The closing of the two-day Elko Employment Summit marked the end of the statewide 2010 Employment Summit. The last meeting of the Summit saw a more streamlined process and a stronger focus on rural issues, such as transportation.

At the close of the second day, the four groups presented their desired outcomes and detailed steps for reaching those goals. The presentations ranged from the simple reading of notes to the transportation group’s rendition of “The Wheels on the Bus” (with “all through the rurals” substituted for “all through the town.”)

The number of focus groups was whittled from eight to four due to the number of attendees (each group needs eight members. One of the groups in Elko only had seven.) But regardless of performance or participants, each group presented serious information.

For each of the groups, some of their solutions were:

-“Develop strategies for better transition including introduction career development experiences at an earlier age:” The group wanted to bring the school districts and special education departments into the discussion. They also wanted to create a handout about the myths surrounding hiring people with disabilities. Job seekers could distribute this flyer when they contact employers.
-“Involve all stakeholders in the improvement of interagency collaboration and communication resulting in increased employment options for individuals with disabilities:” The group wanted to streamline the processes for people who use multiple services (by creating a passcard or similar system.)
-“Expand and enhance flexible, affordable transportation options for individuals with disabilities 24 hours per day, 7 days per week to facilitate access to employment:” The group proposed creating a People’s Committee for Transportation, a meeting of all stakeholders to expand existing services or create new ones.
-“Increase competency by developing and instituting training programs for consumers, providers and community partners (including employers):” This group wanted to increase communication between DETR and DHHS. The group also wanted to create an advisory council to develop and implement training.

The data from Elko’s Summit will be collected with that from Reno and Las Vegas and drafted into a proposal for the 2011 Nevada State Legislature.The draft will probably be completed at the end of July.

Read more about the Reno and Elko Employment Summits on NCED’s blog at:
Elko Summit tackles unique issue
Elko ascends Summit day two
Behind the scenes of the Employment Summit
Three Summits, six days, two tired facilitators
Out of the gate running: Employment Summit’s First Day
Hashing out action plans: Employment Summit’s Second Day