serve as the foundation for the Arizona Employment First strategic plan.
First page of WIOA Factsheet

WIOA Section 511

Resource Description
This Handout is Available as a PDF Handout, Easy Read Handout, Spanish Handout, and Text Only Are you paid less than minimum wage at your job (usually in a sheltered workshop* or an enclave*)? Are you under 24 and thinking about work that would pay you less than minimum wage? This handout explains how the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act of 2014 effects you. Handout Text SIDE ONE: People 24
DES Logo with silhouettes of people holding hands above text reading DES Your Partner for a Stronger Arizona

Joint Guidance for Limitations on the Use of Subminimum Wage (AZ DES)

Resource Description
The Arizona Department of Economic Security issued this guidance to reflect Arizona's commitment to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (2014), which includes limiting work opportunities that pay less than minimum wage for people with disabilities. These work opportunities include centered-based work (i.e. sheltered workshops) and group-based employment (i.e. enclaves). Many organizations
Blue and orange gears under text reading A Better Bottom Line: Employment People with Disabilities blueprint for governors

A Better Bottom Line: Employing People with Disabilities / Blueprint for Governors

Resource Description
Published by the National Governors Association, this guide outlines the role state governments can play in tapping into the talent pool of people with disabilities. It provides strategies for supporting employers, preparing youth with disabilities for the workforce, increasing the number of people with disabilities working for the state government, and more.
Circular seal with Department of Education of the United States written on the outside and a tree on the inside

State Vocational Rehabilitation Services and State Supported Employment Services Programs Federal Fiscal Year 2019 Monitoring and Technical Assistance Guide

Resource Description
This guidance document from the US Department of Education provides an overview of the review process for all state Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and Supported Employment Services. VR and Supported Employment Services are reviewed based on their: Overall performance Financial management Pre-Employment Transition Services Implementation of WIOA joint provisions