Massachusetts Partnership for Transition to Employment
About
The Massachusetts Partnership for Transition to Employment (MPTE) is a systems-change project of the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services. The project is designed to improve employment outcomes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities transitioning from school to adult life.
MPTE is funded through September 2021 by a 5-year federal grant from the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
The broad-based MPTE Consortium guides and supports the goals and objectives of MPTE across MPTE’s 4 focus areas, which research has shown are critical to the transition process:
- Cross Systems Collaboration. Cross-agency, cross-program, and cross-disciplinary collaborative efforts using a tiered approach at the state, local, and individual level.
- Work Experiences. Youth and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities having work experiences and paid employment in integrated settings similar to their peers without disabilities, and within these efforts, building capacity for access to postsecondary education and training that positively impacts employment outcomes.
- Family Engagement. Consistent family engagement in supporting competitive integrated employment.
- Self-Determination and Self-Advocacy. Systematic development of self-determination and self-advocacy skills for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with a focus on employment.
Through its activities, MPTE is identifying best practices in each of these areas, and how they can be fully implemented, integrated, and sustained within Massachusetts. The project is advancing these best practices through development of policy and guidance documents, development and dissemination of materials for a wide range of stakeholders, and training and technical assistance.
Leadership for the MPTE is provided by a steering committee, which includes representatives from the following organizations:
- Department of Developmental Services
- Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council
- Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
- Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
- Department of Labor and Workforce Development
- Institute for Community Inclusion at UMass Boston
- The Arc of Massachusetts
- Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong
For further information on MPTE, please contact Margaret Van Gelder at the Department of Developmental Services: Margaret.VanGelder@MassMail.State.MA.US; 617-624-7764.
Related Briefs
Updated MPTE Data Dashboard Now Available!
The Massachusetts Partnership for Transition to Employment (MPTE) data dashboard provides an overview of the current status of youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities transitioning to work in Massachusetts. The 2019-2020 dashboard highlights recent initiatives, includes several new videos, and provides indicators of the impact of COVID-19.
Download the MPTE Dashboard
The Massachusetts Partnership for Transition to Employment (MPTE) data dashboard provides an overview of the current status of youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities transitioning to work in Massachusetts. It draws from multiple state and national data sources as well as specific initiatives of the MPTE.
Download the MTPE flyer
Download an informational PDF introducing the The Massachusetts Partnership for Transition to Employment (MPTE) and its ongoing work.