Vocational Futures Planning and Support (VFPS) was developed as a best practice employment service model. With that, a fidelity scale was developed to help individual practitioners and VFPS programs understand how to deliver VFPS services in the way the model was designed. Delivering high-quality services will help you reach the best outcomes in your VFPS program. You download a copy of the Fidelity Scale to review best service model practices. The Fidelity Scale was developed by identifying the essential activities of the VFPS model as it was implemented by Employment Resources, Inc. (ERI) between 1992 and 2005, and focuses on 11 core areas of service design and delivery: 1. Staffing and Program Design 2. Inter-Agency Service Coordination 3. Orientation and Outreach 4. Barriers and Assets Identification 5. Work Incentives Benefits Planning 6. Assistive Technology 7. Resource Team Coordination 8. Career Exploration and Goal Validation 9. Guided Job Search 10. Business Planning Support 11. Stabilization and Follow Along Each area has fidelity indicators, and reviewers rely on a variety of information to evaluate each area, including interviews, observation, and review of documentation. The program is rated on current practice, and results can be used to develop an improvement plan for higher fidelity. Depending on how the results are used, reviewers may be internal to the agency or external, including peer reviewers, professional reviewers, or key stakeholders. The Program Assessment Tool can be used to conduct self-assessments to measure VFPS program fidelity.
Here are some myths and misconceptions about Vocational Futures Planning and Support (VFPS). “No employer will hire me because of my disability.” Employers want to hire qualified individuals. VFPS helps people identify and develop the necessary qualifications. “My disability prevents me from working.” Through the VFPS process, barriers are identified and addressed. Job accommodations, assistive technology, and other supports are also available. VFPS will help plan for the supports needed. “I will lose my benefits if I work.” A thorough benefits analysis and ongoing benefits support are key features of the VFPS process. The benefits planning and support helps a person become aware of the effect of work on benefits, make informed decisions about working, avoid overpayments, manage changes in benefits, maintain health coverage, and use appropriate work incentives. “The VFPS process is right for anyone.” Although VFPS may work for a wide variety of people, it was designed for and proven successful for individuals with physical disabilities. The individual must be interested in actively participating in the process and working with a team to address barriers. “It takes too long or is a slow process.” VFPS is a thorough, comprehensive process that takes no longer than an average Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) plan. When done correctly, VFPS promotes continual progress toward a career goal. “VFPS costs too much.” The cost is comparable to other intensive employment service models such as Customized Employment and Individual Placement and Support (IPS). VFPS provides a good return on investment. “VFPS does not provide job development or help people find jobs.” During the job search process, individuals will work with employment specialists to identify and accomplish career goals. “Only VR can pay for employment services.” Other funding options are available such as long-term care services or by using work incentives (e.g., PASS, Ticket to Work). Talk with your local VFPS provider about how you can access funding for services.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Vocational Futures Planning and Support (VFPS). What is Vocational Futures Planning and Support? Vocational Futures Planning and Support or VFPS was developed in the early 1990s for people with physical disabilities who want to work. It is a framework for planning and obtaining employment by offering individualized strategies and support. The VFPS is comprehensive, team-based, and person-directed. Through the VFPS process, participants learn how to navigate a complicated service system, access community resources, and understand their assets and barriers to employment. How is VFPS unique? VFPS focuses on addressing barriers to employment. Relationship building and teamwork are also key elements of the VFPS. The individual and those on the resource team equally contribute to the success of the process. The VFPS does not rely on forms. It is an active process that blends resources and seeks guidance from a variety of sources. VFPS takes a holistic approach that analyzes and impacts many aspects of a person’s life. If done well, this process will improve the quality of a person’s life. Who is VFPS for? The VFPS is designed for people with physical disabilities who want to work but face multiple obstacles to employment. How does it work? The VFPS participant is expected to take an active, leadership role. All decisions, from the job goal to the composition of the resource team, are made by the participant with input and guidance from their team. Through focused conversations about their dream job or ideal employment and what’s getting in the way, the barriers and assets are identified. What is a resource team? A resource team is developed based upon the individual’s barriers and assets. The resource team provides direction and assistance in managing, reducing, or eliminating the barriers to employment that have been identified. Can I work and keep necessary benefits? Loss of benefits is one of the most common fears for people considering employment. Benefits planning can ease these fears. This critical component of the VFPS involves an analysis of the individual’s benefits and the impact that earned income would have on cash payments and continued eligibility. Benefits planning occurs throughout the entire VFPS process. How is VFPS individualized to meet my needs? Many options and strategies can be incorporated into the VFPS process which is flexible and customized to meet individual needs. Components or strategies could include: career exploration and goal validation, assistive technology assessment and training, training and education, job seeking preparation, job search guidance, and ongoing support. Currently, Vocational Futures Planning and Support is a service that is primarily practiced in Wisconsin but could be adopted and practiced anywhere. You can ask your current service provider about VFPS services or download a copy of the VFPS service provider list.
Vocational Futures Planning and Support or VFPS offers a framework for planning employment developed for people with significant physical disabilities. To help overcome substantial challenges, VFPS offers individualized strategies and support. It is comprehensive, team-based and consumer-directed. Through the VFPS process, individuals learn how to navigate a complicated service system and to access community resources. VFP is flexible and can be molded to meet the needs and desires of a particular job seeker. VFPS is not just about finding a job. It’s about pursuing a career. In this training you will build your knowledge about VFPS in the following areas: The need and use of VFPS How VFPS is unique What is the VFPS process and how does it work? VFPS funding and funders How to Access VFPS Services
Vocational Futures Planning and Support or VFPS is a comprehensive, team-based, participant-directed employment strategy for individuals with physical disabilities. Through the VFPS process, individuals learn how to navigate a complicated service system and to access community resources. VFPS is flexible and can be molded to meet the needs and desires of a particular job seeker. VFPS is not just about finding a job. It’s about pursuing a career. Objectives: This training answers the following questions about VFPS: What is VFPS? Who is VFPS for? Why is it needed? How does VFPS work? Where can someone access services?
Vocational Futures Planning and Support or VFPS offers a framework for planning employment developed for people with significant physical disabilities. To help overcome substantial challenges, VFPS offers individualized strategies and support. It is comprehensive, team-based and consumer-directed. Through the VFPS process, individuals learn how to navigate a complicated service system and to access community resources. VFPS is flexible and can be molded to meet the needs and desires of a particular job seeker.
Vocational Futures Planning and Support or VFPS offers a framework for planning employment developed for people with significant physical disabilities. To help overcome substantial challenges, VFPS offers individualized strategies and support. It is comprehensive, team-based and consumer-directed. Through the VFPS process, individuals learn how to navigate a complicated service system and to access community resources. VFP is flexible and can be molded to meet the needs and desires of a particular job seeker. VFPS is not just about finding a job. It’s about pursuing a career. The resource below identifies VFPS Service Providers in Wisconsin:
Hear stories of people with disabilities who explored employment options and achieved results by using the Vocational Futures Planning and Support (VFPS) process. John wanted a job close to home, and in his small community the opportunities were somewhat limited. John had never worked, and with a progressive condition called Fredrick’s Ataxia, he relied on a wheelchair for mobility. With good upper body strength, however, he could do light labor. Through the VFPS process, John explored options for the type of employment that would match his skills and abilities. After hearing John’s story and talking about his employment goals and abilities, his Employment Specialist thought about her network of employers and arranged for John to meet with local business owners. The Employment Specialist arranged for an informational interview for John with a local employer. The owner instantly took a liking to John and wanted to find an opportunity in his company. The company makes the material used to coat medication. With help from the Employment Specialist, the owner conducted a needs analysis and found that certain tasks were not getting done on time because other employees were focused on more essential tasks. John was hired part-time to clean the parts used in the development process. The owner insisted on paying John the same hourly wage he paid other employees, even though John’s productivy was lower due to his physical limitations. Being newly employed, John worried about the impact of work on his health benefits. A Work Incentives Benefits Specialist (WIBS) worked with John and his employer to ensure he was able to maintain necessary health benefits. Thirteen years later, John is still employed at the Coating Place. Although his progressive neurological disease is taking its toll, John is proud to say that most people with his condition don’t live to see their 40th birthday. John just turned 41. He attributes his longevity to his job, which gives him purpose, and his colleagues, whom he calls family. Being a social guy, he claims he would have died long ago sitting in his apartment alone every day. His work-station exemplifies his favorite sports team, the Dallas Cowboys, which his co-workers rib him about constantly.
Hear stories of people with disabilities who explored employment options and achieved results by using the Vocational Futures Planning and Support (VFPS) process.
Vocational Futures Planning and Support or VFPS offers a framework for planning employment developed for people with significant physical disabilities. To help overcome substantial challenges, VFPS offers individualized strategies and support. It is comprehensive, team-based and consumer-directed. Through the VFPS process, individuals learn how to navigate a complicated service system and to access community resources. VFPS is flexible and can be molded to meet the needs and desires of a particular job seeker. This guide is a resource for individuals participating in the VFPS process.
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