In this presentation, discover how WorkAbility—an employment services program of UCP of Southern Arizona—is transforming employment opportunities for people with disabilities across Pima, Santa Cruz, and Yuma counties. This dynamic session highlights our journey in implementing Employment First practices, the integration of customized employment throughout all our services, and effective strategies for addressing systemic barriers through advocacy and self determination. You’ll also hear how our partnership with Diverse Ability Incorporated, a youth serving organization, is strengthening employment and other outcomes, to elevate youth voice, leadership, and advocacy efforts through a peer-to-peer service methodology rooted in independent living philosophy. Gain practical tools and fresh insights that will enhance employment services and empower the individuals you support.
Learning Outcomes
- Describe the core components of WorkAbility’s provider transformation and how Employment First practices are being implemented to expand employment opportunities for people with disabilities across multiple counties.
- Explain how customized employment is integrated across WorkAbility’s services and identify strategies that support individualized, meaningful employment outcomes.
- Identify common systemic barriers to employment and apply advocacy and self determination approaches that help address and reduce these barriers.
- Analyze the role of community partnerships, including WorkAbility’s collaboration with Diverse Ability Incorporated, in strengthening transition and employment outcomes, and enhancing community advocacy efforts.