Customized Employment: A Path to Meaningful Work

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With the passage of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act | U.S. Department of Labor (dol.gov) (WIOA) in 2014, Customized Employment (CE) emerged as an innovative option under-supported integrated employment. CE helps individuals facing significant barriers due to multiple disabilities secure and sustain jobs. Customized Employment creates tailored employment solutions that address employee strengths and employer needs by emphasizing collaboration between the individual, the employer, and support staff.

What is Customized Employment?

CE adapts job duties to match an individual’s strengths, skills, interests and needs within a workplace. It also addresses the unmet needs of employers, creating a win-win situation. It’s not about fitting the individual into a pre-existing job description but rather shaping the job to fit both the employer’s and the worker’s needs.

This person-centered approach makes employment accessible to individuals who traditional hiring practices might otherwise overlook. By breaking down job roles into tasks that align with a person’s unique abilities, CE creates meaningful and achievable opportunities for success.

Who is it Intended to Assist?

Customized Employment is designed for individuals with significant disabilities or other barriers to employment, including people who are blind or have low vision with additional disabilities, those with criminal records, and veterans. It’s beneficial for those who require a highly tailored employment approach, such as individuals with little to no job experience or who have struggled to maintain steady employment. Both youth and adults can benefit from this method. The flexibility of CE makes it a versatile option for anyone needing an individualized approach to enter or stay in the workforce.

For individuals who are blind or have low vision with additional disabilities, CE can help break down workplace barriers by ensuring that jobs align with their abilities while also providing necessary accommodations. Blind or low-vision job seekers often face challenges accessing traditional employment due to misconceptions about their capabilities or inadequate workplace accessibility.

CE enables these individuals to showcase their strengths and talents in a uniquely crafted role. The process also allows job customization to remove inaccessible tasks and replace them with other responsibilities that better match the individual’s skills. This flexibility can make it easier for employers to see how individuals with visual impairments and additional disabilities can contribute meaningfully to their workforce.

Additionally, employers can benefit from the diversity that individuals with visual impairments and additional disabilities bring to their roles. CE providers work to ensure the job tasks are achievable while maximizing employee satisfaction and productivity.

Advocating for Customized Employment

Individuals can explore CE while still in school as part of a joint effort between educational systems and vocational rehabilitation services. For students who are blind or have low vision, early collaboration between schools, vocational rehabilitation counselors, and assistive technology specialists can identify accessible tools and techniques early, smoothing the transition into customized job roles.

For adults, CE is available through vocational rehabilitation services. rehabilitation providers specializing in services for people who are blind or have low vision should document Customized Employment as a goal in an individual’s plan for employment. Documentation ensures they receive the proper accommodations and support.

Understanding the Process

Customized Employment identifies an individual’s unique strengths, interests, and needs to create a tailored job. No two positions should be identical because every person has different skills and qualities. For people who are blind or have low vision and additional disabilities, the process also includes understanding the specific accommodations and tools that will enable them to excel in their work environment. Similarly, employers’ needs vary, and the success of CE hinges on the collaboration between the job seeker and the employer.

The Four Steps of Customized Employment

The process of CE typically involves four distinct steps:

1. Discovery

The Discovery phase involves gathering detailed information about a person’s interests, skills, and abilities. For individuals who are blind or have low vision, this phase also explores the types of accommodations and assistive technology that might be necessary for success in the workplace. Input from family members, friends, and professionals is important, and home or school visits may help provide additional insights. CE providers play a critical role during this phase, identifying suitable employment options and understanding how to incorporate accommodations.

2. Job Search and Planning Process

After the Discovery phase, the job search and planning process begins. For those who are blind or have low vision, this phase includes identifying potential job opportunities that match their strengths and determining the accommodations they will need. The vocational rehabilitation provider will also conduct a benefits analysis to assess how employment might affect critical supports such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicaid-waivered services, or housing subsidies.

3. Job Development and Negotiation

In this step, the CE provider collaborates with employers to design job roles that accommodate the employer’s needs and the job seeker’s abilities. For someone who is blind or has low vision, this might include negotiating for assistive technology, alternative workspaces, or task modifications. Employers must be open to adjusting job roles to incorporate accessible tools like screen readers or tactile systems. The team develops a support plan to ensure all accommodations are in place. Finally, both parties agree on the job arrangement.

4. Post-Employment Supports and Services

Once the individual begins their job, ongoing support is essential. For employees who are blind or have low vision, this may include regular check-ins to ensure accommodations are functioning properly and both the employee and employer are satisfied. The support team can provide continued assistive technology or workplace modifications as needed. The goal is to ensure that employees can perform their duties effectively while maintaining job satisfaction.

Examples of Customized Employment Success

The impact of CE on individuals who are blind or have low vision and additional disabilities can be transformative, helping them secure jobs that leverage their skills and interests. Here are two examples:

Mary’s Story: Mary, who is blind and has autism, is passionate about statistics and basketball. She had experience tracking game statistics for her brother’s high school and college teams. When a local community college needed someone to assist with statistics for their sports teams, Mary and her CE provider created a plan. With assistive technology that enabled her to manage statistics, Mary secured the job and contributed meaningfully to the team.

Joseph’s Story: Joseph, who has low vision and a cognitive disability, enjoys cleaning and taking out the trash. The local pizza parlor struggled with staff completing these tasks. Joseph was able to perform these duties using CE. Over time, he took on more responsibilities, such as assembling pizza boxes. With minor accommodations, Joseph became a valuable team member.

In Conclusion

Customized Employment offers individuals with disabilities, including those who are blind or have low vision with additional disabilities, a personalized approach to finding meaningful work. By collaborating with vocational rehabilitation providers and employers, job seekers can access opportunities tailored to their unique strengths, skills, and interests. With the proper support and accommodations, CE can help overcome traditional employment barriers, providing a pathway to success and fulfillment in the workplace.