Brenda Ruehl

The meeting began with a roll call to establish quorum, followed by the approval of the agenda. A discussion on goal number seven was continued from the last meeting. A presentation was given on competitive integrated employment, including an explanation of customized employment services. The presentation covered the eligibility criteria for VR services, the discovery process, community mapping, job shadows, informational interviews, and situational assessments.

This document outlines the 2026 focus areas for North Dakota Protection and Advocacy Project, an organization dedicated to championing the equality and inclusion of people with disabilities and fostering their independence, productivity, and community integration. The strategic focus areas for 2026 are: addressing abuse, neglect, and exploitation; promoting community inclusion through advocacy for education, employment, assistive technology, and voting access; and ensuring appropriate treatment and supports within the criminal and juvenile justice systems. The plan aims to empower individuals with disabilities, ensure their rights, and drive systemic change.

The meeting included a review of goals seven and four of the Homestead plan, a presentation on workers with disabilities Medicaid, a housing update, and advisory council updates. Discussions covered customized employment, workforce innovation, opportunities, and challenges such as staffing shortages and training reimbursement. The commission also explored financial incentives for customized employment and compared North Dakota's approach to that of other states like Colorado.

The North Dakota Protection & Advocacy Project (P&A) strategic plan outlines focus areas to guide services for individuals with disabilities, emphasizing abuse, neglect, and exploitation prevention, community inclusion, and protecting the rights of those in the criminal and juvenile justice systems. The plan includes investigating abuse, advocating for community living and educational rights, addressing employment barriers, ensuring access to assistive technology and the electoral process, and representing individuals at forced medication hearings.