Region VIII CRP RCEP at CTAT Serving the Rocky Mountain and Northern Plains states of Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming.

OUR PURPOSE To promote community membership and employment for people with the most significant disabilities. This is accomplished through the provision of high quality services to rehabilitation professionals located in Region VIII.

WHO WE ARE Since 1995, The Region VIII Community Rehabilitation Continuing Education Program (CRP-RCEP) at CTAT has been the premiere source of training, technical assistance and information on disability related issues in Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming. The Region VIII CRP-RCEP stands tall as the major training organization in the areas of employment consulting, community employment, organizational development and management to organizations providing services to people with disabilities. Its staff possesses years of experience in the areas of community employment, sales, marketing, staff development, positive behavioral supports and organizational design. CRC credits are offered for many of the training's sponsored by the Region VIII CRP-RCEP. This feature provides rehabilitation professionals the opportunity for continuing education and up-to-date certification. The Region VIII CRP-RCEP is committed to training, education and quality services.

THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE In its effort to provide excellence in continuing education the Region VIII CRP-RCEP divides its efforts into four areas. These areas include employment consultant training, specialized training, The Leadership Institute and educational support.

EMPLOYMENT CONSULTANT TRAINING This leading edge training prepares employment consultants to effectively assist job seekers obtain career track employment.  Using a combination of proven business, sales, marketing and career planning technologies, participants develop practical skills which enables them to:

• Understand job seeker's preferences;
• Boost professionalism and confidence;
• Create strong employer partnerships;
• Improve job placement results.

Upon completion of the training employment consultants possess the necessary skills to meet the needs of both job seekers and employers.

LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE Exposing existing leaders to the latest technologies and developing emerging leaders are the objectives of the Leadership Institute.  Through the use of regional training sites rehabilitation professionals have the opportunity to network, exchange ideas and develop value based strategies for designing quality services.  Upon completion of the Leadership Institute, participants are better equipped to tackle the challenges of the 21st century.

SPECIALIZED TRAINING Through the use of annual state needs assessments and in collaboration with vocational rehabilitation, community rehabilitation providers, independent living centers, mental health providers and migrant and seasonal farmworker projects a year long specialized training schedule is developed for each state. The training schedule addresses the unique needs of each state and provides opportunity for rehabilitation professionals to acquire the specific skills needed to improve results. Past training sessions have included topics such as: