KCDD

Innovative Employment Solutions

I. SCOPE OF PROJECT AND COUNCIL INTENT

NEED:
The unemployment rate for people with developmental disabilities remains considerably higher than for the population as a whole. People with disabilities and their families are seeking alternatives to traditional employment services.

Activities of this investment must be consistent with Council adopted policies and value statements and must increase productivity, integration, independence and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities.

ASSUMPTIONS AND KNOWLEDGE:
Assumptions and knowledge about people with developmental disabilities and their family members may serve as a guide for applicants and are offered in the spirit of helping you develop a quality target plan. They reflect current trends, national and state research and represent what has been learned over many years regarding people with developmental disabilities. We recognize that there is more knowledge needed in this field and are open to new approaches.

• Entrepreneurship is increasing across the nation and is a valid employment option for people with developmental disabilities.
• Resource ownership is an emerging trend. Sometimes getting a competitive edge is easier if you have "added value" derived from things that you can bring to the job that are not traditionally available.
• People with developmental disabilities can be successful business owners and successful business partners.
• People with developmental disabilities have valuable skills and abilities that can be packaged into a marketable product or service.
• Youth with developmental disabilities leaving the educational system have a more difficult time finding and maintaining employment than youth without disabilities.

INTENT:
It is the intent of the Council to invest in innovative employment solutions that result in gainful opportunities for employment of individuals with developmental disabilities. A marketable business plan with sound prospects for success must be included in the application.

Investor Result Target: By September 2009, 6 or more adults with developmental disabilities will be gainfully employed in the community.

TARGET AREAS:
Your specific performance targets should tell us exactly how you will contribute to the above outcome statement. Your challenge as an applicant is to clearly define how many customers will reach those targets and what changes you are committed to achieving for the people you will serve.

• Successful proposals will include an employment plan or business development plan.
• Pre- and post-employment supports appropriate to the individual must be identified and provided.
• Use of resources such as the Small Business Development Centers and Vocational Rehabilitation, will strengthen your application.
• Employment considered by the Council to be sheltered, congregate or segregated will not be funded.

II. TARGET PLAN CONTENT

A. FACE SHEET
Complete the face sheet included in your packet. This must be the first page of your application. The original application must have an original signature on this form.

B. ABSTRACT
Include a one-page (1) abstract of the project. This summary will be used during the KCDD evaluation process and will be used to describe the project to the public.

C. BUSINESS PLAN (Between 5 and 8 pages double spaced)

• For individuals with developmental disabilities who want to start their own business:

1. PRODUCT
Describe your business idea.

2. PRICING
How did you determine the price of your goods or services?

3. LOCATION
Describe your business location and its advantages and disadvantages.

4. CUSTOMERS/COMPETITION
List your key customers.
How will you advertise your product?
Do you have any competitors? If so, who are they and what advantage do you have other them?

5. KNOWLEDGE
What knowledge do you have about starting and running this type of business?
Have you contacted similar businesses?
What business training do you have?
Are you open to obtaining additional training if requested by the Council?

6. SUPPORT NETWORK
Who is your support network? Are they paid or unpaid?
What growth do you plan for your second year?
What are your long term goals?

7. OTHER RESOURCES
Do you have a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor? If so, how are they involved. If not, why?
Have you worked with the Kansas Small Business Development Center?
Who are other investors in your business? How much have they invested - may be financial or in-kind contributions?

• For agencies who provide employment supports to individuals with developmental disabilities:

1. THE MARKET AND YOUR CUSTOMERS
Define the numbers and characteristics of the customers you will serve. Profile two or three people typical of those to be served by your idea. Explain why they want to know what you have to offer, not why you think they need it. How will potential customers learn about your product?

Name the intermediaries whose involvement is critical for your idea to work. Indicate why they will cooperate. (This is not the same as letters of support.)

2. YOUR PRODUCT OR SERVICE
Specify your proposed product or service, its key features and its comparative advantages over others.

If submitting an application for entrepreneurship, what are the important and distinct functions of the product or service? Where will your business be located? What is the name of your business?

3. PERFORMANCE TARGETS
Specify the customer-focused performance targets you are committed to achieving. Indicate the reason for not setting lower or higher levels. (These targets state what changes will occur for the consumer,  not what activities or processes you do,  and should be stated in observable terms.)

Describe how you will verify that your performance targets were achieved. How will we all know the change has occurred? Customer satisfaction surveys will not be accepted.

4. MILESTONES
Specify the critical milestones (steps) that will be achieved to reach your goals.

5. KEY INDIVIDUALS
Profile those individuals who will have the most responsibility for the project, connecting it to the customers and achieving the performance targets. Describe why they are the right people for the job. We do not want resumes. Instead, focus on the energy, capacity and commitment.

If a team approach to managing and/or implementing is used, specify how strengths of individuals are complementary and not duplicative.

6. ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT
This section deals with you and your support network's capacity to achieve your stated targets.
List specific resources that your group will contribute to the project and which are critical to success.

D. BUDGET
The Council on Developmental Disabilities hopes to invest in up to $10,000 for 6 or more innovative employment projects. Total amount allocated for this competition is $60,000. Funds received must be spent within one year of the start date of the project.

Complete the Budget Information page (Attachment). A 25% non-Federal match is required for each project. This matching requirement means that 25% of the total project must come from non-Federal funds (e.g. state, local, agency, and/or private funds). In-kind contributions may be included as part of the 25% match.


III. USE OF DD FUNDS

Any equipment or technology purchased with Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities funds for an individual to obtain employment must remain the property of the individual. Council funds may not be used for capital expenditures or acquisition (construction, remodeling, or purchase of buildings).


IV. SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION AND CLOSING DATE

The original, unbound application plus six (6) copies of the application must be received by 5:00 PM, July 1st, 2008

Send or Hand-deliver to:

No FAX, Handwritten, or Single-Spaced Copies will be accepted. Please number your pages.


V. SELECTION PROCESS

After submission of your application, the Council will conduct a three step due diligence selection process:

1. Telephone interview. Most applicants will be contacted and given the opportunity to answer any questions reviewers may have about the proposal or to clarify any part of the proposal. Applicants must be available on July 18th, 2008.

2. Personal interview. After the initial screening has been made, remaining applicants will be given the opportunity to meet personally with the review team to elaborate, substantiate and generally build upon the submitted target plan. Interviews will take place in Wichita, Kansas, on the 1st of August. Attendance in person is mandatory.

3. Verification. Verification involves the review team contacting previous customers or other outside persons familiar with the provider�s work to ask for confirmation of any key claims made by the applicant at any point during the due diligence process.

VI. TIMELINES FOR APPLICATION PROCESS

Here is an estimated timeline for the completion of each step of the application process:

Applications Due July 1, 2008
Applications Reviewed July 2008
Telephone Interviews July 18, 2008
Personal Interviews August 1, 2008
Verifications August 2008
Awards Announced September 2008
Contract Period October 2008 to September 2009

NOTE: Applicants must be available for the dates of the telephone interviews and the personal interviews should they be required. The key people responsible for implementing the project should be available for both contacts.

Inclusive Recreation

I. SCOPE OF PROJECT AND COUNCIL INTENT

NEED:
The Council would like to promote inclusive recreation by recognizing organizations who have taken the initiative to include ALL in the activities that they offer.

Activities of this investment must be consistent with Council adopted policies and value statements and must increase productivity, integration, independence and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities.

ASSUMPTIONS AND KNOWLEDGE:
Assumptions and knowledge about people with developmental disabilities and their family members may serve as a guide for applicants and are offered in the spirit of helping you develop a quality target plan. They reflect current national and state research and represent what has been learned over many years regarding people with developmental disabilities. We recognize that there is more knowledge needed in this field and are open to new approaches.
 

• People with developmental disabilities and their families want to participate in existing recreational activities offered in their community.
• People with developmental disabilities face attitudinal barriers to full inclusion in recreational opportunities.
• Examples include community parks that are fully accessible, standard summer recreation programs that include people with and without developmental disabilities, and inclusive city art programs in which all individuals participate.

INTENT:
Year One: it is the intent of the Council to invest in one project that will identify examples of community recreation programs that include people of all ages and disabilities. These stories will serve as models for replication of inclusive recreation projects. The successful applicant will work with an advisory board of Council members to:

• Develop an application process for organizations to submit their model programs; and
• Solicit applications from across the state that include urban and rural examples.

The Council will select the top five model programs for recognition, publication, and dissemination..

Investor Result Target: Five models of inclusive recreation that can replicated in different communities.

TARGET AREAS:
Your specific performance targets should tell us exactly how you will contribute to the above outcome statement. Your challenge as an applicant is to clearly define how many customers will reach those targets and what changes you are committed to achieving for the people you will serve.


II. TARGET PLAN CONTENT

A. FACE SHEET
Complete the face sheet included in your packet. This must be the first page of your application. There must be an original signature on this form.

B. ABSTRACT
Include a one-page (1) abstract of the project. This summary will be used during the KCDD evaluation process and will be used to describe the project to the public.

C. TARGET PLAN (Between 5 and 8 pages double spaced)

1. THE MARKET AND YOUR CUSTOMERS
Define the numbers and characteristics of the customers you will serve. Profile two or three people typical of those to be served by your idea. Explain why they will benefit from your product. How will they be informed of your product?

Name the intermediaries whose involvement is critical for your idea to work. You must demonstrate collaboration with these partners. (This is not the same as letters of support.)

2. YOUR PRODUCT OR SERVICE
Specify your proposed product or service, its key features and its comparative advantages over others. What are the important and distinct functions of the product or service? Highlight or focus on those aspects of your proposal that are innovative. Indicate your assumptions about how those aspects will answer the Council's Outcome and Target Areas.

3. PERFORMANCE TARGETS
Specify the customer-focused performance targets you are committed to achieving. Indicate the reason for not setting lower or higher levels. (These targets state what changes will occur for the customer, not what activities or processes you do, and should be stated in observable terms.)

Describe how you will verify that your performance targets were achieved. How will we all know the change has occurred? Customer satisfaction surveys will not be accepted, unless discussed with KCDD staff ahead of time.

4. MILESTONES
Specify the critical milestones (steps) that will be achieved to reach your stated performance targets.

5. KEY INDIVIDUALS
Profile those individuals who will have the most responsibility for the project, connecting it to the customers and achieving the performance targets. Describe why they are the right people for the job. We do not want resumes. Instead, focus on their energy, capacity and commitment.

If a team approach to managing and/or implementing is used, specify how strengths of individuals are complementary and not duplicative.

6. ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT
This section deals with your agency's capacity to achieve your stated targets.

1. Explain one or two similar projects your agency has undertaken and the extent to which you stated and achieved results.
2. List specific resources that your group will contribute to the project and which are critical to success.
3. State and justify the priority this project has for your agency.

D. BUDGET
The Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities hopes to invest up to $10,000 for one project.

Complete the Budget Information page (Attachment). A 25% non-Federal match is required for this project. This matching requirement means that 25% of the total project must come from non-Federal funds (e.g. in-kind contributions, state, local, private funds.)


III. USE OF DD FUNDS
Council funds may not be used for capital expenditures or acquisition (construction, remodeling, or purchase of buildings).


IV. SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION AND CLOSING DATE

The original, unbound application plus six (6) copies of the application must be received by 5:00 P.M., July 1, 2008

Send or hand deliver to:


No FAX, Handwritten, or Single-Spaced Copies will be accepted. Please number pages.




V. SELECTION PROCESS

After submission of your application, the Council will conduct a three step due diligence selection process:

1. Telephone interview. Most applicants will be contacted and given the opportunity to answer any questions reviewers may have about the proposal or to clarify any part of the proposal. Applicants must be available on July 18th, 2008.

2. Personal interview (if needed). After the initial screening has been made, remaining applicants will be given the opportunity to meet personally with the review team to elaborate, substantiate and generally build upon the submitted target plan. Interviews will be held in Wichita on August 1, 2008. Attendance in person is mandatory.

3. Verification. Verification involves the review team contacting previous customers or other outside persons familiar with the provider�s work to ask for confirmation of any key claims made by the applicant at any point during the due diligence process.

VI. TIMELINES FOR APPLICATION PROCESS

Here is an estimated timeline for the completion of each step of the application process:

Applications Due July 1, 2008
Applications Reviewed July 2008
Telephone Interviews July 18, 2008
Personal Interviews August 1, 2008 in Wichita
Verifications August 2008
Awards Announced September 2008
Contract Period October 2008 to September 2009

NOTE: Applicants should plan to be available for the dates of the telephone interviews and the personal interviews should they be required. The key people responsible for implementing the project should be available for both contacts.

Home Ownership

I. SCOPE OF PROJECT AND COUNCIL INTENT

NEED:
Lack of affordable and accessible housing options has long been a barrier for people with developmental disabilities achieving independence. Home ownership for people with developmental disabilities remains considerably lower than the population as a whole. Most Kansans with developmental disabilities receive residential support services in an agency owned residence.

Activities of this investment must be consistent with Council adopted policies and value statements and must increase productivity, integration, independence and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities.

ASSUMPTIONS AND KNOWLEDGE:
Assumptions and knowledge about people with developmental disabilities and their family members may serve as a guide for applicants and are offered in the spirit of helping you develop a quality target plan. They reflect current national and state research and represent what has been learned over many years regarding people with developmental disabilities. We recognize that there is more knowledge needed in this field and are open to new approaches.

• People with developmental disabilities and their families want alternatives to traditional residential services.
• People with developmental disabilities face financial and attitudinal barriers to home ownership but can overcome them with understanding and supports.
• All applicants must embrace and utilize a person-centered and individualized approach to support services and home ownership.

INTENT:
It is the intent of the Council to invest in one innovative project that will provide information and tools to help adults with developmental disabilities to access affordable housing in communities of their choice. The successful applicant will work with an advisory board of Council members to develop a website that will accomplish the following:

1. increase understanding and use of existing homebuyer programs and housing resources;
2. identify ongoing maintenance needs for homeowners;
3. promote disability awareness;
4. address attitudinal barriers to homeownership;
5. explain legal rights to housing;
6. highlight individual success stories of individuals with developmental disabilities who live in homes of their choice � including but not limited homeowners; and
7. showcase model communities.

Activities may include but are not limited to: public service announcements, brochures and other printed materials, mentoring programs, grass roots and community advocacy efforts, demonstration of alternative financing or creative funding packages, training videos, and public presentations at trade conferences or vendor fairs.

Investor Result Target: A functional and user-friendly website that will increase understanding, collaboration and homeownership opportunities for persons with developmental disabilities.


TARGET AREAS:

• Your specific performance targets should tell us exactly how you will contribute to the above outcome statement. Your challenge as an applicant is to clearly define how many customers will reach those targets and what changes you are committed to achieving for the people you will serve.

II. TARGET PLAN CONTENT

A. FACE SHEET
Complete the face sheet included in your packet. This must be the first page of your application. There must be an original signature on this form.

B. ABSTRACT
Include a one-page (1) abstract of the project. This summary will be used during the KCDD evaluation process and will be used to describe the project to the public.

C. TARGET PLAN (Between 5 and 8 pages double spaced)

1. THE MARKET AND YOUR CUSTOMERS
Define the numbers and characteristics of the customers you will serve. Profile two or three people typical of those to be served by your idea. Explain why they will benefit from your product. How will they be informed of your product?

Name the intermediaries whose involvement is critical for your idea to work. You must demonstrate collaboration with these partners. (This is not the same as letters of support.)

2. YOUR PRODUCT OR SERVICE
Specify your proposed product or service, its key features and its comparative advantages over others. What are the important and distinct functions of the product or service? Highlight or focus on those aspects of your proposal that are innovative. Indicate your assumptions about how those aspects will answer the Council's Outcome and Target Areas.

3. PERFORMANCE TARGETS
Specify the customer-focused performance targets you are committed to achieving. Indicate the reason for not setting lower or higher levels. (These targets state what changes will occur for the customer, not what activities or processes you do, and should be stated in observable terms.)

Describe how you will verify that your performance targets were achieved. How will we all know the change has occurred? Customer satisfaction surveys will not be accepted, unless discussed with KCDD staff ahead of time.

4. MILESTONES
Specify the critical milestones (steps) that will be achieved to reach your stated performance targets.

5. KEY INDIVIDUALS
Profile those individuals who will have the most responsibility for the project, connecting it to the customers and achieving the performance targets. Describe why they are the right people for the job. We do not want resumes. Instead, focus on their energy, capacity and commitment.

If a team approach to managing and/or implementing is used, specify how strengths of individuals are complementary and not duplicative.

6. ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT
This section deals with your agency's capacity to achieve your stated targets.

• Explain one or two similar projects your agency has undertaken and the extent to which you stated and achieved results.
• List specific resources that your group will contribute to the project and which are critical to success.
• State and justify the priority this project has for your agency.

D. BUDGET
The Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities hopes to invest up to $25,000 for one project.

Complete the Budget Information page (Attachment). A 25% non-Federal match is required for this project. This matching requirement means that 25% of the total project must come from non-Federal funds (e.g. in-kind contributions, state, local, private funds.)


III. USE OF DD FUNDS
Council funds may not be used for capital expenditures or acquisition (construction, remodeling, or purchase of buildings).


IV. SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION AND CLOSING DATE

The original, unbound application plus six (6) copies of the application must be received by 5:00 P.M., July 1, 2008

Send or hand deliver to:


No FAX, Handwritten, or Single-Spaced Copies will be accepted. Please number pages.


V. SELECTION PROCESS

After submission of your application, the Council will conduct a three step due diligence selection process:

1. Telephone interview. Most applicants will be contacted and given the opportunity to answer any questions reviewers may have about the proposal or to clarify any part of the proposal. Applicants must be available on July 18th, 2008.

2. Personal interview (if needed). After the initial screening has been made, remaining applicants will be given the opportunity to meet personally with the review team to elaborate, substantiate and generally build upon the submitted target plan. Interviews will be held in Wichita on August 1, 2008. Attendance in person is mandatory.

3. Verification. Verification involves the review team contacting previous customers or other outside persons familiar with the provider�s work to ask for confirmation of any key claims made by the applicant at any point during the due diligence process.

VI. TIMELINES FOR APPLICATION PROCESS

Here is an estimated timeline for the completion of each step of the application process:

Applications Due July 1, 2008
Applications Reviewed July 2008
Telephone Interviews July 18, 2008
Personal Interviews August 1, 2008 in Wichita
Verifications August 2008
Awards Announced September 2008
Contract Period October 2008 to September 2009

NOTE: Applicants should plan to be available for the dates of the telephone interviews and the personal interviews should they be required. The key people responsible for implementing the project should be available for both contacts.