Illinois Center for Transition and Work

About the Speaker

Allan I. Bergman is the CEO of HIGH IMPACT Mission-based Consulting & Training, founded in 2010. A nationally recognized policy analyst, change agent, and thought leader in cross-disability policy, social justice, and best practices, he has over 50 years of experience at local, state, and federal levels as a service provider, legislative advocate, and systems change facilitator. His expertise in advancing employment opportunities for people with disabilities includes IDEA Inclusion and Transition, Medicaid HCBS waivers, integrated -including Customized - employment, benefits planning, person-centered planning, and contributing to state policies. Allan has led six non-profit agencies and held leadership roles in D.C. with United Cerebral Palsy and the Brain Injury Association of America, working extensively on employment and workforce inclusion policies, from 1986 - 2004. In Illinois, during his tenure as the CEO of Anixter Center in Chicago, he developed Illinois’ first Customized Employment services, with fidelity and excellent outcomes, in 2006. As a Subject Matter Expert for the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy since 2012, he focuses on interagency collaboration, provider transformation, rate reimbursement methodologies and outcome-based incentives for competitive integrated employment. His personal commitment is reflected in his high expectations and support for his daughter Dina and stepdaughter Mindy, who have both achieved significant milestones through supported or customized  employment.