History

PolicyWorks and Peer MentoringWorks Overview and History

PolicyWorks (PW) is a visionary non-profit organization based in Tallahassee, Florida, with a mission centered on empowering people with disabilities and fostering their inclusion in all societal facets. Established with a keen focus on developing and implementing innovative strategies, PW aims to promote equality of opportunity, full participation, and economic self-sufficiency for people with disabilities. 

One of the primary ways PW achieves these objectives is through incubating innovative programs that dismantle barriers and enhance independent living and career path employment. This includes a strong emphasis on peer mentoring, which has proven to be an effective tool in supporting students, youth, and young adults with disabilities in achieving competitive integrated employment (CIE) and independent living. PW advocates vigorously for the establishment and funding of paid peer mentoring programs to facilitate career pathways for individuals with disabilities. 

The novel FieldGuide features a robust menu of informational resources, practical guidance, and best practice techniques available to support peer mentors when working with jobseekers in-person or online via web-based meeting platforms.   

The base (free edition) FieldGuide, is available through the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.  It includes a broad spectrum of easily accessed tools and resources for peer mentors to use when helping jobseekers with disabilities navigate the complexities of the job market and secure meaningful employment. 

Current and Recent Key Projects and Initiatives

  • Subminimum Wage Transition to Competitive Integrated Employment (SWTCIE) Projects – PolicyWorks is currently a project partner in several significant projects, notably partnering on two 5-year Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) Disability Innovation Fund (DIF) grant initiatives.
  • The California SWTCIE Project (CSP), led by the California Department of Rehabilitation (CA DOR), serves jobseekers with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) seeking CIE. The project located at two demonstration model sites (San Diego Community College of Continuing Education (SDCCCE) and North Orange Continuing Education (NOCE) the development and application of new and existing transition supports such as customized employment, job development support, job coaching, supported employment, and innovative peer mentoring services. 
  • The ArtCIE Project, led by the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (FL DVR), serves jobseekers with ID/DD who are employed through sub-minimum wage employment programs and/or those who are contemplating non-competitive integrated Employment.  The project seeks the application of innovative transition supports including peer mentoring, customized employment, supported employment and assistive technologies to increase successful outcomes for youth and adults interested in careers in the arts and media.   
  • From 2015 to 2020, PolicyWorks played a critical role as a core project partner in the Workforce Innovation Technical Assistance Center (WINTAC). During this period, it provided intensive technical support and targeted resources for the implementation of peer mentoring programs primarily funded through State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies’ Pre-Employment Transition Services (PreETS) reserved funds. These services are pivotal not only for self-advocacy instruction but also for supporting other essential services for students with disabilities aged 14-21.  
  • The Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (FL DVR) Youth Peer Mentoring program is designed to support students with disabilities (14-21) and transition-aged youth with disabilities (16-24) through peer mentoring, focusing on their vocational and educational goals. This program is a part of the broader efforts by the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to provide targeted services that enhance the employment outcomes for youth with disabilities.  Beginning in 2014, PolicyWorks has utilized the PMW LearnCTR to train and certify the statewide network of Community Employment Providers providing the Peer Mentoring service through referrals from VR counselors.  
  • The Mississippi Division of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) offers a peer mentoring program that supports students and youth with disabilities transitioning to post-secondary education pursuits.  Beginning in 2015-16, PolicyWorks has utilized the PMW LearnCTR to train and certify the statewide network of Peer Mentoring providers employed by university and community college Disability Services Centers.  
  • Lights Camera Access (LCA): This initiative focuses on increasing employment, leadership opportunities, and portrayals of people with disabilities in media and entertainment. LCA conducts workshops, mentorship programs, and collaborations with media organizations to enhance the skills of participants and promote inclusivity. The main goal is to reduce barriers for people with disabilities in media and entertainment, encouraging more authentic and diverse representations on screen.  
  • Kessler Signature Employment Grant:  The C2C – Bridging the Gap program is a collaborative initiative led by PolicyWorks in partnership with the Interwork Institute of San Diego State University. This project, funded by the Kessler Foundation, deployed the Professional Development and Disability Curriculum at three prestigious California universities: San Diego State University, California State University Fullerton, and University of California Berkeley. It aimed to empower college students with disabilities by providing them with peer mentors and integrating real-world work experiences to facilitate a smooth transition from academic environments to competitive employment. The program’s innovative approach has made significant strides in enhancing career opportunities and independence for students with disabilities 
  • The “Let’s Work! California” project is an initiative designed to enhance employment opportunities for Californians with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD). This video-based program is managed by the California Transition Alliance and supported by funding from the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities. It aims to promote self-determination, independence, and inclusion in all facets of community life for individuals with I/DD and their families. 

The project employs young adults with I/DD in the creation of documentaries and instructional videos. These resources are intended to provide training, support, and increased awareness about the potential for competitive integrated employment. The videos, which are available in multiple languages including English, Spanish, and Mandarin, highlight personal success stories and practical advice for navigating the job market. This initiative also includes the production of a “plain language” Networking Activity Guide to further support these goals 

Overall, “Let’s Work! California” emphasizes building a network of adult allies through mentoring, developing interviewing skills, and creating outreach tools to boost visibility and accessibility of resources for young Californians with disabilities 

Innovative Tools and Resources

  • A notable accomplishment under the WINTAC project was the establishment of the PMW Community of Practitioners and the development of the PMW LearnCTR, an on-demand library of training modules hosted on a state-of-the-art accessible learning management platform. These resources were utilized to certify peer mentors and service coordinators in several states, including Alaska, Florida, Maine, and Mississippi. 
  • Additionally, the PMW FieldGuide APP was developed—a novel direct service toolkit available on Google Play Store and the Apple Store. This app serves as an electronic toolkit resource and a direct service provision handbook, equipped with resources and tools including activity guides for peer mentors to support job seekers served by vocational rehabilitation.  
  • The recent expansion of the PMW FieldGuide, to include the new Peer MentoringWorks Dashboard, a program service management and direct delivery platform is being developed to support the two SWTCIE projects.  These projects have led to the creation and application of a new set of resources, the PMW ActivityGuides designed to serve youth and adult jobseekers with ID/DD transition to CIE. 
  • The MyCube Project is an innovative activity designed to empower students, youth and adults with disabilities, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), to articulate their personal narratives creatively and meaningfully. Through the creation of a six-sided cube, participants explore and express various aspects of their identities, experiences, and aspirations. Each side of the cube—ranging from passions and actions to personal history and future goals—allows for a multifaceted self-presentation. This activity not only fosters self-discovery and confidence but also enhances storytelling and networking skills, helping individuals connect with others and share their unique stories in both personal and professional contexts. 
  • Camp NetWorx Project was a vibrant initiative funded by Citibank, designed as a summer employment camp to support the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation’s (FL DVR) Youth Peer Mentoring program recipients. This program emerged in response to the social isolation experienced by youth with disabilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The camp leverages virtual platforms like Skype and Zoom to continue providing vital peer mentoring services to enhance the participants’ self-determination and self-advocacy skills. 

The camp’s methodology is centered around interactive and engaging approaches to mentoring, with a strong emphasis on storytelling, discovery, and networking. These are facilitated through a series of fireside chats and cabin workshops where participants share and connect their experiences and aspirations.  

A key component of this approach is the MyCube project, which participants use to explore multiple dimensions of their identity and experiences through a guided process of selecting and sharing images. The MyCube serves as a tangible tool for self-expression and connection, helping participants articulate their passions, skills, and future goals in a supportive camp setting 

Collaborations and Partnerships

PolicyWorks has cultivated successful partnerships across various sectors, including federal and state agencies, post-secondary education institutions, advocacy groups, and both profit and non-profit organizations. Notable partners include the World Institute on Disability (WID), National Council on Independent Living (NCIL), National Disability Mentoring Coalition (NDMC), Partners for Youth with Disabilities (PYD), and SDSU’s Interwork Institute. 

National Disability Mentoring Coalition

PolicyWorks has played a significant role in advancing disability mentoring through its founding involvement in the National Disability Mentoring Coalition (NDMC) and the Susan M. Daniels Disability Mentoring Hall of Fame, in partnership with Partners for Youth with Disabilities (PYD). Established in December 2014, the NDMC focuses on raising awareness and enhancing the quality and impact of mentoring for individuals with disabilities across the United States. This coalition supports various initiatives, including the annual induction of outstanding mentors and organizations into the Susan M. Daniels Disability Mentoring Hall of Fame, named after a profound advocate who dedicated her life to improving opportunities for people with disabilities. 

The Hall of Fame celebrates significant contributors to the mentoring of youth and adults with disabilities, highlighting their achievements during Disability Pride Month each July. Since its inception, numerous leaders and organizations have been recognized for their impactful mentoring efforts, aligning with the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act during its first induction year. This initiative not only honors exemplary service but also aims to inspire and promote best practices in disability mentoring nationwide. 

For more information on these initiatives and how they contribute to enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities through mentoring, you can visit Partners for Youth with Disabilities and the National Disability Mentoring Coalition web pages. These resources offer detailed insights into the programs and the individuals they honor, demonstrating the ongoing impact of these efforts in the community.