Employment Resources, Inc. (ERI)

06/18/2026

The Employment First Conference gave us the chance to connect, learn, and share resources this year—and it also gave us the opportunity to spend time together as a team.

From conversations with partners and advocates to a few special helpers who joined us along the way, we enjoyed every moment of the conference experience.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year's event such a success. We loved seeing familiar faces and meeting new ones!

06/18/2026

❔What happens when employment professionals look beyond a job title and ask a different question: What are you dreaming of?

At ERI, we've learned that meaningful employment starts by understanding a person's goals, interests, and vision for their future. Whether it's opening a food truck, building a career in STEM, returning to broadcasting, or pursuing a passion for music, those dreams help shape the path forward.

In our latest story, ERI staff share how listening to a person's aspirations can open doors, challenge low expectations, and create opportunities that might otherwise be overlooked.

Read the story: https://ow.ly/br4Y50Zcu9q

06/17/2026

Strong partnerships between Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and Community Rehabilitation Programs (CRPs) lead to better employment outcomes.

Our partners at VR PATH recently released Stronger Together: Reimagining the Power of VR-CRP Partnerships, a free on-demand training exploring practical strategies to strengthen collaboration, communication, and coordinated services.

Watch the training: https://ow.ly/ePCi50Zc1PN

06/17/2026

🎓We are SO proud of our Vocational Futures Planning & Support (VFPS) Class of 2026!

VFPS supports transition-age youth and young adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities as they take the exciting step from high school into the workforce. This year's graduates totally rocked it!

✅ 100% of our 2026 graduates are now connected to an adult support agency
✅11 out of 12 graduates crossed the finish line with a job already in hand!

This didn't happen by luck or accident. ERI staff worked closely with dedicated young people, caring families, team members, and a community that believes in them. We are grateful for everyone who made this possible.

Want to learn more about the VFPS program and how it's changing lives in Dane County?
👉 https://ow.ly/A8mL50ZcRhe

06/16/2026

Have you heard of PASS?

The Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS) is a Social Security work incentive that may help people who receive SSI or SSDI set aside income or resources to reach an employment goal.

Join us for a free virtual training to learn how PASS works, who may qualify, and how it can be used to support employment goals.

Whether you're a benefits specialist, employment professional, VR counselor, case manager, or someone receiving benefits, this session will provide practical information you can put to use right away.

Register today: https://ow.ly/4WZG50ZbVCs

06/15/2026

Know a youth with a disability who could benefit from building skills for greater independence and future success?

Starting June 22, 2026 the Career Discovery Series will meet Mondays from 2–4 p.m. at Access to Independence. Designed for youth ages 12–17, this series focuses on practical skills that help participants navigate everyday challenges, explore future opportunities, and build confidence.

CLTS and CCOP funds are accepted, and scholarships are available.

To learn more 👉 https://ow.ly/bNau50ZbVaK

06/15/2026

Many people are concerned about the new federal work requirements for Medicaid. The WI Department of Health Services (DHS) has launched a new website and screening tool for Wisconsinites to learn about these new work requirements. You can find more info and try out the screening tool using this link: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/medicaid/work.htm

DHS will also be hosting a Medicaid Work Requirement Webinar on June 18, 2026. You can submit your questions by June 12th to [email protected] if you want them to answer your questions specifically on the webinar.

Use this link to register for the June 18 Webinar: https://dhswi.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_SGnVElbEQyqVaLT_oi7F9g #/registration

We will continue covering the work requirements and any state updates during our Federal Funding webinar series each Friday from 9-10:30am. Register here for tomorrow's webinar: https://bit.ly/FedFund612

06/11/2026

Getting someone hired is only the beginning. Today's workplace trends are reshaping what it takes to help people stay, grow, and succeed in their careers.

Our partners at Iparrt Prime: Promoting Retention in Meaningful Employment are focusing on the workplace trends shaping employment in 2026, including AI, workplace flexibility, career growth, employee retention, and evolving employer expectations. These trends are changing what it takes to support individuals with disabilities in achieving long-term employment success. PRIME's work is helping VR professionals move beyond placement and toward career development, retention, and advancement.

Learn more about this project: https://ow.ly/gG5v50ZazY9

06/08/2026

🎮 Don’t miss out—register today!

The Adaptive Gaming Expo is back, and it’s completely FREE to attend. Join Access to Independence for a one-of-a-kind event celebrating accessibility, innovation, and inclusion in gaming.

👉 Register today:

In an effort to keep this event as accessible as possible, please refrain from wearing heavily scented products. No flash photography is allowed. Thank you. ​ ​

06/05/2026

Are you looking to make a career move into vocational rehabilitation? Or does your organization need to fill VR positions with qualified, well-prepared staff?

Our partners at StaffUp ASAP recognize the growing demand for skilled VR professionals who are passionate about helping people with disabilities achieve meaningful employment outcomes.

That's why they developed a free accelerated training program designed to help build the next generation of VR professionals. The program was created based on feedback from VR agencies across the country to address the knowledge, skills, and training needs identified by the field.

Learn more about the needs assessment that helped shape the program and why this training is making a difference for VR agencies and professionals alike. 👉 https://ow.ly/Tes350Z6cX3

Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute (SVRI)

A recent national survey by StaffUp ASAP revealed that VR teams urgently need practical training in caseload management, soft skills, career guidance, disability understanding, and cross-agency collaboration to better prepare new staff, many without a traditional VR background, for immediate impact.