Impact: Experience — Relias Webinar on November 19
Workforce
AUCD to Host Webinar to Raise Awareness of National Disability Employment
The Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) is hosting a special webinar titled “Honoring the Contributions of Americans With Disabilities to the Workforce and National Progress Through University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs).” This webinar will be held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm.
People with disabilities have long played a vital role in strengthening America’s workforce and driving innovation. This webinar will explore their impact through three perspectives – past, present, and future – highlighting the ways in which their contributions continue to shape national progress. The webinar will also showcase how UCEDDs provide essential services that empower individuals with disabilities and serve as catalysts for American innovation and economic growth. To help celebrate the spirit behind this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) theme of “Celebrating Value and Talent,” the webinar will feature a panel of five subject matter experts from across the UCEDD Network and its partners.
Please register for this webinar. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
The webinar will provide live captioning and American Sign Language interpretation. Additional accommodation requests can be submitted via email by October 10, 2025.
For more information, please visit the AUCD website.
Bipartisan, Bicameral Group of Lawmakers Introduce Bill to End Subminimum Wages for Workers With Disabilities
ODP Releases 2023–2024 Employment First Report
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has announced the release of the 2023 – 2024 Employment First report. ODP believes that all people with an intellectual disability and/or autism must be encouraged to pursue their vision for an everyday life, which may include working in competitive integrated employment. Competitive integrated employment offers a person an opportunity to achieve economic independence, build self-confidence, enhance self-determination, and meet new people while building new skills. The Everyday Lives: Values in Action publication, developed by the ODP Information Sharing and Advisory Committee (ISAC), which includes self-advocates, reads, “Employment is a centerpiece of adulthood and must be available for every person. The benefits of employment for people with disabilities are significant and are the same as for people without disabilities.” This report serves as an update to all stakeholders on the progress that has been made to support individuals served by ODP on finding and maintaining competitive integrated employment.
Access the 2023-2024 Employment First report here. This document can also be found by visiting the MyODP Employment Home web page.
Funding Main Focus of Luzerne County Providers Association’s Annual Legislative Breakfast: Event Co-Moderated by Richard Edley, President/CEO of RCPA, and Jack Phillips, Director of Government Affairs
Technology First: A Journey, Not Just a Destination — Virtual Event on February 13
OPEN MINDS: Being Employer Of Choice With A Multi-Generational Workforce
Article reprinted with permission from OPEN MINDS. To sign up for a free OPEN MINDS news feed on https://www.openminds.com/market-intelligence/, go to https://www.openminds.com/membership/.
Reminder: Everybody Needs a Coach — RCPA Member Webinar to Be Held Sept. 16
Everybody Needs a Coach — RCPA Member Webinar to Be Held Sept. 16
RCPA Submits Comments Advocating for SOC Code for Direct Support Professionals
Yesterday, August 12, RCPA submitted comments to the US Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on why direct support professionals (DSP) need their own Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code. Without one, the unique work that DSPs do will not be captured, and the historically low wages that DSPs make will remain the norm. An SOC will allow for the gathering of legitimate data around wages and for the professionalization of the DSP workforce.
In June, OMB published the Federal Register notice announcing review of the 2018 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Manual for possible revision in 2028 and soliciting comments. This notice started the process of reviewing and possibly changing the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Manual for 2028. OMB is analyzing items such as how jobs are classified, the rules for coding them, the main groups of jobs, specific jobs such as public safety tele-communicators and care workers, and adding new types of jobs to the classification system.
We hope that these efforts produce an SOC that captures the essence of the multifaceted work that a DSP does on a daily basis. If you have any questions regarding the comments, contact Carol Ferenz.
