- DDS Has Launched a Customized Employment Community of Practice for those who are new to, but interested in, customized employment, and who provide employment services to people currently in other day activities. Customized Employment is being promoted by the United States Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) as an effective set of techniques to create a win-win for people with disabilities and employers, by enabling youth and adults with disabilities achieve employment outcomes that are tailored to employees’ skill sets and interests and employers’ needs.
- DDS has also launched a second Customized Employment Community of Practice geared specifically to Trainers of Trainers—i.e., those people who will be the trainers, coaches, and resources to their colleagues, people with disabilities, and area employers, who are given the tools, resources, and strategies of Customized Employment to share with the people they serve and work with and implement on-the-ground.
- DDS is working with TransCen, Inc. to offer a monthly webinar series to inform people on how to implement Customized Employment. Past webinars have included the following sessions: Customized Employment Overview and Needs Assessment; Discovery and Assessment; Approaching Employers (Marketing Messages); Surveying Employers; Negotiating with Employers; and Workplace Supports.
