1.2relating to workforce development; appropriating money for a grant to
1.3Advocating Change Together.
1.4BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5    Section 1. APPROPRIATION.
1.6(a) $120,000 in fiscal year 2014 and $120,000 in fiscal year 2015 are appropriated
1.7from the workforce development fund to the commissioner of employment and
1.8economic development for a grant to Advocating Change Together (ACT). ACT shall
1.9implement Explore-Prepare-Act workshops to train up to 720 people with intellectual and
1.10developmental disabilities across the state in pre-employment and on-the-job advocacy
1.11skills.
1.12(b) Program participants must receive training regarding:
1.13(1) applying for and securing a new job;
1.14(2) negotiating wages and benefits;
1.15(3) developing communication skills;
1.16(4) networking with others to find or increase employment;
1.17(5) developing professional conduct that includes personal hygiene, grooming, and
1.18appropriate workplace behaviors;
1.19(6) advocating for transportation to more actively seek employment or more actively
1.20participate in work opportunities;
1.21(7) requesting disability-related accommodations at work or during a job interview;
1.22(8) integrating support services including social worker, job coach, or service
1.23provider;
1.24(9) developing budgeting and money management skills;
2.1(10) participating in supplemental educational services and resources; and
2.2(11) peer-to-peer supports as people make changes that lead to better work outcomes.
2.3(c) Program administration must include:
2.4(1) hosting the training sessions throughout statewide regional offices;
2.5(2) providing curriculum and program facilitators;
2.6(3) hosting a Leadership Circle twice each year to set employment goals for the state
2.7and serve as an advisory council;
2.8(4) offering peer-to-peer supports to all participants as they seek new employment,
2.9promotions, and to maintain employment;
2.10(5) offering peer-to-peer supports to all participants as they seek supports from
2.11social workers, job coaches, family, or service providers for support and assistance in
2.12implementing their employment goals;
2.13(6) evaluating program outcomes via contract with the University of Minnesota
2.14Institute on Community Integration;
2.15(7) participating in the Self-Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE) 2014
2.16conference by presenting program results and methods; and
2.17(8) providing an annual report on the findings of the Explore-Prepare-Act workshops
2.18in paragraph (a) to the legislature in January 2014 and January 2015.