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Integrating customized employment practices

Abstract

This article describes a systems change project initiated by the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) to build the capacity of the public VR system to effectively serve individuals with complex disabilities by adding Discovery, a component of the customized employment process, as an alternative to traditional vocational evaluation. A collaborative effort between Florida VR, Marc Gold & Associates, Southeast TACE, and the University of South Florida resulted in a certification process to train community-based providers to provide Discovery as a billable service for VR customers who have not been successful in obtaining competitive, integrated employment through traditional strategies. The article includes an overview of this innovative project and lessons learned to assist other states and communities in replicating the process.

Citation

Smith, T. J., Dillahunt-Aspillaga, C., & Kenney, C. (2015). Integrating customized employment practices within the vocational rehabilitation system. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 42(3), 201-208. doi:10.3233/JVR-150740