Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Kansas, Montana and Washington were chosen for their commitment to coordinating multiple state agencies to improve services and care for persons with disabilities. To address the comprehensive needs of this growing population, the HHS Office on Disability will work with the NGA Center and these states to address state systems integration and service coordination to successfully transition young adults with disabilities into independence.
Through this policy academy, NGA and HHS staff along with a host of national experts will work with the six selected state teams to design and implement short- and long-term strategies and action plans tailored to each state's specific needs. The Policy Academy on Improving Outcomes for Young Adults with Disabilities is designed to help states develop practical solutions and policies to implement comprehensive and coordinated systems of care for adults with disabilities who are transitioning from home and school to independence and work.
"This policy academy is an exciting opportunity for governors to learn about successful strategies that will help ensure that all Americans, including those with disabilities, have the opportunity to live closer to their families and friends, live more independently, find better jobs and participate more fully in their communities," said John Thomasian, director of the NGA Center. "Across the country, governors are exploring ways to ensure young people with disabilities do not face unnecessary and unfair barriers to success in school, workplace and the community."
Each of the six state teams will work together to share ideas and compare and analyze policy proposals. The teams will explore strategies that will better align state resources and missions across a myriad of state services including assistive technology, education, employment and training, health, housing and transportation.
Beginning this summer, these states each will receive several months of intensive technical assistance and will attend a three-day policy academy workshop beginning Oct. 5 in Denver. Prior to the October workshop, NGA Center staff will conduct several site visits to each state to assist teams with related policy planning and implementation.
The site visits, which will begin in mid-August, also will allow states to share best practices and identify what has -- and has not -- worked in other states. Additionally, the site visits provide an opportunity for state teams to review their current climate for change, assess their goals and strategies for the academy and prepare for the academy workshop by mapping out state resources and partners. At the workshop, each team will receive further technical assistance from content experts and facilitators, as the teams develop strategies and state action plans.
