“The final training for the 2020 Innovation Grant with ARRM took place at Blue Earth County, where the team – consisting of technology experts, leaders from provider agencies that specialize in technology, and a DDS Policy Lead from DHS – met with the county case managers to provide the final 'Putting it All Together' technology training. This was the first in-person training post-COVID and both county social workers and providers from the county were invited to attend.
Participation and feedback the team received during and after the training pointed to it being a success that led to the attendees feeling more confident and excited about utilizing technology to help support the individuals they work with more. The in-person aspect of the training resulted in more discussion-based conversation than the online format had allowed, so it granted both the attendees and the training team to engage in open talks about issues they were dealing with first-hand when it came to utilizing technology.
Not only did the work done during the county training bring more education and understanding to the attendees, but it also informed the way trainings would be structured in the continuation of the grant during the 2022-2024 time period for ARRM. It has led to a restructuring of the training, so they can be focused on open discussion and discovering what roadblocks and barriers the teams are encountering around the state.
All in all, ARRM learned so much during the 2020-2022 grant period, and received feedback that the work done had helped case managers around the state feel like they were starting to understand how important technology is to consider for the people they serve!”
– Sue Schettle, ARRM chief executive officer
“Upwards of 80% of the people that work for and volunteer for MDMC have been clients that have received MDMC's services. They are coming back to pay forward the benefit they received. That's our success story. Thanks to DHS and the community of donors that support this programming, the Deaf Gain Innovations Program is growing and now has a waiting list. MDMC is growing and that, to us, is a huge success. MDMC started out with three people tirelessly serving the community and now that number has grown to 12.”
– Valerie Shirley, MDMC founder/executive director
“I believe the program was a success in many different areas. What makes it is a success is we were able to connect with each student and their unique learning style. Every student is different, yet the end game is all the same. Students trained in the UAA program gained CNC machining operation experience and education that enabled them to find employment. One student of the UAA program joined the Machine Tool Technology (MTT) One-Year Diploma program and received credit for prior learning (CPL) credits applied toward the tuition. This student will be graduating spring of 2023 with the MTT One-Year Diploma.
The personal and professional growth I have gained from teaching the UAA program has been immeasurable to any other class I have taught, and I look forward to continuing this education opportunity at South Central College.”
– Jon Morgan, machine tool technology instructor
“For me, this program cemented an interest in machining that I already had, and gave me a clearer view of what my future will look like and the skills I need to get there. I'm grateful for the opportunity that I otherwise wouldn't have had.”
– Gus Lennartson, UAA student
“We both learned much! The presenting group was fantastic! The facility was great, it was an experience being there for the first time.”
"It was great! And all of you did an awesome job of presenting and leading."
"It was very informational! I am so impressed with all the work that was done to put it all together! Great work!"
– Quotes from 4H retreat participants
