Advisory Committee on Increasing Competitive 

Integrated Employment for Individuals with Disabilities

(ACICIEID)

Minutes from Eighth Meeting

April 27 – 28, 2016

The eighth meeting of the Advisory Committee on Increasing Competitive Integrated 

Employment for Individuals with Disabilities (“ACICIEID” or “the Committee”) was called to 

order by ACICIEID Chairman David Mank at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 27, 2016.

The meeting took place at the United States Access Board, 1331 F St N.W., Suite 800,

Washington, DC 20004-1111.

The following members were present:

Self-advocates for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities:

 Patrick Hendry, Mental Health America

 Karen McCulloh, McCulloh and Associates

 Santa Perez, People First of Nevada 

Providers of employment services, including those who employ individuals with intellectual or 

developmental disabilities in competitive integrated employment:

 Christine McMahon, Fedcap

 Brian Itzkowitz, Goodwill Industries of Arkansas Inc.

Representatives of national disability advocacy organizations for adults with intellectual or 

developmental disabilities: 

 Ruby Moore, National Disability Rights Network 

 Ari Ne’eman, Autistic Self Advocacy Network

 Alison Barkoff, the Bazelon Center

Experts with a background in academia or research and expertise in employment and wage 

policy issues for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities:

 Valerie Brooke, Virginia Commonwealth University 

 David Mank, Indiana Institute on Disability 

Community representatives from the employer community or national employer organizations:

 Oswald (Oz) Mondejar, Partners Continuing Care

 Jim Brett, The New England Council

 Steve Pemberton, Walgreens
Other individuals or representatives of organizations with expertise on increasing opportunities 

for competitive integrated employment for individuals with disabilities:

 Cesilee Coulson, Washington Initiative for Supported Employment

 Sharyn Hancock, Workforce Essentials, Inc.

 Rita Landgraf, Delaware State Department of Health and Social Services

 Lisa Pugh, Disability Rights Wisconsin

In addition, the following Federal officials were present: 

 Jennifer Sheehy, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Office of Disability Employment Policy, 

DOL.

 Portia Wu, Assistant Secretary of the Employment and Training Administration, DOL.

 David Weil, Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division, DOL.

 John O’Brien, Director of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

 Mike Smith (Proxy for John O’Brien), Medicare and Medicaid Services

 Serena Lowe (proxy for Bob Williams), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

 Robert Pfaff, Deputy Associate Commissioner, Office of Research, Demonstration and 

Employment Support, U.S. Social Security Administration

 Janet LaBreck, Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) at the 

U.S. Department of Education 

 Mary Lovley (Proxy for Janet LaBreck), Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) at 

the U.S. Department of Education

Day One: Wednesday, April 27, 2016 

Welcome/Roll Call/Administrative Updates / David Mank, Chair 

At 8:30 a.m. Chairman Mank called the meeting to order by welcoming and thanking 

Committee members for their participation and members of the public for their interest in the 

Committee’s work. He mentioned the considerable progress that the Committee has made 

towards finalizing recommendations for the Final Report. He asked for each Committee 

member to introduce themselves.

Chairman Mank then reviewed the Committee’s charge, statute and meeting agenda. He 

outlined the structure of the subcommittee report outs and discussions. Each subcommittee 

would provide an overview of their recommendations, and then Committee members would 

engage in a discussion which would consist of clarifying questions, questions of intent and other 

ideas related to specific recommendations. Finally, the Committee would consider to what 

degree they had reached consensus on the recommendations.

David Mank’s presentation may be accessed on the meeting agenda webpage at: 

https://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/date/David_Mank_Presentation_April.pdf
Report Out and Discussion on Draft Recommendations for Final Report – Marketplace 

Subcommittee 

At 8:45 a.m., Karen McCulloh provided an overview of the Marketplace subcommittee 

recommendations. Then, each member of the subcommittee reported out on the 6 

recommendations.

The Marketplace Subcommittee recommendations may be accessed on the meeting agenda 

webpage at: https://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/date/15_Markeplace_4-11_Recs_508.pdf.

Discussion:

Chairman Mank thanked Marketplace for their detailed report out and reminded the 

Committee to think about their audience, the importance of smart, specific recommendations, 

and aligning them with capacity. Portia Wu asked Sharyn Hancock a question about the 

workforce funding mandate percentage. Ms. Hancock responded that they wanted something 

specifically targeted to ensure funding is utilized for the adult population in work based learning 

(it’s currently at 20% for youth). Patrick Hendry noted the comprehensive nature of their 

recommendations and mentioned the importance of adding apprenticeships to 

Recommendation #4.

Vicki Brooke asked whether Marketplace wanted to increase the amount of Work Opportunity

Tax Credit (WOTC) (Recommendation #6). She noted that her experience, the amount of the 

credit is not worth enough money for employers to be interested in the credit. Steve

Pemberton noted that the process was tedious and whether she was suggesting they increase 

the amount the employer would receive. Ms. Brooke mentioned that she will consider a 

percentage to provide the subcommittee. Serena Lowe suggested that Marketplace look at 

data on previous federal investments (e.g. campaign for disability employment) to see the 

impact of missing elements for context on Recommendation #1. In regards to 

Recommendation #2, she suggested they consider modifying occupational categories used by 

DOL since there is no category on employment support specialists. She also recommended

using the word ‘integrated’ to the piece around work based learning. Ari Ne’eman agreed with 

Ms. Lowe’s suggestions and added how they should break out service providers from personal 

care attendants for data collection purposes. Cesilee Coulson also suggested distinguishing 

between the employment and care domain. 

Chairman Mank asked the Committee if they agreed with the general direction of the 

Marketplace subcommittee recommendations. Not hearing any disagreement or concerns, the 

Committee reached consensus.
Report Out and Discussion on Draft Recommendations for Final Report – Capacity Building 

Subcommittee 

At 9:45 a.m., Cesilee Coulson reported out on the Capacity Building subcommittee

recommendations. Ms. Coulson noted how every subcommittee has elements of capacity 

building within their recommendations.

The Capacity Building Subcommittee recommendations may be accessed on the meeting 

agenda webpage at: https://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/date/Capacity_Final_doc_508.pdf

Discussion:

Vicki Brooke suggested that their subcommittee reference people with intellectual disabilities 

throughout the recommendations and to add coworker mentor models and microbusinesses to 

Recommendation #2. In regards to funding, Chairman Mank remarked on how attentive people 

are to aligning funding with outcomes. Alison Barkoff noted the similarities between 

Complexity and Capacity’s recommendations and that her subcommittee had some ideas 

around incentives in Recommendation #3. She added that they should be intentional in 

thinking across different disabilities and the different types of segregated day programs. Ms. 

McCulloh expressed her enthusiasm for their inclusion of Medicare professionals and called 

attention to NIDILRR grants at the University of Illinois, Chicago.

Ms. Wu noted how Recommendation #1 intersected with Marketplace in regards to staff 

training and the importance of making investments on the workforce system side. She also 

suggested Transition and Marketplace subcommittee talk further about the pilot mentioned in 

Recommendation #2. Mike Smith commented on the need to think more around federal rules 

in regards to institutional settings in Recommendation #3. Ms. Barkoff warned against 

connecting it directly with HCBS rules. Ms. Coulson agreed and mentioned that they were 

doing more work on this particular recommendation. Rita Landgraf commented on the tension 

at the state, federal, and local level and the importance of alignment. She also discussed the

health challenges faced by individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Chairman Mank asked the Committee if they agreed with the general direction of the Capacity 

Building subcommittee recommendations. Not hearing any disagreement or concerns, the 

Committee reached consensus.

Pathways to Careers Panel 

After a short break, Chairman Mank introduced Mike Callahan, Therese Fimian, Gary Green, 

and Connie Warren as part of the Pathways to Career Panel. 

Mr. Callahan provided a brief overview of the Pathways to Career program which serves as a 

bridge to support implementation of competitive integrated employment. He reviewed the 

program’s objectives, goals, and core strategies. Then, Mr. Green presented on his experience 
in the program and his current employment at Zero Manufacturing after serving more than 30

years at a sheltered workshop. Ms. Warren commented on his progress and Mr. Green’s 

contributions as an employee. Finally, Ms. Fimian reviewed the programs structure, key data 

points, and plans for expansion. 

The Pathways to Careers presentation can be accessed at: 

https://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/date/Pathways_WIOA_Presentation_V6_with_ALT_TEXT_no

tes.pdf

Discussion:

Santa Perez started off the discussion by commenting on the incredible work done by the 

program and asked how they deal with issues around informed choice. Mr. Callahan remarked 

that the internship can be used as a bargaining chip and the hours negotiated to make the 

guardians feel more comfortable. Ms. McCulloh asked if the panel could elaborate on tax 

credits for employers. Ms. Fimian noted how the program hasn’t required demonstration sites 

to offer tax credits so the WOTC isn’t integral to the model. However, Mr. Callahan recalled 

how they are using Ticket to Work and considering all funding sources. Ms. Barkoff asked for 

further information around funding. Ms. Fimian mentioned how funding for the Utah model 

comes from SourceAmerica. To make the program more sustainable, Pathways is talking with 

VR and Medicaid who will provide funding that covers a significant amount of cost for initial 

discovery, expanded discovery, and internship and job support (including internship wages). 

Robert Pfaff asked for further information on their use of the Ticket to Work program. Ms. 

Fimian remarked on the nine individuals who are currently eligible for the Ticket program. 

Jennifer Sheehy asked about healthcare options. Ms. Fimian mentioned that some receive 

health insurance from their employer while others can use their parent’s insurance in Utah until 

they’re 30 years old. She also talked about the benefits counseling they receive at initial 

discovery. Ms. Wu had a question about the tax credit simulation. Ms. Fimian reported that the 

Employer Payroll Tax adjustment is offered for five years in Utah. Ms. Coulson and Ms. 

McMahon asked some questions regarding data including cost per person which the panel 

would send to the Committee.

Report Out and Discussion on Draft Recommendations for Final Report – Transition 

Subcommittee 

At 1:30 p.m., Vicki Brooke and Lisa Pugh reported out on the Transition to Careers 

subcommittee recommendations. 

The Transition to Careers Subcommittee recommendations may be accessed on the meeting 

agenda webpage at: https://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/date/Transition_Recs_508.pdf
Discussion:

Ms. Sheehy asked a clarifying question about the pilot demonstration grants and whether they 

considered disconnected youth grants. Ms. Pugh mentioned that they didn’t specifically 

consider this type of grant but looked at various forms of payment incentives. Ms. Barkoff 

commented on the importance of early family expectations, alternative assessments, and the 

assistive technology piece. Ms. McCulloh recommended they include a piece about youth 

access to transportation which Ms. Pugh acknowledged. She also supported the idea embodied 

in the assistive technology recommendation. 

Ms. Hancock and Ms. Wu discussed eligibility requirements and the need to better define in 

school and out of school youth. Oswald Mondejar noted how critically important it is to engage 

youth at an early age from a business perspective. Ms. Brooke agreed and mentioned how they 

wanted to develop a successful way for self-advocates and families to be mentors. Ms. Perez 

echoed this sentiment and the importance of role models. In regards to assistive technology, 

Janet LaBreck remarked on the need to consider how rapid technology changes and literacy 

issues.

Chairman Mank asked the Committee if they agreed with the general direction of the Transition 

to Careers subcommittee recommendations. Not hearing any disagreement or concerns, the 

Committee reached consensus.

Report Out and Discussion on Recent Work and Focus on Final Report – Complexity 

Subcommittee 

Alison Barkoff provided the report out for the Complexity and Needs subcommittee.

The Complexity and Needs Subcommittee recommendations may be accessed on the meeting 

agenda webpage at: 

https://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/date/Complexity_and_Needs_Combined_Recs_2016_04_18

_508.pdf

Discussion:

Brian Itzkowitz commented on areas of overlap including transportation which Ms. Barkoff 

acknowledged in their piece on wrap around services. Ms. Pugh asked for clarity around the 

close working agreements with RSA. Ms. Barkoff remarked that there needs to be 

accommodation guidance and clarification around some of the specific obligations of school 

districts and VR vis-a-vis the students. Chairman Mank suggested the Complexity and Capacity 

subcommittees work together to create one document on funding. Ms. Moore added that they 

should include specific examples of braiding and blending to help clarify their role in increasing 

CIE. Ms. Coulson agreed and mentioned the need to also demonstrate the difference between 

incentives and ideas around investment. Ms. Lowe suggested they look at work that has already 

been done around blending and braiding on the National LEAD Center website.
Public Testimony 

After a short break, the Committee reconvened. At 3:30 p.m., Chairman Mank introduced the 

individuals who submitted testimony to the ACICIEID Advisory Committee. They were allowed 

5 minutes to provide their testimony. 

The following individuals provided testimony:

Chris Rodriguez, CPSD

Susan Goodman, National Down Syndrome Congress

Barb Trader, TASH

Raquel Rosa, TASH

Allison Wohl, ASPE

Nicole Jorwic, The Arc

Parnell Diggs, NFB

Jessica Drangel Ochs, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) - SEIU Local 32BJ

Ann Gillmore, Peckham, Inc.

Nona Fisher, Self

Katherine Berland, ANCOR

Written public testimony can be accessed at:

https://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/date/20160427-testimony.htm

Discussion on Recent Work and Focus on Final Report – Complexity Subcommittee 

(continued) 

After the public comment section, the Complexity subcommittee continued their report out 

and discussion at 4:30 p.m.

Ms. McCulloh talked briefly about social security benefits, employability, and the need to 

redefine disability. She asked the Complexity subcommittee to consider taking this issue on in 

their recommendations. Mr. Pfaff agreed that this was a good idea for the board to review. 

Several members of the Committee continued to discuss the issue around defining disability. 

Chairman Mank asked the Committee if they agreed with the general direction of the 

Complexity and Needs subcommittee recommendations. Not hearing any disagreement or 

concerns, the Committee reached consensus.

Summary of Day One of Meeting; Adjournment 

Chairman Mank provided a quick overview of Day 1 and noted how the Committee has reached 

consensus on 8 of the 10 documents under consideration. He remarked on the clarity of 

direction of the recommendations and the need to clean up some of the details. 
At 4:52 p.m., the meeting adjourned.

Day Two: Thursday, April 28, 2016 

Welcome/Roll-Call/Administrative Matter 

At 8:04 a.m., the Committee reconvened. Chairman Mank started off by reviewing the Day 2 

agenda and expressed his enthusiasm for the progress made yesterday since 8 out of the 10 

documents were approved by the Committee.

Report Out and Discussion on Draft Recommendations of AbilityOne® Working Group 

At 8:15 a.m., Ari Ne’eman provided the report out for the AbilityOne working group. 

The AbilityOne Working Group recommendations may be accessed on the meeting agenda 

webpage at: https://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/date/AbilityOne_Revised_RecommendationFinal_2016_04_18_508.pdf

Discussion: 

Ms. McCulloh suggested they include a recommendation for Congress directing AbilityOne to 

revise and update their definition on significant disabilities. Chairman Mank noted three 

themes -- how legislation needs reform in line with the principles of the ADA, Olmstead and 

WIOA; the need to develop a model or simulation to try to predict how a change in the program 

would affect people with significant disabilities; and the need for a working group to implement 

this reform.

Ms. Barkoff mentioned the importance of mitigating unintended harm and investing and 

engaging people currently in this program when considering reforming the 75% rule. Ms. 

McMahon suggested they include the word or concept ‘keeping’ employment as well as 

obtaining one. Ms. Sheehy asked the working group to explain the roles the CNAs and NPAs 

play in the program. Ms. McCulloh proceeded to explain the selection and approval process. In 

regards to the language around ‘keeping’ employment, Ms. LaBreck they include examples of 

job retention. While discussing eligibility and the 75% rule, Ms. Lowe suggested they include 

language specifying the importance of these recommendations as a holistic package.

Chairman Mank asked the Committee if they agreed with the general direction of the first area 

from the AbilityOne working group. Not hearing any disagreement or concerns, the Committee 

reached consensus.
Full Committee discussion of 14C recommendations for the Final Report with Dr. David 

Weil, Administrator, Wage and Hour Division 

Chairman Mank provided the report out for the 14(c) recommendations. David Weil expressed 

the appreciation of Wage and Hour for the level of engagement from the Committee. Dr. Weil 

then noted WHDs concurrence with the direction of the recommendations. 

The 14 (c) recommendations may be accessed on the meeting agenda webpage at: 

https://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/date/14c_Draft_Recommendations_508.pdf

Discussion:

Ms. Moore noted the incredible importance of these recommendations and thanked Wage and 

Hour for their technical assistance and input in drafting the recommendations. Ms. Coulson 

commented on how the phase out ties in heavily with capacity building and how they needed 

to be very thoughtful and explicit in the language. 

Chairman Mank asked the Committee if they agreed with the general direction of the 14 (c) 

recommendations. Not hearing any disagreement or concerns, the Committee reached 

consensus.

Full Committee Discussion on AbilityOne®, 14 (C) or other items 

After a short break, the Committee reconvened at 10:20 a.m. Ms. Barkoff started off by 

reviewing three topics from AbilityOne. The three topics were eligibility for the program, 

business models, and the 75% rule. After further discussion, Chairman Mank suggested they 

find additional time to discuss some of the finer details and update the recommendation 

document with suggestions from the Committee. 

Additional Full Committee discussion on outstanding recommendations from Day One 

The Committee reconvened after lunch at 1:00 p.m. Chairman Mank asked the Committee to 

consider the path forward. Ms. McCulloh mentioned that Marketplace will have a call with a 

small business owner and that they would make some edits to their document based off 

Committee members’ suggestions. Ms. Coulson remarked on the need to either join other 

subcommittee calls or ensure someone else notifies each of the subcommittee chairs of areas 

of overlap. Ms. LaBreck recommended the Committee also review all subcommittee 

recommendations to see if there are any gaps in capacity. Ms. Brooke mentioned how they’ve 

already included some edits to the Transition to Careers document including adding a piece 

about diversity and cultural diversity. Ms. Barkoff noted how she supply the Transitions 

subcommittee with information on ADA related to effective communication.

Chairman Mank reviewed the final report timeline and explained the process for delivering the 

final report to the Secretary of Labor and Congress. 
Remarks by Christopher P. Lu, Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Labor 

Chairman Mank introduced Deputy Secretary Christopher Lu. Deputy Secretary Lu thanked the 

Committee members for their work and thoughtful recommendations. He commented on the 

progress that has been made the past year including the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, 

Section 188 of WIOA, and progress made by Employment First. 

Closing Remarks 

Chairman Mank recalled the Committee’s work ahead including the July 20-21, 2016 in-person 

meeting, upcoming subcommittee calls, and finalizing the ACICIEID report.

Adjournment 

Chairman Mank thanked the Committee members and members of the public for their 

participation in the process. The meeting was adjourned at 2:30 p.m.

Certification 

I hereby certify that, to the best of my knowledge, the foregoing minutes are accurate and 

complete.

_________________________

ACICIEID Chairman David Mank