U n i v e r s i t y
o f
W i s c o n s i n - S t o u t
Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute
2 0 1 5
F a l l
V o l u m e
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
A Note from the Executive Director
A Note from the
Cayte Anderson, Ph.D., CRC
N e w s l e t t e r
1 7 ,
I s s u e
3
Executive Director………………1
SVRI Serving as WIPA Provider for Western Wisconsin…….2
Mandela Young African Leaders Group Tour…………………..2
Learning the “Skills to Pay the
Bills”…………………………………3
PROMISE Grant Enrollment
Reaches 1,000…………………...3
Highlight on Staff Presentations………………………………….4
Alumni Spotlight………………..5
SVRI Welcomes New Directors: Becky Albricht and Troy
Temple………………………………6
SVRI Welcomes New Staff
Members…..……………………....7
Staff News………………………….8
SVRI Receives the “Spirit of
ADA Award”…..……………...….8
Professional Development
Opportunities and Upcoming
Events……………………………….9
SVRI
F i n di n g
Dear Colleagues,
Our research, services, training, and
innovation work in
support of integrated,
competitive employment for individuals
with disabilities continues to grow and
thrive. The team had a
busy summer developing and expanding
the Eligibility Services
Pilot in partnership
with the Wisconsin
Division of Vocational
Rehabilitation (DVR).
This pilot is an exciting opportunity to
help re-design administrative elements of
the DVR application
process. The goal is to
increase efficiency in
order to expedite rapid engagement in the
VR process. DVR staff
in the pilot area have
been sharing very positive reports regarding
how the enhanced efficiency helps save
them valuable time
that can then be focused on working di-
A ns w e rs ,
C r ea t i ng
rectly with consumers.
You will have the
pleasure of meeting
our newest team members later in this issue.
Additionally, we successfully submitted
seven federal grant
proposals this summer
related to Knowledge
Translation
(supporting researchto-practice efforts in
rehabilitation counseling) and improving
integrated, competitive employment opportunities for youth
with disabilities. In
this issue, you will also
learn more about our
new role with the Wisconsin Work Incentives Planning and
Assistance (WIPA)
project. We are excited to continue our
partnership with Employment Resources,
Inc. in expanding our
benefits counseling
options across the
western region of the
state.
S o l ut i o ns ,
Finally, after a lengthy
search and screen process conducted by a cross
-departmental committee, I am pleased to introduce our new directors.
Becky Albricht joined our
team as the new Director
of Services on August 1st
and Troy Temple joined
our team as the new Director of Operations on
September 1st. Both
Becky and Troy bring a
wealth of knowledge and
experience to SVRIplease join me in welcoming them to UWStout!
Cayte Anderson
E ns ur i ng
F ut u r es .
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SVRI Serving as WIPA Provider for Western Wisconsin
SVRI is pleased to announce that
we will now be serving as the
Work Incentives Planning and
Assistance (WIPA) site for Western Wisconsin. In partnership
with Employment Resources,
Inc., SVRI will provide WIPA services to individuals with disabilities starting September 1, 2015.
benefits; conduct outreach efforts
to beneficiaries of SSI and SSDI
(and their families) who are potentially eligible to participate in
Federal or State work incentives
programs; and work in cooperation with Federal, State, and private agencies and nonprofit organizations that serve disabled
SSI and SSDI beneficiaries.”
“The goal of the WIPA program is
to enable beneficiaries with disa- Work Incentives Planning and
bilities to make informed choices Assistance
about work, and to support working beneficiaries to make a successful transition to selfsufficiency. Each WIPA project
has Community Work Incentives
Coordinators who will: provide in
-depth counseling about benefits
and the effect of work on those
ERI will coordinate WIPA services statewide including receiving and assigning incoming referrals. Social Security beneficiaries
and recipients in Western Wisconsin will be quickly connected
with Sara Dekan and Casey Lubinsky, SVRI Benefits Specialists,
for service. Stay tuned for more
information on how this project is
helping people in our area!
Mandela Young
African Leaders
Group Tour
On July 22, Paul Schwartz, Director of Assistive Technology at SVRI, led a tour for the Mandela Young
African Leaders group. The University of Wisconsin–Stout was one of 20 universities around the United
States to host fellows from the Mandela Young African Leaders group. Fellows attended the University of
Wisconsin-Stout for six weeks completing coursework and leadership training in the area of business and
Entrepreneurship.
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Learning the “Skills to Pay the Bills”
Sara Budimlija, Soft Skills Trainer
at SVRI, led youth in activities
from “Skills to Pay Bills,” a curriculum developed by the Office of
Disability Employment Policy
(ODEP).
verbal communication and body
language.”
You can find more information
about soft skills training on the
Wisconsin PROMISE website, including an overview handout and
a video that describes the training.
Check it out at: Soft Skills Training.
The curriculum focuses on teaching soft skills to youth and adults,
including individuals with disabilities. “Skills to Pay Bills” is comprised of modular, hands-on activities to help youth learn and practice soft skills. The activities focus on six key skill areas: communication, enthusiasm and attitude,
teamwork, networking, problem
solving and critical thinking, and
professionalism.
Information about “Skills to Pay
the Bills” can be found at the following website: Soft Skills to Pay
the Bills—Mastering Soft Skills for
“I liked Soft Skills because I got to Workplace Success.
do activities with classmates and
SVRI is now accepting referrals
work as a team.”
for youth and adults. For ques“I liked Soft Skills because I
tions or information on how to
learned ways to stay focused at
register please feel free to contact
When asked what they learned
school.”
Sara Budimlija at budimliand how they will use it at work or
jasa@uwstout.edu or by phone at
at school in the future, here is
“I learned so many new things
715-232-2513.
what some of the youth said:
including the importance of non-
PROMISE Grant Enrollment Reaches 1,000!
Wisconsin Promise has enrolled over 1,000 Youth/Families. Of the participants, 523 are in the PROMISE treatment group, and 535 are in the “usual services,” or control group.
The goal of Wisconsin Promise is to enroll 2,000 participants by 2016. There are now less than 1,000
spots left. Don't miss your chance! For information about Wisconsin Promise check out Ellie's Updates:
Wisconsin Promise Participants at: Ellie’s Updates: Wisconsin Promise Participants
F i n d i n g
A n s w e r s ,
C r e a t i n g
S o l u t i o n s ,
E n s u r i n g
F u t u r e s .
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Highlight on Staff Presentations
Cayte Anderson:
Date: April 23, 2015
Location:
Event: National Council on RehaManhattan Beach, California
bilitation Education’s Spring ConTopics: Evidence-Based Practicference
es: Perceptions of Graduate VocaDate: April 23, 2015
tional Rehabilitation Students
Location:
Manhattan Beach, California
Priscilla Mathews:
Topics: Evidence-Based PracticEvent: National Council on Rehaes: Perceptions of Graduate Vocabilitation Education’s Spring Contional Rehabilitation Students
ference
Meghan Donahue:
Date: April 23, 2015
Location:
Event: RESNA 2015 Conference
Manhattan Beach, California
Dates: June 12 & 14., 2015
Topics: Evidence-Based PracticLocation: Denver, Colorado
es: Perceptions of Graduate VocaTopics: Data Driven AT Assesstional Rehabilitation Students
ments: An Easy Approach for
Computer Access, Shooting for a Laura Plummer:
Higher Target: Taking Computer
Event: Rehabilitation for WisAccess Beyond Device Selection,
consin Conference
and Rehabilitation Engineers,
Date: May 1, 2015
Technologists, and Technicians:
Location: Green Bay, WI
Vital Members of the Assistive
Topic: Ethical Decisions in AssisTechnology Team
tive Technology: What Would You
Do?
John Lui:
Event: National Council on Rehabilitation Education’s Spring Conference
Event: Federal Executive Board
of Minnesota Diversity Day
Date: June 4, 2015
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Topic: Accommodation Request? What a great opportunity!
Event: RESNA 2015 Conference
Date: June 12, 2015
Location: Denver, Colorado
Topic: Technology for Hearing
Loss: The Old, The New and The
Future
Paul Schwartz:
Event: Federal Executive Board
of Minnesota Diversity Day
Date: June 4, 2015
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Topic: 25 Years of Reasonable
Accommodations: Assistive Technology and Employment Case
Studies
Event: RESNA 2015 Conference
Date: June 13, 2015
Location: Denver, Colorado
Topic: Job Accommodations
Show and Tell
Meghan Donahue, Rehabilitation Engineer at SVRI, was elected to the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society’s (RESNA’s) Board of Directors. Her term begins August 1, 2015.
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Alumni Spotlight
With regard to work history, I
signed a contract with the Milwaukee Public School District to
be an Evaluator before I graduated. Jewish Vocational Services
of Milwaukee was my next stop as
a Vocational Evaluator and then
Lead Evaluator. Both of these position were chock full of Stout
graduates who were comprehensively trained to conduct evaluations and perform case management work. The practical hands
Rebecca Wilberg graduated from on experiences all through my edUniversity of Wisconsin-Stout in ucation provided a nice frameMay of 1984 with an undergradu- work for success. In 1990, I took
ate degree in Vocational Rehabili- the jump and went into Private
tation with a Concentration in
Rehabilitation with Cascade ReSpecial Education. In December habilitation. Unfortunately, there
of 1985, she graduated with her
was only one class during the
Master's of Science Degree in Vo- 1980's that even dealt with for
cational Rehabilitation with an
profit rehabilitation but the case
emphasis in Vocational Evaluamanagement skills and experienction.
es from my work were nice preparation for working in Worker's
Subsequent to this, she has taken
Compensation. In particular, Ocongoing continuing education
cupational Analysis and in depth
courses through a variety of medistudy of the Dictionary of Occupaums and obtained a Professional
tional Titles taught by Dr. Karl
Counselor License through the
Botterbusch were useful.
State of Wisconsin in 1995.
In 1997, I began work with the
“Even before I graduated with my
State of Wisconsin as a Division of
Master's Degree, I had calls from
Vocational Rehabilitation Counseemployers recruiting me to their
lor. All of my work experiences
companies. This is the power of a
prepared me for success as a DVR
degree from UW-Stout. There is
Counselor. Especially the case
clout in being a UW-Stout graduload management coursework as
ate and alumni across the country
well as work experiences in the
look for Stout graduates.
Meet Rebecca Wilberg!
F i n d i n g
A n s w e r s ,
C r e a t i n g
S o l u t i o n s ,
Evaluation Lab at UW-Stout. I
plan on ending my career with the
State as a Career Counselor in one
of the Job Center locations. In
this position, I utilize my love of
teaching in terms of helping job
seekers with job seeking skills,
resumes, and/or interviews. Networking with employers and marketing our services is another
huge aspect of my position.
In a nutshell, my experiences at
Stout were spot on for the ever
changing world of work. The diversity of the students on campus
was refreshing. The depth and
knowledge of the professors at
Stout and SVRI was a big contribution to my success in my career.
Just being able to sit down and
talk with instructors one to one
was huge! Being a Stout graduate
being sought out by other graduates was something you don't find
in many colleges. The Stout connection is huge!”
“The depth and knowledge
of the professors at Stout
and SVRI was a big contribution to my success in my
career.”
E n s u r i n g
F u t u r e s .
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SVRI Welcomes New Directors: Becky Albricht and Troy Temple!
B
ecky Albricht is the new Director of Services for SVRI. This is
a new grant and contract-funded position responsible for
managing and developing innovative services to enhance integrated employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities. Becky
began her career teaching, which grew into curriculum and program development within the elementary special education population. She then went on to Lutheran Social Services to manage
multiple Adult Family Homes for adults with disabilities with supervision of 150 staff.
Her love of education then brought her back to a company rich in
education. At PESI Healthcare, she was the Senior Project Manager of national continuing education
seminars and conferences. This included project management of national conferences and staff oversight of 3 departments.
Her most recent position was Regional Services Manager at Chippewa River Industries. There she was
responsible for leading teams who provided supported employment. The five satellite offices she supervised were comprised of 35 staff who provided job development, case management, and job coaching.
Additionally, she managed the IPS program, as well as the Promise Skills to Pay the Bills program. She
worked closely with DHS, DVR, Managed Care Organizations, and School Districts. Becky is a UW Stout Alumni and is thrilled to be back on the UW-Stout campus and welcomes her open door to you!
T
roy Temple is the new Director of Operations for SVRI. He served in the Navy for four years following high school. After the Navy, he attended Illinois State University (ISU), where he graduated with
a B.S. in Public Relations. While at ISU, Troy was a cadet in the ISU Army ROTC Battalion. Immediately
following graduation, Troy entered active duty and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Army.
Troy has served in the Army for the last 16-years in various command and staff positions. He was a resident student and graduate
of the Army’s Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Troy also graduated from Strayer University with an
MBA. He recently retired from the Army with 20 years of military
service.
Troy is married to the former Kathy Rohr and they have two children, Lauren (10) and Dylan (6). Troy and Kathy are originally from
the suburbs of Chicago. They enjoy outdoor activities and looking
forward to different activities offered here versus Virginia Beach,
Virginia where they are joining us from.
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SVRI Welcomes New Staff Members!
J
odi Kendrick graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stout
with a degree in Vocational Rehabilitation. Over the years she has
worked with a wide variety of people of all ages and disabilities. One
of her most rewarding jobs was working in Special Education for 13
years. She was very fortunate to work with children of all ages and
grade levels. Her students truly taught her so much.
She lives in Eau Claire, WI. She has a son, daughter, and grandson. In
her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends,
biking, photography, and getting away to the cabin. She is very excited
to be a part of the SVRI team as an Associate Rehabilitation Specialist. With being an UW-Stout alumni, it is like coming back home!
D
onna Schuh is the Office Operations Associate with the Eligibility
and Order of Selection Unit. She previous worked at an adult
family home where she led the home in its day-to-day operations and
took on the roles as the trainer and human resources coordinator. She
has also worked as a Case Assistant and Job Coach. She is excited to
be here to watch the pilot program grow and prosper, and to work with
an amazing team of experts in what they do. Donna lives in Menomonie, WI, with her wonderful husband, a Stout alumnus, and her 3
kids aged 10, 7, and 3.
L
iza Malley is very excited to call SVRI home and to work with such
wonderful people! She is originally a Blugold, and graduated from
UW- Eau Claire in December 2014 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology. In her free-time, Liza enjoys being active and considers
herself to be somewhat athletic, even though she no longer competes
with any team. Liza grew up in south-eastern Wisconsin, and frequently goes back to visit her parents and the cats and dog. She is
grateful for the opportunity to work with the EOS Unit and is excited
for the future!
F i n d i n g
A n s w e r s ,
C r e a t i n g
S o l u t i o n s ,
E n s u r i n g
F u t u r e s .
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Staff News
SVRI would like to say thank you to Renee Lehmann for her 4 years of employment at SVRI as a student worker. Renee Lehmann started working at SVRI in
January of 2011. She will be graduating in December 2015 with a degree in
Special Education, as well as a minor in Coaching. Her degree will allow her to
teach cross-categorical special education grades K-12. Renee would like to be a
special education teacher in the elementary school setting and a volleyball or
softball coach at the high school level.
Best of luck to Renee in her future endeavors!
SVRI Receives the “Spirit of ADA Award”
In conjunction with the 25th anniversary of the American with Disabilities Act, Disability Rights Wisconsin announced the winners of the “ Spirit of the ADA Awards”. Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute
was nominated and awarded by Disability Rights Wisconsin as one of the Wisconsin organizations who is
positively improving the lives of people with disabilities. An awards luncheon will be held on Monday,
October 5, 2015 at the Wisconsin Club in downtown Milwaukee.
SVRI Celebrates 1,000 Enrollments in PROMISE
SVRI held a “Root Beer Float Celebration” to mark the 1,000 enrollments achieved by the PROMISE
team. The goal is to enroll 2,000
participants by 2016.
Pictured left to right are: (front row)
Mary Brodhagen and Amanda
Schlegelmilch; (middle row) Skyler Gerland, Amber Maxwell, and Sara Budimlija; (top row) Paul Schwartz, Mike Manning, Cayte Anderson, Deb Hulleman,
Becky Albricht, and John Lui.
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Professional Development
Opportunities
CRC Exam Preparation Workshop

January 7-March 3, 2016
Dual Sensory Loss Course

October 12-December 7, 2015
Upcoming Events
Wheelchair Clinics

October 13, 2015

November 10, 2015

December 8, 2015
If you would like more information about training opportunities and/or upcoming events, please visit
www.uwstout.edu/svri.
Don’t forget to LIKE us on Facebook and
FOLLOW us on Twitter to show your support and to stay current with updates.
STOUT VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION INSTITUTE
221 10th Avenue East. Menomonie, WI 54751
715/232-2571 Fax 715/232-5008
Inspiring Innovation. Learn more at www.uwstou.edu/svri
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