The Value of Leveraging Across Multiple Systems
Resource leveraging and service coordination across various public systems can increase competitive integrated employment (CIE) for workers with disabilities. Through collaborative efforts, state and local entities that provide employment support services can maximize employment, inclusion, and economic advancement outcomes for individuals with disabilities.
Blending, braiding, and/or sequencing (BBS) are innovative strategies to maximize the efficient and effective use of federal funds across systems for supporting individuals with disabilities to secure and maintain CIE.
Defining BBS
Blending occurs when dollars from multiple funding streams combine to create a single “pot” of commingled dollars which can fund an initiative or purchase more specific services. Blending involves pooling funds from multiple sources to support a common goal, such that each individual funding source gives up its program identity.
Braiding occurs when multiple funding streams separately and simultaneously provide specific services. Because braiding involves simultaneous service delivery by two or more systems, it may require interagency coordination and collaboration with this specific goal in mind.
Sequencing occurs when multiple funding streams separately and sequentially provide specific services.
Increasing Blending, Braiding, and Sequencing within Federal, State, and Local Systems
Resource Leveraging & Service Coordination to Increase Competitive Integrated Employment for Individuals with Disabilities – ODEP and DOL’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) joined seven other federal agencies in a joint communication that encourages state and local governments throughout the nation to BBS funding to proactively maximize resources and improve CIE outcomes for youth and adults with disabilities. The joint communication also includes a set of frequently asked questions on leveraging resources.
Improving Transition Services for Youth and Young Adults with Disabilities through Braided Funding – Federal initiatives fund key transition and employment supports for youth and young adults with disabilities. This brief discusses how service providers can leverage these different resources, maximize efficiency of delivery and strengthen programs through braided funding.
Training Employment Notice 07-22 – This document encourages state and local partners to implement BBS strategies across systems to maximize resources and increase CIE for youth and adults with disabilities.
Blending, Braiding, and Sequencing in Practice
Yes, WIOA Can! Effectively Leveraging or Braiding Multiple Funding Sources with WIOA – This webinar serves as technical assistance for WIOA grantees to understand how to braid multiple funding sources to achieve improved outcomes. Presenters share how WIOA funds can be leveraged or braided with other funding streams and how to properly track funds. The webinar also showcases examples of local areas that have braided funds.
How Blended, Braided, or Sequenced Funding Can Help Drive Employment, Equity, and Inclusion – Hosted by the National Center on Leadership for the Employment and Economic Advancement of People with Disabilities (LEAD Center), this federal interagency webinar features state and local practitioners from across Arizona, Colorado, and North Carolina workforce systems that support people with disabilities. Presenters discuss how they successfully apply innovative, collaborative resource-sharing to benefit both businesses and jobseekers with disabilities.
Celebrating Olmstead: How Blending, Braiding, and Sequencing Leads to Integrated Employment – In this federal interagency webinar, hosted by the LEAD Center, Maryland practitioners share their promising practices at the state and local levels, including lessons learned and tools used to sustain partnerships.
In-Depth Q&A Event: Blended, Braided, and Sequenced Funding for Employment, Equity, and Inclusion – This unique Q&A event features professionals from Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, North Carolina, and multiple federal agencies who answer implementation and policy questions related to BBS.
On the Ground Success
Additional Resources
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A Framework for Community Engagement – A Pathway to Competitive Integrated Employment – Developed by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, in partnership with ODEP and the Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, this brief for policymakers and service providers explains the meaning and benefits of community engagement.
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Value-Based Payment Methodologies to Advance Competitive Integrated Employment: A Mix of Inspiring Examples from Across the Country – Developed by Dr. Lisa Mill, a Medicaid expert, this guide provides examples of best practices as states determine their Medicaid service rates. The guide shares strategies states used to enact rates that incentivize services that lead to CIE. Along with the guide, ODEP hosted a three-part webinar series highlighting key components from the guide with examples from states and state systems.
- Guide for Creating Successful CIE Memorandums of Understanding (MOU's) – This guide provides a step-by-step process that walks agencies through MOU development by illustrating who should be at the table, key areas to include in an MOU, strategies for completing the MOU, and tips for implementing the MOU effectively.