>Disability links
>Transition information (.pdf file)
>Questions? FAQs
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>Disability links
Anoka Area Chamber of Commerce Organization for the purpose of advancing the commercial, industrial, civic and general interest of the Cities of Andover, Anoka, Champlin, Dayton, Nowthen, Ramsey and St. Francis.
Anoka County CTIC (Community Transition Interagency Committee)The Anoka County CTIC is a group of students, parents, school staff, public and private personnel, and employers who come together monthly to discuss ways to improve the lives of young adults with disabilities (ages 14-21) transitioning from school to a successful future.
Anoka County Human Services The mission of the Human Services Division is to enhance the community's economic well-being, physical health, emotional health and public safety.
ARC Minnesota Advocacy and support for people with developmental disabilities and their families.
CARF Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) is an independent, not-for-profit accrediting body promoting quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process that centers on enhancing the lives of the persons receiving services.
CDC - Center for Disease Control – Developmenal Disabilities page
Courage Center The mission of Courage Center is to empower people with physical disabilities to reach for their full potential in every aspect of life. We are guided by the vision that one day, all people will live, work, learn and play in a community based on abilities not disabilities.
EARN - Employer Assistance and Resource Network
A resource for employers seeking to recruit, hire, and retain qualified employees with disabilities.
Facebook Achieve's own page.
JAN - Job Accommodation Network Free, expert and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues.
Minnesota Department of Human Services The Minnesota Department of Human Services provides health care, economic assistance and other services for people who do not have the resources to meet their basic needs.
Minnesota Disability Law Center The Minnesota Disability Law Center addresses the unique legal needs of persons with disabilities. MDLC is designated as the state’s protection and advocacy system for persons with disabilities in Minnesota.
Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities A state agency promoting independence, self-determination, productivity, integration and inclusion.
Minnesota State Council on Disability An agency that collaborates, advocates, advises and provides information to expand opportunities, increase
the quality of life and empower all persons with disabilities.
Minnesota State Legislature
Pacer Center The mission of PACER Center is to expand opportunities and enhance the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and their families, based on the concept of parents helping parents.
Partners in Policymaking An innovative, competency based leadership training program for adults with developmental disabilities and parents of young children with disabilities. Partners in Policymaking was created by the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities.
STAR Services A System of Technology to Achieve Results (STAR) was created to identify statewide and national resources that provide funding for or loans of assistive technology in Minnesota.
Think Beyond the Label A
public-private partnership that delivers information, outreach and resources to businesses, job seekers and the public workforce system to ensure greater recruiting and hiring opportunities for job candidates with disabilities.
Village Bank A privately owned community bank with offices in St. Francis, Blaine, and Oak Grove.
Can Dad Camera A Coon Rapids, Minnesota company dedicated to providing quality and quantity of photographic images. Can Dad Camera specializes in: custom aerial photography, creative advertising, Operation Non-Profit Aer-Lift (ONPAL), unique group fundraisers, aerial fishing hole guide and candid parties.
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Achieve - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What is Achieve?
A. Achieve is a State of Minnesota licensed Day Training and Habilitation (DT&H) program that provides employment and training to adults with developmental disabilities.
Q. Where is Achieve located?
A. The main office for Achieve is located at the Blaine Human Service Center of Anoka County in Blaine, MN.
Q. When is Achieve open?
A. Achieve provides program services Monday through Friday from approximately 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
Q. Will I get any days off?
A. Achieve is closed on national holidays. Participants do not come to work on those days.
Q. What programs and services does Achieve offer?
A. Achieve offers supportive employment, transportation, personal and social support, occupational therapy, nursing care, behavioral analysis and individualized training.
Q. What is the admission policy for Achieve?
A. The requirements for admission to Achieve are: the applicant must be 18 years of age or older, have a diagnosis of a developmental disability or a related condition, be eligible to receive training and habilitation services according to Minnesota Statute 245B, is not the financial responsibility of another agency (such as an educational or rehabilitation agency), and is receiving services from an Anoka County social worker or services have been approved byAnoka County (if the person is the financial responsibility of another county).
Q. How many individuals does Achieve serve?
A. On average, there are 130 participants in the Achieve program. As part of their program services, more than half of them work in the community.
Q. How many staff support the programs and services of Achieve?
A. Achieve averages 45 full-time staff. Achieve complies with the staff-to-participant ratios required for serving persons with disabilities. For example, some services require supervision at a ratio of one staff to eight participants; other services require a ratio of one staff to three participants.
Q. What is production work?
A. In our production room, participants assemble, package and prepare products for community businesses.
Q. Will I get paid?
A. Yes. Participants are paid for the work they complete at Achieve. Usually this is calculated by the number of pieces of work that you do, versus an hourly rate. Paychecks are issued every two weeks.
Q. Can participants earn wages by working in the community?
A. Yes. Community Based Services are jobs in which participants, with assistance from Achieve staff, are employed by a business in the community.
Q. How many Achieve participants are involved In community based services?
A. Currently 60 percent of our participants work at community based employment in area businesses. Participants who don't work in the community have opportunities to interact within the community through outings to a variety of locations.
Q. What businesses work with Achieve?
A. Achieve is proud to have these local businesses as employers of its participants: Holiday Station Stores (Coon Rapids, Ham Lake, and Blaine), McDonalds (Blaine, Coon Rapids - two stores), Anoka County Government Center (13 sites), Blaine Human Service Center, Columbia Heights Neighborhood Center, ABRA Auto Body (Fridley) and AdGraphics.
Q. How can you start with Achieve?
A. By filling out an application for admission. In addition, we recommend that the applicant and family arrange for a tour so they know what is available through our program. To set up a tour, call Achieve: 763.783.4909.
Q. Is transportation Available?
A. Achieve transports over 100 clients daily to and from the center and also to work. The agency uses three wheelchair lift vehicles and three fifteen-passenger vans to transport. Achieve employs six drivers and two full-time busattendants. People who are more independent use public transportation such as the Anoka County Traveler or MTC bus. We also have people who choose to get to work by other means, such as driving themselves or being driven by family members.
Q. Who pays for services at Achieve?
A. For residents in family homes or foster care who do not have a Waiver, there is no cost for participation. For others, Medical Assistance (Medicaid) is billed at the general program rate on their behalf. Additional programs, like physical and speech therapy, are typically billed to medical insurance or Medical Assistance - after prior authorization from a physician.
Q. What if I need to take medications while at Achieve?
A. Achieve staff are qualified to give you your medications. They are supervised by a nurse.
Q. How do I get more information about Achieve?
A. Call the Achieve office. Achieve office telephones are answered from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday. During weekends, or during non-office hours, please leave a message and someone will get back to you.
Q. Where can I find more information about DT&H services?
A. You can visit the Minnesota Department of Human Services website Day Training and Habilitation page.
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