Rick Kugler

Training Associate

B.A., Psychology, Rutgers University
M.S., University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey

Rick Kugler, CPRP, has worked with people with disabilities for over twenty years. His work has included inpatient and residential settings, psychosocial/vocational programming, and the delivery of community-based training seminars. He has managed grant-funded projects involving training and dissemination. In his current capacity as an ICI training associate, his primary responsibility is to assist in the implementation of the Medicaid and Comprehensive Employment Opportunities Infrastructure Grant, which focuses on strategies to increase consumer self-direction in the arena of employment.

Before joining ICI, Rick was an instructor and employment consultant with the department of psychiatric rehabilitation at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and provided training and technical assistance to mental health providers, consumers, families, business and others. He was also a project director at Matrix Research Institute responsible for both the Employment Resource Center and the Social Security Work Incentives Project, which provided information, resources, and training on behalf of people with mental illness and/or dual disorders. He has developed and delivered training programs nationally, covering a wide range of topics about employment and disability. Rick was also employed as a vocational coordinator at a clubhouse psychosocial/vocational program and has nine years' experience as a psychiatric treatment assistant in a clinical setting.

Email: rick.kugler@umb.edu
Phone: 617/287-4378

ICI publications by Rick Kugler

One-Stop Collaborations: The Key to Expanding Your Workforce Connections

Finding ways to collaborate with the mainstream workforce system can not only expand the opportunities for the people you serve but position your organization as a valuable resource to the workforce development system. (3/2008)

Quality Employment Services: Where Research and Practice Meet

Providing quality employment services to people with disabilities requires a substantial commitment of time, energy, and resources. Given this investment and our obligation to individuals with disabilities, we as providers must deliver the most effective services possible. (9/2007)

Creating Effective Business Partnerships: What Businesses Want Human Service Agencies to Know

While the primary customer of employment services for people with disabilities is the job seeker, placement services can only succeed if they meet the needs of business. This issue of MassWorks examines the â€œdemand sideâ€ of job development. With a list of resources. (6/2006)

CommonHealth

The issue of the MassWorks newsletter discusses MassHealth CommonHealth and the options it offers working people with disabilities. (9/2005)

AccessICI: What Do Employers Want?

The debut of ICI's podcast features an interview with employer liaisons Diane Loud and Rick Kugler, discussing ways to reach employers. (11/2006)

Select outside publications by Rick Kugler

Sulewski, J., Kugler, R., Kramer, J. (2010). Spreading a positive message about work, earnings and benefits through peer networking: Findings from the Peer Employment Benefits Network. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation. Vol. 32 Issue 3, p151-161, 11p.

Granger, B., Kugler, R., & Bragg, P. (1999-2002). The Social Security work incentives: A skills building manual. Matrix Research Institute.

Raudenbush, D., Wilson, K., Kugler R., et al. (1997-2002). Questions & answers about the Social Security work incentives. Matrix Research Institute.

Bianco C., Denton, A., et al. (2001). Overcoming barriers to community integration for people with mental illnesses: A briefing for members of the National Coalition to Promote Community-Based Care. SAMHSA.