Working with ODEP to create systems change: The story of two protégé states

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The United States Department of Labor’s (DOL) Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) initiated the Employment First State Leadership Mentoring Project (EFSLMP) to assist states to align policies, regulations and funding priorities to encourage integrated employment as the primary outcome for individuals with significant disabilities.

OBJECTIVE: This paper describes the activities undertaken by two states designated as Protégé States of the Employment First State Leadership Mentoring Project of the United States Department of Labor’s (DOL) Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP).

CONCLUSION: Protégé states received mentoring from the identified mentor state as well as training and technical assistance by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). While five aspects of system change were shared by the states, the efforts undertaken to effect change were individual to each state. Lessons learned are also noted.