Discovery & Customized Employment
Discovery is the foundation of Customized Employment. It is a proven evidence-based practice that improves employment outcomes for youth and adults with disabilities. Discovery opens doors to employment for people who experience barriers to employment. The Discovery process enables youth and adults with disabilities and others to find a job that is a good fit with an employer who values and needs the talents they have to offer.
What is Customized Employment?
A “win-win” strategy that meets the needs of employers and job seekers
Customized Employment (CE) became a part of federal law with the passage of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) in 2014. Customized Employment is an approach to hiring, retention and return to work that matches a job seeker’s strengths, the conditions under which they will be successful and their interests to the needs of an employer. It can bring people from diverse populations, including those with disabilities, into the workplace to contribute their talents to meet critical business needs. CE utilizes an individualized approach to employment planning and job development — one person at a time and one employer at a time. Because CE jobs are a good fit for the person and the employer, there is greater employee satisfaction and productivity, resulting in enhanced retention and profitability for employers.
Guided Group Discovery Resources
Guided Group Discovery lays the foundation for competitive integrated employment as a Universal Design that can benefit all job seekers. For some people, Guided Group Discovery leads to Customized Employment. For everyone, the process assists job seekers in identifying employment that would be a good fit both for them and an employer. Guided Group Discovery materials include a(n):
- Facilitator Manual
- Accompanying PowerPoint Slide Deck (Introduction and Course)
- Participant Workbook
What is Customized Employment?
A “win-win” strategy that meets the needs of employers and job seekers
Customized Employment (CE) became a part of federal law with the passage of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) in 2014. Customized Employment is an approach to hiring, retention and return to work that matches a job seeker’s strengths, the conditions under which they will be successful and their interests to the needs of an employer. It can bring people from diverse populations, including those with disabilities, into the workplace to contribute their talents to meet critical business needs. CE utilizes an individualized approach to employment planning and job development — one person at a time and one employer at a time. Because CE jobs are a good fit for the person and the employer, there is greater employee satisfaction and productivity, resulting in enhanced retention and profitability for employers.
Guided Group Discovery Resources
Guided Group Discovery lays the foundation for competitive integrated employment as a Universal Design that can benefit all job seekers. For some people, Guided Group Discovery leads to Customized Employment. For everyone, the process assists job seekers in identifying employment that would be a good fit both for them and an employer. Guided Group Discovery materials include a(n):
- Facilitator Manual
- Accompanying PowerPoint slide deck (Introduction and Course)
- Participant Workbook
Discovery and Customized Employment Resources of Interest
The following resources can help you promote Discovery and Customized Employment as a universal design approach within the workforce development system that enables youth and adults with disabilities to find and maintain employment.
This Facilitator’s Guide to Self-Guided Discovery adds to the foundation of Discovery approaches and resources. It is an essential user-friendly tool designed to train facilitators to guide people through the Self-Guided Discovery process.
Guided Group Discovery (GGD) opens doors to employment for people who experience barriers to employment. This Customized Employment and Guided Group Discovery Information Brief provides a summary of the process and how to access materials.
Other Employment Resources
Ticket to Work
NDI has multiple trainings to advance the understanding and use of Social Security’s Ticket to Work program.
WIOA
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) helps job seekers access employment support services.
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