QWE Practice Guideline: 311 – Progressive: Create community-based infrastructure where none previously existed to enhance opportunities for employees with disabilities

Target group: Any organization employing and/or supporting individuals with disabilities

Practice Description

Competitive integrated employment (CIE) competency training infrastructure to develop and implement for professionals that will be providing CIE services

Resources Needed

Subject matter experts/trainers

• Staff or consultant with knowledge and experience leading CIE-focused training programs

Equipment

• Space for offering trainings
• Computer and internet access

Labor hours

• Time for staff to implement and monitor a CIE Competency Training program
  • Time to connect with community supports
  • Time to collaborate and locate funding opportunities

Funding

• Consider ways to redeploy existing resources
• Connect with local partners and stakeholders

Implementation Process

Process

• To Note: This program was originally developed for University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities centers, but can be used by any organization looking to provide CIE competency training
• Begin by reviewing CIE-related trainings that are already offered by your organization and what is accessible in your community
  • Utilize the Key Questions to ask located on page 2 of the Roadmap document linked below
• Create an internal training team that will guide the development and implementation of the program
• Establish the purpose of creating your CIE competency training program
  • Why do you want to provide this program?
  • Who will you be serving?
• Develop a project plan with actions items that can be completed within 3, 6, and 12 months
  • Utilize the question list on page 3 of the Roadmap document linked below
• Connect with local partners that can support and offer resources
  • Develop a list of key stakeholders, remembering to consider CIE service funding partners, the public education system, and vocational rehabilitation departments
• The Roadmap document can be found here.

Process

• SOPs
  • Policies and procedures for implementing and maintaining the program
• Training
  • Staff training for implementing and maintaining the program
  • Continuing education opportunities for staff leading the trainings

Outcomes/Results

Individuals

• Access to trained supports that can help identify CIE opportunities

Organization

• Increased CIE offerings
• Increased collaboration with local community

NPA: Disability Employment Technical Assistance Center
Date Submitted: 2022
Website: https://aoddisabilityemploymenttacenter.com/

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