Project Description:
The Customized Employment Project (CEP) is an innovative collaboration between the Developmental Services (SRC), Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (BVR), and the Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities (NCED). It developed out of the 2010 Employment Policy Summit Involving Stakeholders goal, and provides funding to help individuals with DD/ID transition from segregated work settings (i.e., sheltered workshops) to working in the community for competitive wages. We use the Customized Employment model where the job seekers passions, skills, and interests are identified and captured into a Portfolio, used to carve a meaningful position in the community.
The need for this project is very significant, as BVR publicly identified that they are not serving the most significantly disabled Nevadans (e.g., those with three or more barriers to employment). Corroborating evidence from data at Developmental Services suggests that less than 10% of persons with DD/ID are actually working in the community for competitive wages. Data from the BlueBook (Butterworth et al., 2012) suggest that over 77% of Nevadans with DD/ID are in facility based and/or non-work settings. The overall goal is to expand the choices for Nevadans with DD/ID in the world of work; providing opportunities that would help them move from facility-based to community based environments. Another goal is to increase the funds they can earn from sub-minimum wage to at least minimum wage, expand friendships and social interactions in a supportive work setting, and eventually improve their quality of life.
The unusual feature of this project is the extensive collaboration between and within large agencies (DHHS, BVR, and UNR). The partnerships are deep, wide, and becoming even stronger with more closures (26s). We are developing and testing the fiscal feasibility of the milestone-based payments for providers, and have in fact, developed small pilot projects inside the facility-based programs so that they can help their folks transition into the community. The sheltered workshops are rightfully fearful of decreasing numbers, higher accountability, and the phasing out of the 14-C waiver program where individuals are paid sub-minimum wage for their work, without room for advancement. The CEP will give them an alternative to help transition job seekers into the community.
Insofar as expected benefits, there are too many to mention. With more and more successful closures in NV, we are diversifying the workforce with qualified, hard working employees. Patrons visit businesses and see happy, dedicated employees that have disabilities, so we are changing the face of the community. For the employee, the benefits are profound. One man went from making $40/week in a sheltered workshop to $400/week in a warehouse. He met a coworker (now his girlfriend), whom he takes on dates and to dinner. He was able to purchase a large flat-screen TV for his living-room, where he plays videogames nightly. The job seekers are making money, contributing as tax payers, are proud, and becoming more independent with each day at work.
Core Function(s):
Performing Direct and/or Demonstration Services, Developing & Disseminating Information, Continuing Education/Community Training
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Disadvantaged Circumstances, Specific Groups
