Build a Bridge

So far, we have discussed how to build rapport with employers and how to build their understanding of disability issues. Our next task is to build a bridge between the employer's business needs and the young worker's contributions.

Three graphic images of persons representing the employer on the left, the VR professional in the center, and the worker with a disability on the right. The images are holding their arms up and out, creating a graphic representation of a bridge from one to the other.

For the purpose of this module, let's assume that the VR counselor (VRC) is conducting the process from start to finish. While it is common for VRCs to partner with employment specialists, the VRC, who oversees the process, should understand the basic strategies and their purposes.

To build our bridge, we will use the "discovery" strategy of Customized Employment to gather information from both the employer and the youth with a disability. To begin, let's review customized employment and its salient features.

Customized employment is competitive integrated employment for persons with significant disabilities, based on their abilities, needs, and interests. It is designed to match individuals' specific abilities with employers' business needs.
Competitive Integrated Employment is full or part-time work with wages (minimum or higher) and benefits similar to others performing the same work and fully integrated with coworkers without disabilities.

Next up: Discovering the Contributions of Youth with Disabilities