ERIC Number: ED595353
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2016-Jan
Pages: 5
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Quick Guide: Preparing Students for Competitive Integrated Employment
Rowe, Dawn A.; Allison, Ruth; Hyatt, Jacque; Owens-Johnson, Laura
National Technical Assistance Center on Transition
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by Title IV of the Workforce Investment Opportunities Act (WIOA) of 2014, defines Competitive Integrated Employment as, "work that is performed on a full-time or part-time basis for which an individuals is: (a) compensated at or above minimum wage or commensurate with individuals without disabilities performing similar duties and with similar training and experience, (b) eligible for the level of benefits provided to other employees, (c) at a location where the employee interacts with other individuals without disabilities, and (d) presented opportunities for advancement similar to other employees without disabilities in similar positions." As families, schools, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies and other partners plan and engage in transition planning with students, it is important to understand that employment looks different for each student. Competitive integrated employment options should be individualized and align with a students' interests, preferences, skills, and support needs; and with the labor market needs of businesses. By making the connection between students' interests skills, and preferences and business needs, good job matches can be brokered so employment is a mutually beneficial outcome for both the student and business. Empowering students to determine, plan for, and receive appropriate workforce supports is key to a student being successful in competitive integrated employment. Research has found that youth and their families who collaborate with educators, local agency personnel, and businesses are more likely to be employed as adults. Perhaps more interestingly, the nature of the support provided to the student on and off the job determined the difference between a successful job placement and an unsuccessful one. Collaboration among partners working with the student is important and can lead to the desired outcome of competitive integrated employment after high school. This report provides links to web sites offering primary resources for employment preparation and supports needed to prepare youth for competitive integrated employment. This includes links to resources applicable to youth and young adults; families of young adults with disabilities; administrators; school-level practitioners; and vocational rehabilitation counselors. Lastly, a list of organizations and their web sites relevant to secondary education is provided.
Descriptors: Disabilities, Federal Legislation, Labor Force Development, Labor Legislation, Vocational Rehabilitation, Job Training, Young Adults, Employment Programs, Transitional Programs, Supported Employment, Youth Employment, Information Sources, Web Sites, Career Counseling
National Technical Assistance Center on Transition. College of Education, University of North Carolina Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28223. Tel: 704-687-8606; e-mail: ntactmail@uncc.edu; Web site: http://transitionta.org
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive; Guides - General
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Administrators; Parents; Students; Practitioners; Counselors
Language: English
Sponsor: Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (ED); Office of Special Education Programs (ED/OSERS)
Authoring Institution: National Technical Assistance Center on Transition (NTACT)
Identifiers - Laws, Policies, & Programs: Rehabilitation Act 1973; Workforce Investment Act 1998
Grant or Contract Numbers: H326E140004