Project Description:
Individuals with the most significant disabilities in rural communities are critically under-represented in the labor
market. The purpose of the Kansas Rural Routes to Employment Initiative (KRREI) is to develop and demonstrate
the impact of Customized Employment and the Self-Determined Career Development Model, coupled with proven
Employer Engagement and Alternative Funding techniques, on employment capacity. KRREI is a hybrid of both
a Program Support and a Systems Change model that works with three (3) geographically distributed Community
Service Providers (CSPs) having established community employment programs, but that struggle to find quality
community employment for individuals with complex disabilities and behaviors. Customized Employment (CE) is
specifically designed to address these complexities, and coupled with the use of evidence-based strategies to
promote self-determination, the project will develop a replicable and cost-effective rehabilitation model leading to
positive employment outcomes. This is accomplished through the following key program design components:
1. Three (3) Development sites recruited using a simple statewide application process. Successful applicants serve
individuals in rural locales, commit Board member and Chief Executive support and involvement, and include
letters of commitment from regional Parent, Self-Advocacy, Vocational Rehabilitation, School Transition, and
Workforce leaders. Site selection is voted on by KRREI staff, State disability leaders, a UnitedHealhcare
representative, and consumer/family members. Each site and every job seeker receives extensive training and on-site
technical consultation from GHA, a staff stipend of $15,000 to support the project activities and a Consumer
Employment Quick-Start fund of $4000 to support rapid engagement in assessment activities, initial wage or selfemployment
activities, for use leveraging other resources, et al.
2. Each site enrolls no fewer than 8 individuals (24 total) over the 12-month project. At least 4 individuals in each
site (50%) will have co-occurring Intellectual/Developmental and Mental Health diagnoses. One hundred percent
will have a completed Career Development Plan and 75% (18 individuals) will attain paid wage or self employment
matching their specific vocational themes and career plans.
3. Lasting local capacity is developed as a cadre of at least 20 community employment staff from each of the
development sites, and their related partner agencies (VR, Schools, Mental Health, Workforce), plus up to another
15 regional stakeholders, including families and consumers, receives national Association of Community
Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE) certificate training in Customized Employment in the first 3 months of the project.
This training emphasizes Discovery (self-determined assessment that creates a vocational profile/career plan),
individualized job or business development based on economic development strategies, systematic worksite
instruction, Social Security Work Incentives/Alternative funding, natural support facilitation, business development,
etc. Community employment staff will also be trained to promote consumer involvement and self-determination
using the evidence-based Self-Determined Career Development Model. Total receiving training: 105.
4. Amalgamated funding strategies are showcased. Each consumer utilizes at least 2 funding sources, along with at
least 9 PASS plans funded generating $126,000 over 24 months (based on our current outcomes).
5. Each site establishes a local Active Employer Council that leverages social/economic capital and supply chain
connections to foster rapid job development.
6. A thorough evaluation report, including employment cost analyses, alternative funding options, collaboration
opportunities, systems change recommendations and public policy templates for the state of Kansas will be
published by the University of Kansas and disseminated broadly via the project Facebook page and KU and GHA
websites.
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote
