Level Up Indiana Newsletters
Welcome to Level Up Indiana!
Level Up Indiana is a newsletter created by PCG to share Vocational Rehabilitation stories and best practices. Here you’ll find a repository of all past newsletters. Each one contains insight into available resources or inspiring stories about successful practices.
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Item description
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April 2nd -
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March 5th - Supervisor Circle Recording Now Available
“Watch the February Supervisor Circle featuring guest speaker, Kristina Blankenship Director of Business and…” Read more here.
March 12th - Register for April Foundations (ACRE) Training
“Our next Foundations cohort is April 8, 2024 - June 28, 2024. This 12-week course is geared to employment specialists in their first….. “ Read more here.
March 19th - Last Chance to Register for the April Foundations (ACRE) Training
“The content will provide foundational knowledge on Indiana specific resources, opportunities, and information about the employment services…...” Read more here.
March 26th - Register for Discovery Documentation Refresher!
“Indiana VR is providing a training refresher on discovery documentation expectations…” Read more here.
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February 6th - New Billing Protocol Now In Effect
“As of February 1st, the New Billing Protocol has gone into effect. Please make sure your staff are aware of these changes….” Read more here.
February 13th - Steve Upchurch Career Pathways Recording Now Available
“Watch the January Supervisor Circle featuring guest speaker, Steve Upchurch, Training Director for Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation to learn and discuss Career Pathways….” Read more here.
February 20th - Register for Supervisor Circle featuring Kristina Blakenship
“Join the February Supervisor Circle featuring guest speaker, Kristina Blankenship, Director of Business and Community Engagement for Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation to discuss…. “Read more here.
February 27th - Register for April Foundations (ACRE) Training
“Our next Foundations cohort is April 8, 2024 - June 28, 2024. This 12-week course is geared to employment specialists…. “Read more here.
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January 2nd - The Supervisor Circle has a Guest Speaker this Month!
“Join the January Supervisor Circle featuring guest speaker, Steve Upchurch, Training Director for Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation to learn and discuss Career Pathways….” Read more here.
January 9th - Register for the January Lunch & Learn Today!
“Everyone has unhelpful thinking patterns. However, with some mental health conditions they can….” Read more here.
January 16th - Check out VR 101 Today!
“VR 101 is a free course for new employment specialists or supervisors. Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation sponsors the course and offers it to……. “Read more here.
January 23rd - Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Updates
“In case you missed them, check out these updates over the past few months from Indiana VR…” Read more here.
January 30th - Reminder, New Billing Protocol!
“On February 1st, the New Billing Protocol goes into effect….” Read more here.
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December 5th - VR Updates Meeting for Employment Service Providers
“ Employment Service providers are invited to attend one of two meetings hosted by Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) leadership to discuss and ask questions about the VR changes implemented in 2023…” Read more here.
December 12th - Last Day to Register for ACRE December 22nd!
“Our next Foundations cohort is January 8, 2024 - March 29, 2024. This 12-week course is geared to employment specialists in their first or second year of working in the field….” Read more here.
December 19th - Last Day to Register for ACRE December 22!
“The deadline to register for our next cohort is December 22, 2023…” Read more here.
December 26th - Wishing You a Very Merry Holiday Season!
Enjoy your Holiday there will be no announcement! Read more here.
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November 7th - CHECK OUT OUR SUMMIT HIGHLIGHT BY REGISTERING TODAY!
“She works, in collaboration with partners across the state and nation, to build effective systems of support to increase opportunities for people” … Read more here.
November 14th - Last Chance to Register!
“This is your last chance to register for the upcoming Employment Summit this December” … Read more here.
November 21st - VR Updates the Discovery Profile & Monthly Progress Summary
“ These changes include incorporating information from the MPS into the Discovery Profile, which will now be submitted monthly to VR…” Read more here.
November 28th - VR Updates the Discovery Profile & Monthly Progress Summary
“Please join Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) leadership in one of the two virtual meeting options….” Read more here.
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October 3rd - REGISTER FOR THE EMPLOYMENT SUMMIT TODAY
“The Employment Summit provides the opportunity for employment professionals with any experience level, people with disabilities and their families, and others…. “Read more here.
October 10th - REGISTER FOR OCTOBERS LUNCH & LEARN TODAY!
“This is your chance to network with your colleagues, learn from industry professionals, and hear from people with disabilities about their lived experiences….” Read more here.
October 17th - REGISTER FOR THE EMPLOYMENT SUMMIT TODAY!
“Dr. Harvey will also be hosting a concurrent session, this session will explore the aspects of trauma that directly affect many individuals with disabilities…” Read more here.
October 24th - REGISTER FOR THE EMPLOYEMENTS SUMMIT
“Registration fee includes continental breakfasts & networking luncheon. Register 3 people from your organization and get 10% off…” Read more here.
October 31st - Join us at the 2023 Level UP Indiana Employment Summit!
“This is a chance to network with your colleagues, learn from industry professionals, and hear from people with disabilities about their lived experiences.
Summit Cost: $75 per person….” Read more here.
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September 5th - AUGUST LUNCH AND LEARN RECORDING NOW AVAILABLE
“Our August Lunch and Learn recording is now available, you can watch the webinar by clicking the link below….” Read more here.
September 12th - SUBMIT A PRESENTATION FOR THE EMPLOYMENT SUMMIT
“Level Up Indiana is hosting the 2023 Employment Summit focusing on navigating employment barriers. We are seeking presenters….” Read more here.
September 19th - MONTHLY SUPERVISOR CIRCLE
“Register below to attend this year’s meetings to learn new information, share resources, and problem-solve issues you are having with your peers….” Read more here.
September 26th - LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER FOR ACRE
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August 1st - Register for Vocational Rehabilitation Webinar
“The Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services is hosting a webinar for staff and provider organizations to provide updates on several initiatives aimed at system transformation….” Read more here.
August 8th - Free 1:1 Training Available through The Coaching Network!
“The Level Up Coaching Network connects employment services professionals to seasoned employment staff….” Read more here.
August 15th - MARK YOUR CALENDARS
“Supervisor Circle has now been moved to the Fourth Thursday of Each Month, from 12-1 ET….” Read more here.
August 22nd - Webinar Recording & FAQ Available
“The Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services and the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services hosted a webinar…” Read more here.
August 29th - PRE-ETS NEW PROJECT & EMPLOYMENT SUMMIT CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS
“Indiana VR will be partnering with Public Consulting Group to expand Level Up Indiana’s professional development hub to provide targeted training and support to Pre-ETS providers….” Read more here.
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July 4th - It’s the 4th of July, let’s indepen-dance!
“The Level UP Indiana Team want to wish you a Happy 4th of July” …... Read more here.
July 11th - New Toolkit Unlocked for Pre-ETS Instructors!
“You asked and we delivered! We have created a Pre-ETS Instructor Toolkit filled with resources to support your delivery of evidence based Pre-ETS programs….” Read more here.
July 18th - Upcoming DDRS Webinar
“Save the date for two upcoming DDRS webinar sessions…” Read more here.
July 25th - Register for the DDRS Webinar Updates Today!
“The Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services and the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services will host a webinar to provide updates on several initiatives aimed at system transformation, to better support…. Read more here.
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June 6th - We Still Want to Hear from YOU!
“As a VR service provider, you know how important it is to stay up to date in the VR field….” Read more here.
June 13th - Help Us Prioritize Employment Provider Training Topics
“We need your input! Level Up Indiana is developing our training plan for the next fiscal year…” Read more here.
June 20th - Register Now for ACRE Training Before It’s Too Late!
“Our next Foundations cohort begins July 10th. This 12-week course is geared to employment specialists in their first or second year of working in the field…. Read more here.
“The Level UP Team want to wish you a summer full of joy and excitement….” Read more here.
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May 2nd - New Time for Spring Training on May 16th!
“Time changes for our 4-hour spring training are addressed in this week’s newsletter….” Read more here.
May 9th - Last Chance to Register for the Spring Regional Training.
“The deadline to register is May 12th! Register by clicking the button below for the upcoming Spring Training courses….” Read more here.
May 16th - May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
“Employment service professionals provide support for more than just physical needs. Mental health can play a big role in employment outcomes too….” Read more here.
May 23rd - Register Now for ACRE Training Course!
“As a VR service provider, you know how important it is to stay up to date in the VR field……” Read more here.
May 30th - Keep the Feedback Coming, We Want More!
“As a VR service provider, you know how important it is to stay up to date in the VR field” …… Read more here.
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April 4th - Employment Provider Capacity Survey Report
“This survey’s purpose was to understand employment service providers’ barriers and challenges in maintaining qualified staff. A final report provides insight and clarification into the providers’ capacity needs”. … Read more here.
April 11th - Spring Regional Training
“Individuals with complex support needs require employment specialists with advanced skills in discovery, job development, employer engagement and onsite inclusive supports” … Read more here.
April 18th - April Lunch & Learn!
“In this webinar, participants will learn what a personality disorder is and the many kinds there are” … Read more here.
April 25th - Register for the Spring Regional Training in May!
“This four-hour training will provide evidence-based strategies and practical examples to strengthen” …. Read more here.
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March 7th - Get ACRE Certified!
“Foundations course graduates will receive a national certificate in Employment Services from the Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE)….” Read more here.
March 14th - Foundations ACRE Training Registrations DUE 3/20
“A new Foundations cohort begins April 3rd. This 12-week course is geared to employment specialists in their first or second year of working in the field…. “Read more here.
March 21st - Become a Coach it Pays!
“Become a coach and share your expertise through one-on-one mentoring and training with new employment professionals or employment program managers… “Read more here.
March 28th - March Lunch & Learn
“It is important to learn about how to recognize and respond when someone with IDD discloses abuse….” Read more here.
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February 7th - Be a Coach It Pays!
“Level Up Indiana is recruiting additional coaches to join the Coaching Network. Become a coach and share your expertise through one-on-one……” Read more here.
February 14th - Constructive Conversation
“Creating engaging and collaborative conversations can be challenging whether it is in-person, over a video conference, or on the phone. Our final webinar in the communication series focuses on…...” Read more here.
February 21st - February Lunch & Learn
“Bipolar disorder can significantly impact a person in many ways such as with employment, relationships, and physical health…...” Read more here.
February 28th - April Foundations Registration Now Open!
“The content will provide foundational knowledge on Indiana-specific resources, opportunities, and information about the employment services model….” Read more here.
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January 3rd - January Training Opportunities
“This webinar discusses approaches and formats for Progress Reports, Emails, Texting, and Case Notes. Presenters Steve Upchurch and Terry Donovan will also provide tips for successful written communication - even in…. “Read more here.
January 10th - Supervisor Circle Guest Speaker
“Join the January Supervisor Circle featuring guest speaker, Barry Whaley, Project Director of the Southeast ADA Center, to learn about and discuss Disclosure and Reasonable Accommodations….” Read more here.
January 17th - Come Partake in this month’s Lunch & Learn!
“Join Level UP Indiana in our monthly Lunch & Learn Series. Tatiana Perilla, MSW, will be presenting on the Intersection of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities…...” Read more here.
January 24th - New Level UP Website!
“The Level Up Indiana team has been working hard for weeks to update the website for 2023. Now, we are ready to unveil our new look! We have enhanced, streamlined, and reorganized our pages….” Read more here.
January 31st - Communication Series!
“Come partake in mastering written communication and creating collaborative conversations with Steve Upchurch and Terry Donovan….” Read more here.
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December 6th - Introducing Brand New Training!
“At the conclusion of this webinar, participants will understand key communication points to consider in their professional communications internally and externally. Participants will practice using these points in a review of actual professional communications…. “Read more here.
December 13th - The Final Capacity Survey is Coming UP!
“LevelUP Indiana is conducting its FINAL Capacity Survey from employment providers in Indiana for the last time…. “Read more here.
December 20th - Last Chance to Complete the Capacity Survey!
“We want to hear from you! Take our FINAL Capacity Survey today before it is too late! The last chance to get involved is on the 23rd of December……” Read more here.
December 27th - ACRE Foundations Training Registration Deadline!
“Find inspiration within yourself this upcoming year and make sure to take part in the ACRE Foundations Training Course that begins on January 9th….” Read more here.
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November 1st - Supporting Deaf/Hard of Hearing Individuals in Employment Services
“The Deaf Community prefers using the terminology Deaf/Hard of Hearing (D/HoH) individuals to individuals who are D/HoH…...” Read more here.
November 8th - Anxiety and Intellectual/ Developmental Disabilities
“The Intersection of I/DD and Anxiety Lunch and Learn provided an overview of anxiety diagnosis and how it may present itself with individuals with I/DD. Strategies for supporting individuals were also contained within the presentation…. “Read more here.
November 15th - Coaching Network Spotlight
“Employment specialists have improved their confidence, knowledge, and performance after completing the Coaching Network Training, including a better understanding of BR documentation completion and timing….” Read more here.
November 22nd - Happy Thanksgiving
“Give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving….” Read more here.
November 29th - Mental Health Lunch & Learn Series
“Join Level Up Indiana for the second webinar in our monthly Lunch & Learn Series. Tatiana Perilla, MSW, will be presenting on the Intersection of Depression and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities….” Read more here.
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October 4th - You asked, we listened
“Effective communication skills are the foundation of quality services and supports. In this training, you’ll learn how to integrate person-centered thinking, curiosity, and strength-based communication strategies into your daily communication with job seekers and family members….” Read more here.
October 11th - Mental Health Lunch & Learn
“Join LevelUp Indiana for the first webinar in our new monthly Lunch & Learn Series. Tatiana Perilla, MSW, will be presenting on the Intersection of Anxiety and Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities……” Read More here.
October 18th - Supervisor Get-Together
“At this week’s Supervisor Circle, we’ll be giving an informational mini-lesson on the intersectionality of domestic violence, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and employment….” Read More here.
October 25th - Provider Capacity: what we learned
“Thank you to all those who completed our Quarterly Provider Capacity Survey. We received 63 total responses from 48 organizations. The data will be used to inform Indiana BRS as they consider how to optimize supports for providers and participants….” Read More here.
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September 6th - The Coaching Network Pays
“Get personalized support and hands-on feedback at no cost to you. By joining as a learner, you’ll be matched with an experienced coach in an area you’d like to build your skills. You’ll gain one-on-one support…” Read more here.
September 13th - New Faces for You to Meet!
“We have new members joining our Level Up Indiana team. Let us introduce you…” Read more here.
September 20th - New trainings are coming to Indiana
“Communication was our most requested training topic, so we developed a combination of in-person trainings and virtual follow-ups to help you Level UP your communication...” Read more here.
September 27th - Mental health resources for Employment Specialists
“Individuals who live with mental health conditions have various strengths, skills, and abilities to contribute to the competitive, integrated workforce….” Read more here.
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August 10th - Fresh Opportunities: Level Up IN: ESI
“There is a buzz in the air with kids going back to school and the weather getting just a little bit cooler. With these changes, we wanted to share some fresh opportunities…” Read more here.
August 30th - Want to grow professionally?
“Before taking this training I thought I was knowledgeable about all the rights of our participants and how to be politically correct in situations. I realize now some things that I did not before and have been able to…” Read more here.
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April 5th - Register Today! Intersectionality & Employment First Summit
“Join us in conversation and learning about how to make employment the first option for all individuals, across a wide range of lived experiences. At the Intersectionality and Employment First Summit, we will talk about…” Read more here.
April 13th - Upcoming Webinar: Supporting Individuals Who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing
“Join us on April 20, 2022 from 10 AM - 11:30 AM ET for the Level Up Indiana: Employment Specialist Initiative (ESI) webinar for Employment Specialists: Supporting Individuals Who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HoH). Topics will include…” Read more here.
April 19th - Register Today! Supporting Individuals Who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing
“It’s not too late to register for the Level Up Indiana: Employment Specialist Initiative (ESI) webinar for Employment Specialists: Supporting Individuals Who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HoH)…” Read more here.
April 26th - May 18th & 19th, Intersectionality and Employment First Summit
“Have you and your colleagues registered for this important statewide training event? We’re committed to talking about how to support individuals with lived experiences that pose barriers to employment, and we’re not just talking about disabilities! Join employment service providers from across the state…” Read more here.
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March 1st -2022 Intersectionality and Employment First Summit
"We all have many facets to ourselves including disability, socio-economic status, gender/gender identity, race, ethnicity, and sexuality. Intersectionality is the idea that these facets come together, intersect, and interact..." Read more here.
March 8th -Level Up, Indiana! Register today: New training opportunity
"This webinar will provide an introduction for employment service providers on effectively supporting individuals who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing (D/HoH) in gaining and maintaining employment. Topics will include..." Read more here.
March 16th -Level Up Your leadership starting next week!
"See you Tuesday at the first part in our three-part series, Level Up Your Leadership in-person training for Supervisors, Coaches, and Leaders!..." Read more here.
March 22nd - Intersectionality & Employment First Summit, Don’t Forget to Register!
“Join us in conversation and learning about how to make employment the first option for all individuals, across a wide range of lived experiences. At the Intersectionality and Employment First Summit, we will…” Read more here.
March 29th - Four Days Left to Register - Level Up, Indiana!
“Join us on April 20, 2022 from 10 AM - 11:30 AM ET for the Level Up Indiana: Employment Specialist Initiative (ESI) webinar for Employment Specialists: Supporting Individuals Who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HoH). Topics will include…” Read more here.
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February 15th -Two Upcoming Trainings
"Check out these training opportunities from Level Up Indiana! Click on the name of the training to learn more and to register..." Read more here.
February 23rd -In-Person Training and Capacity Review
"On behalf of VR, we are conducting the Quarterly Employment Provider Capacity Survey. A representative from each organization should complete the survey. This is important to make sure the needs of your organization are represented! Click here to learn more and access the survey..." Read more here.
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January 11th -Training Funds Now Available
"Indiana VR hears you – it is hard to find, keep, and train new staff. To help retain staff and make sure they are prepared, Indiana VR will match 75% of training costs exclusively through the Level Up Indiana: ESI training initiative for Indiana employment providers...." Read more here.
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December 9th -Notes from Supervisor Circles
"We at Level Up Indiana now have 2 Supervisor Circles under our belt, and we are looking forward to the next one on December 16th! Last month some wonderful providers joined us virtually and discussed employer engagement. The conversation lead to strong insights..." Read more here.
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November 23rd -Perfect the Virtual Interview!
"ACRE training is coming up in January 2022, register now! And here are some tried-and-true tips on acing a virtual interview.” Read more here.
November 11th- Some upcoming opportunities!
"Training for new staff and training for supervisors, all coming up soon. Register now!” Read more here.
November 2nd- Updates and Resources
“Spreading the word about Responsive & inclusive Service Delivery training & VR 101 updates. Also, check out our resource library!” Read more here.
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October 12th- Coaching Rates
“This week, we showcase the financial benefits of joining the Level Up coaching network—of course, in addition to being an active part of the community!” Read more here.
October 5th - Virginia "Ginger" Chiacchira on the Discovery Process
“This week we want to introduce you to Virginia “Ginger” Chiacchira, and share some info about an upcoming program we have for supervisors in the VR employment services world…” Read more here.
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September 28th - New Resources: 2021 Mental Health & Employment Summit Recordings
“This week we are highlighting the wealth of resources that came out of our 2021 Mental Health and Employment Summit…” Read more here.
September 22nd - Working with the Blind and Visually Impaired
"This week we want to let Matt Edwards of Bosma Enterprises share some insight on working with the blind and visually impaired. First though, we’d like to highlight a new upcoming service..." Read more here.