Public Policy's Role in Improving Transition Outcomes: Stories from Wisconsin

Public Policy's Role in Improving Transition Outcomes: Stories from

WisconsinBeth Swedeen and Lisa Pugh

http://www.letsgettoworkwi.org/ Twitter: @WisDisPolicy CEC, April 2013San Antonio, TX

Learning Objectives• Understand critical role policies play in systems

change for transition• Recognize multiple means to influence policy• Strategies and examples for using research and data

to frame a rationale and recommendations for policy change

• Share examples of policy briefs, systemic change efforts and results

Background: Who We Are

Wanna-Be Wonks Learning How to Influence Policy!

Background• Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental

Disabilities awarded a Partnerships in Employment grant focused on policy changes that lead to better integrated employment outcomes for youth with significant I/DD

• 4 main components of the project: Consortium, Policy Team, School Pilot Sites, Coaches

• Of all the grant requirements, the policy piece was new to most.

Why We Don’t Do Policy Work?

• I don’t have time• It’s not my job• I don’t know how• I hate politics!

What Happens When We Don’t Do it?

• Research never makes it to the field• Good work never scales up• We lose out to other

funding priorities• We keep encountering the

same problems

What Happens When We Do it?• Evidence-based practice

and research are applied so many more people benefit

• We fix a problem for good• State and local policies

become models for broader legislation and policy

Our WI Project: Identifying Transition PoliciesUsed the 4 main components of the Let’s Get to Work project• Consortium: Key stakeholders from all state agencies, parents, youth, etc participate

in activities that identify barriers to integrated employment• Policy Team: Strategizes how to develop or implement policy issues identified by

Consortium• School Pilot Sites: Provides the “boots on the ground” perspective which informs the

project of policy issues• Coaches: Assist the school sites in understanding how the issues they experience day

to day can be turned into policy Other ways: • Collaboration with state agencies in preparing the application• Collaboration with other state initiatives

Our WI Project: Identifying Transition Policies• Division of Voc Rehab (DVR)• State Education Agency (DPI)• State Medicaid Agency (DHS)

Seek Policy Clarification:

• Some youth were receiving assessments in facilities

• Some provider networks and staff did not have extensive experience with significant disabilities

• Confusion on appropriate age for youth referral

Seek Policy Clarification:

• School districts question what LRE looks like for youth in transition (ages 18-21)

• Indicator 13 compliance• Students with significant disabilities

don’t always have access to same career guidance as peers

Finding a Lawmaker Champion• Senator Leibham meets

students and parents• Student access to tech

schools, apprenticeships and certificate programs

• Workforce Initiatives

• Newly elected officials looking for a cause

• Connecting youth and families to legislators

Changing Community Attitudes: Jobs First and Patrick Meets Governor Walker

• Employer policies & attitudes

• Take Your Legislator to Work visits

• Outboxing the Gov!

Think Broadly About Policy: Where is the Barrier or Opportunity?

• Local policies (e.g. school boards, employers)• State Agency policies• Agency rules or regulations• New Legislation• Federal policies/laws

It’s All About Relationships! • At the local level – students and teachers with legislators• At the state level – meeting with agencies• What can you do for them? (Press, public thank you,

vote!)

Don’t Take “No” for an Answer• Scaffold the Ask: Transition

Endorsement/Certification• Work with legislators on Employment

First legislation • If you “fail”, there is still a message

Look for Opportunities• What are their priorities?• What is the “moving vehicle”?• Ensuring students have access to Academic Career Plans• Governor’s Workforce Development Initiative – including

people with disabilities • Decrease government

dependence = work incentive benefits counseling!

• Make a compelling case with data & research for a targeted ask.

Find Other Allies• Court other decision makers: OSEP; newly elected

politicians!• Self-advocate organizations• Employers with mutual goals

What you can do to Increase Public Awareness to Support Policy Change• Take Your Legislator to Work• Meeting in the district• Letters to the Editor and articles• Rotary meetings• Community conversations

Beth Swedeen, WI-BPDDbeth.swedeen@wisconsin.gov

Lisa Pugh, WI AIDD Public Policy Coordinatorlisa.pugh@drwi.org

Let’s Get to Work!http://www.letsgettoworkwi.org/