Axiom 2008 Ticket Partners Summit Highlights the New Ticket to Work Program
April 23, 2008
Falls Church, Virginia. To unveil and launch its new Ticket to Work Program, the Social Security Administration hosted a Ticket Partners Summit in Louisville, Kentucky, on March 10–13.
The Summit—managed by CESSI, SSA’s Program Manager for Recruitment and Outreach—convened 450 partners, including public and private service providers (both Employment Networks and potential ENs), State Vocational Rehabilitation agencies, Work Incentives Planning and Assistance Programs (WIPAs), State Protection and Advocacy Programs, federal agencies, and key SSA staff, as well as advocates and beneficiaries.
Attendees came to learn about proposed changes to the Ticket regulations and to explore new and improved opportunities for partnerships.
The Summit was anything but a typical talking-heads event. Panel and workshop discussion was the information-exchange vehicle of choice. Four plenary sessions and 36 different workshops featured panels members who represented diverse programs and interests and who spoke from their own individual perspectives.
The Summit’s agenda was designed to strengthen linkages and create partnerships among the people and programs that make up the diverse Ticket to Work Program partners. The wide range of topics covered at the breakout sessions included:
- New Financial Opportunities for ENs
- 25 Essential Tools for EN Success
- Finding Start-up Funding for ENs
- VR and ENs: The New Partnership
- Outreach and Service to Veterans
- WIPA Quality Service
- Building Relationships with Youth
- Supporting Beneficiaries with Career Building
- Work Incentives Analysis and Business Resources to Support Self-Employment.
To encourage region-specific networking and partnership development, the final 10 breakout sessions grouped Summit participants by geographic area. In these facilitated discussion, attendees identified what was needed and available specifically in their regions to help the various Ticket partners thrive and support the efforts of people with disabilities who want to work.
Derek Shields, CESSI Division's Project Director on the SSA PMRO Contract, reports that "the Summit was a resounding success for SSA in its mission to launch the new Ticket program. Working with its national stakeholders, SSA and CESSI are findings unique partnerships in each state will increase active Employment Networks and ensure beneficiaries are using their Tickets."
To access Summit resources, including PowerPoint presentations and handouts, visit CESSI’s Summit website (http://www.cessi.net/ticketpartnerssummit/).
About the Ticket to Work Program
The Ticket to Work Program is an employment program for people with disabilities who are interested in going to work. The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues tickets to eligible beneficiaries. They can use these tickets to obtain the services and jobs they need from Employment Networks (ENs) to obtain employment services, vocational rehabilitation services, or other support services necessary to achieve a vocational (work) goal. The EN, if they accept the ticket, will coordinate and provide appropriate services to help the beneficiary find and maintain employment. For more information on the Ticket to Work Program, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/work.
For more information contact Frank Cumberland, Vice President for Communications, 703-998-0327 ext 222.