Sometimes examples of this work being done can help solidify these best practices. This resource is a case study of job site training that highlights an employment specialist using these best practices.    

This guide will break down what you need to know about competitive integrated employment (CIE) and sheltered workshop employment.

Learn more about increasing employment for individuals with IDD. The document shares findings that support state agencies, providers, advocates, individuals and families to make the philosophy of Employment First a reality.

Employers everywhere are learning that organizations that are inclusive of people with disabilities benefit from a wider pool of talent, skills, and creative business solutions. This document discusses several benefits for inclusive hiring of people with disabilities.  

VR providers may refer to this document to ensure all of the procedures described are implemented with fidelity for every consumer seeking CIE. Additionally, VR providers may refer to the 'New Customer Checklist" resource listed below for a 16-step process to follow when meeting with a new customer.

Amid the COVID-19 job recession, there's a pressing need to bolster disability employment opportunities. This research article explores company characteristics and effective disability inclusion practices that contribute to improved employment outcomes for people with disabilities.

Policymakers, researchers, and state vocational rehabilitation administrators are interested in the long-term outcomes of individuals in public rehabilitation programs. This article addresses the research gap by reviewing 139 records of individuals with autism spectrum disorder, focusing on job retention and service delivery practices for success in competitive integrated employment.

This study investigates the ongoing challenge of high unemployment among youth significantly impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) despite recent legislative efforts. It reports findings from a clinical trial on Project SEARCH plus ASD Supports, aiming to improve employment outcomes for individuals with significant ASD impact upon high school graduation.

View our two-page flyer to learn more about how businesses can benefit from diversifying their workforce.

Educators, such as teachers and school counselors, play an essential role in the direct instruction of self-advocacy at school. Educators are in a position to equip students with disabilities with the tools, knowledge, and skills to make decisions, understand their rights, and communicate their strengths, interests, and needs. This information brief discusses how to enhance these self-advocacy skills. 

Having the belief that everyone can work is essential. Often times people with disabilities who display challenging behaviors are quick to be dismissed as unemployable. This resource provides great tips for employment specialists when addressing challenging behaviors. The resource discusses common myths and facts about these behaviors. 

This resource, provided by Texas Workforce Commission, gives a first hand view of a high school student who works at CVS.

Browse through Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding Texas Medicaid Waiver services. 

Everyone has the right to meaningful employment, and HHSC works with employers and people with disabilities at every level to benefit not just the business but also the employees. Hiring people with disabilities can increase customer base, foster creativity and improve workplace morale. For people who want to work, employment can provide independence, increase self-confidence and create new social relationships.

Review funding approaches that support job-seeker directed employment outcomes for competitive integrated employment. Full-page resource that outline indicators and best practices of supportive funding approaches.

Learn more about how your business can benefit from participating and hosting internships for people with disabilities. 

It is crucial for VR Professionals to use best practices when providing supports on the job. This resource discusses best practices for employment specialists regarding job site training. The resource provides a lot of helpful and insightful information to help in your success as a VR Professional. 

Establishing long term supports is a crucial piece in ensuring success on the job. In this PowerPoint presentation it discusses the importance of establishing long term supports and how to go about doing so. Here is a transcript of the presentation from It previously being presented by Vicki Brooke from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).

The website includes an explanation of competitive employment, supported employment, and self-employment in simple language. It also includes job search tips, employment programs, and brief quotes from young adults and their work story, as well as an employer’s viewpoint at the bottom of the page.

The “New Costumer Checklist” is a worksheet that outlines 16 suggested steps for an employment specialist to follow when meeting a new costumer.

This resource is a webinar by Dr. Paul Wehman where he discusses the Nine Major Threats to Competitive Integrated Employment. These are incredibly helpful tips for anyone that is providing employment services to people with disabilities.  

If you or a family member have always wanted to get a competitive job but just haven’t known your options, then you should review this resource.This document discusses what competitive integrated employment (CIE) is and is not, along with the different pathways to achieve CIE. This resource is a great starting point for families that are considering or learning more about CIE.

This plain language article is a summary of a scientific research article where strategies were identified to help students with severe disabilities be successful during work experiences. 

Getting a job in the community is an important milestone for young adults. As your child with a disability begins to think about their future, you may be wondering what you can do to help them prepare for getting a paid job. This is a list of ways families can support their child in getting ready for work as they transition to adulthood. 

Competitive integrated employment (CIE) has not been the work outcome for many people with significant disabilities. There are many beliefs like employment is only possible in specialized settings and programs, along with reported barriers to CIE including difficulty identifying businesses that will hire workers with significant disabilities, limited transportation, limited funding, and a fear of losing benefits. This Q&A information brief provides great insight.

There are several reasons why gaining CIE is beneficial for you or your family member. This resource discusses the reasons why you or your family member should seek CIE. The resource discusses how economic independence, personal growth, opportunities for socialization, increased autonomy and meaningful contribution are all important reasons to gain CIE.

This infographic discusses how understanding the strengths and abilities of students with disabilities is an essential component of planning for students transition to competitive integrated employment.  

The guide includes tons of information about careers and transition.

The site includes links to videos on transition, resources, including Pathways to Adulthood, services, and conferences. Parents can be connected with other mentor-parents.

Review the five components of the job seeker's responsive employment process for youth with significant disabilities.

As an Employment Specialist, your role is to assist individuals with disabilities find and maintain employment. Learn more about how to best support individual seeking competitive integrated employment.

This infographic gives staff working with people with disabilities guidance on how to interact with employers to help lead to successful employment outcomes.

Assistive technology (AT) helps bridge the gap between an individual's abilities and the employer’s job requirements. Learn more about how you can utilize AT in achieving CIE. 

A big part of gaining employment is through Discovery; where the goal is to learn about the individual and identify vocational themes that can be used to guide the person’s plans for employment. This resource discusses what Customized Employment (CE) is and describes what the Discovery process should look like.