take your legislator to work campaign

Get Involved in the

TAKE YOUR LEGISLATOR TO WORK CAMPAIGN!

Presentation by

Joshua Ryf, Communications Director, WI-BPDD&

Andrew Gerbitz, Board Member, WI-BPDD

Integrated Employment Network EventKalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells

August 28, 2012

Question:Who has contacted their legislator?

What is Take Your Legislator to Work?A campaign to raise awareness that every adult with a disability in Wisconsin can participate in gainful employment and have a meaningful job in the community.

Why conduct the campaign?Reason #1: Educate legislators

Why? Educate LegislatorsLegislators create laws and allocate funding that affects people with disabilities.We want legislators to know that individualized, community-integrated employment is a high priority and good for Wisconsin.

Why conduct the campaign?Reason #2: Show employability of people with disabilities

Why? Show EmployabilityGive individuals with disabilities the opportunity to show their skills and talents to their elected officials.

Why conduct the campaign?Reason #3: Raise awareness about the importance of community-integrated jobs

Why? Raise AwarenessWhen people with disabilities have community-integrated jobs, everyone benefits:• Stronger workforce• More inclusive community• People pay taxes and rely less on

programs and services

Why conduct the campaign?Reason #4: Strengthen disability advocacy in Wisconsin

Why? Strengthen Disability AdvocacyPeople who participate in the campaign will have the confidence to voice their opinions to their legislators.Building relationships between legislators and people with disabilities can be beneficial to both parties.

Where does the campaign happen?Everywhere in Wisconsin!33 Senate districts + 99 Assembly districts = 132 possible visits*

* 133 if you count the Governor

When does the campaign happen?October, in conjunction with National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).

Who can be involved?People with disabilities who want to participate and show their legislator how everyone benefits when people with disabilities have community-integrated employment at a competitive wage.(Participants)

Who can be involved?People who know a person with a disability who might be a good candidate to participate.(Facilitators)

Who can be involved?Facilitators can include:• Family/friends of a participant• MCO staff• IRIS consultants• Employers• Job coach

Who can be involved?People who want to oversee a region of the state and help make the campaign successful in their region.There are 14 regions in Wisconsin.Stipends are available.(Regional Coordinators)

Who can be involved?Employers of people with disabilities who provide community-integrated jobs at competitive wages.(Employers)

Did we miss anyone?

Legislators!

How does it work?For individuals with disabilities who are interested in participating, there are things to do both prior to and during the visit.

How? Prior to the VisitIndividuals with disabilities who are interested in participating…1. Get approval from their employer2. Complete the Participant

Information Form3. Invite their legislator to visit4. Plan the visit

How? During to the VisitCampaign participants1. Give their legislator a tour2. Show them what they do3. Introduce them to co-workers and

employer4. Sit down with their legislator and

share their story

2011 Campaign40 people with disabilities participated28 legislators and the Governor made visits

One of those 40 participants was…

Andrew Gerbitz!

Andrew’s Visit

Andrew’s Visit – Video (TMJ4)

http://www.todaystmj4.com/multimedia/videos/?bctid=1352689824001

Questions for Andrew?

How do YOU get involved?Participants:Get approval from your employer to have a visit sometime in October and then submit a completed Participant Information Form.

How do YOU get involved?Facilitators:Spread the word about the campaign to people you know who would be good candidates to participate. Also, a facilitator may help coordinate a successful visit between a person with a disability and their legislator.

How do YOU get involved?Regional Coordinators:Complete and submit a Regional Coordinator Application. If selected, you will (A) have the opportunity to ensure your region has successful visits between people with disabilities and their legislators and (B) get $250.

BPDD is here to help!Regardless of your role, BPDD will be with you every step of the way. We will make sure everyone has the support they need so they can be involved in the campaign.

Handouts & Sign Up

Questions?

For more information…Go to www.wi-bpdd.org, or contact Joshua Ryf at (608) 261-7829 or joshua.ryf@wisconsin.gov.

Thank you for attending!