After Hurricane Harvey in 2017, the Texas Workforce Commission received more than $30 million from the U.S. Department of Labor for storm recovery and rebuild.  The Board has already approved $10 million for temporary jobs and skills training for individuals affected by the storm. The Commission also received several smaller grants related to hurricane recovery, among them a grant from DOL’s Office of Disability Employment Policy to help individuals with disabilities affected by the hurricane go to work or back to work.

In June 2018, H-GAC issued a Request for Proposal to construct, conduct, and evaluate a training project that will help individuals with developmental disabilities affected by the hurricane: (1) earn recognized college credit and certification in work-and-life related skills, (2) take part in supported employment activities, and (3) enter stable employment.

At its August 2018 meeting, the Workforce Board reviewed and recommended funding for a project from the one proposal H-GAC received – a joint offering from Education Programs Inspiring Communities (also known as The H.E.A.R.T. Program) and the University of Houston-Downtown.  Together, these bidders have offered a project to help 80 individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities go to work through a combination classroom and extended work experience project.  The proposed project includes an outside evaluator to report on process and outcomes.

The Workforce Board recommends two contracts -- one for Education Programs Inspiring Communities and one for the University of Houston-Downtown -- to launch the demonstration project.

Texas Workforce Commission, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy

Yes

Request authorization to negotiate contract with Education Programs Inspiring Communities in amount up to $570,972 and a contract with the University of Houston-Downtown in amount up to $529,028 for a demonstration project serving individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities. (Staff Contact: Mike Temple)