Vocational Rehabilitation Updates Meeting

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.

ASL will be provided at both meetings. Please register for only 1 meeting:

Click the button below to Register for the Dec 22nd meeting at 10am EST.

Click the button below to Register for the Dec 22nd meeting at 2pm EST.

Lunch & Learn

Join the December Lunch & Learn

Friday, December 15th, 11 am - 12 pm EST

“Sensory Processing: Creating an Environment to Thrive”

Do you know what autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and post-traumatic stress disorder have in common? The answer is: sensory processing differences. These are just a few disabilities that commonly affect sensory processing. People process and react to sensory stimulation differently. Some people are more sensitive to sensory stimulation while others are under responsive. This can result in behaviors that are either sensory seeking or avoidant. However, just like with other human needs, a person’s sensory needs and how they process stimulation can change. Factors such as stress, the environment, and co-occurring disabilities affect how sensory information is received. In this webinar, we will discuss:  

• What disabilities commonly affect sensory processing 

• How sensory processing is affected by other factors  

• Recommended practices and environmental considerations for the workspace 

Lunch & Learn Schedule

Sensory Processing: Creating an Environment to Thrive 

December 15th, 2023

 Cognitive Distortions:

Unhelpful Thinking Patterns and Their Effects on Employment Part 1 

January 19th, 2024

Cognitive Distortions:

Unhelpful Thinking Patterns and Their Effects on Employment Part 2 

February 16th, 2024

Dissociation: How It Can Look and Be Managed 

March 15th, 2024

Addiction's Impact on Employment and Coping Skills 

April 19th, 2024

Mental Health, Employment, and Executive Dysfunction Part 1:

Memory, Flexibility, and Control 

May 17th, 2024

Mental Health, Employment, and Executive Dysfunction Part 2:

Planning, Reasoning, and Problem Solving 

June 21st, 2024 

November Lunch & Learn Recording

Our November Lunch & Learn recording is now available, you can watch the webinar and our previous Lunch & Learns on our website by clicking the button below!

Latest Video: Triggers and Employment: Considerations and Strategies to Support Individuals

You have probably heard the words “trigger” and “triggered” before, but what does it really mean? In general, triggers can be anything that causes symptoms to start, return, or worsen. In this Lunch and Learn, we discussed how triggers can look for a range of diagnoses, in addition to post-traumatic stress disorder. Participants heard about: 

• How existing triggers can affect employment 

• How trauma and triggers can develop in the workplace 

• How to support someone experiencing post-traumatic stress before and when they have a job

Foundations ACRE Training

January Foundations Training

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. The content will provide foundational knowledge on Indiana specific resources, opportunities, and information about the employment services model. The fundamental employment services content reviewed includes Supported Employment, Customized Employment, Discovery, Job Development, Workplace Supports, Job-site Training, Assistive Technology, and Long-term Support.

After completing the Foundations course, employment specialists will receive a National Certificate in Employment Services from the Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE). The deadline to register for our next cohort is December 22, 2023.

Course Logistics:

• Forty-hour course separated into 6 lessons across 12 weeks.

• Each lesson will be available for two weeks, allowing flexibility for the time and pace at which material is reviewed.

• Cost: $56.25

• Upon graduation, a National Certificate in Employment Services is received.

Registration Deadline is December 22, 2023