Announcements: 

According to the report, the benefits (such as retaining valuable employees, improving productivity and morale, reducing workers' compensation and training costs, and improving company diversity) employers receive from making workplace accommodations far outweigh the low cost. The employers in the study reported that over 50% of accommodations cost nothing to make, while the rest typically cost only $500.

Meet Ian

Ian wants a job because he wants to earn money...lots of money! He is a creative, talented and intelligent 20-year-old. Discovery with Ian started in high school and involved "everyone who knew him." The process took about a year. People spent time with Ian to learn more about his interests, skills, contributions and support needs. From this process, Ian's team was able to make a list of activities where he is at his best. In middle and high school, Ian also participated in work experiences based on his interests. These experiences and Discovery helped him narrow his customized employment goals to three and from these, Ian chose to pursue running his own t-shirt design and printing business called "Ian's Arts." Today Ian is interning at Superior Screen and Print. He is doing so well that his boss wants to hire him part-time.

VR supports to Ian include:

·        Participated in Discovery by attending planning meetings and joining some of the Discovery outings

·        Paying for Ian's technical school tuition (to learn graphics software)

·        Helping Ian finalize his business plan

When asked about Ian's internship, his mom replied, "There is no question that him being here is not only good for him, it is good for the people who work here."

Meet Vincent

Vincent is 21 years old and attends Pasco Hernando Community College. His team members through the Discovery process included: Vincent, his best friend Alvin, Vincent's mom, Nannie, the VR transition counselor, the school district transition specialist, his case manager, teachers and friends. Initially there were many people who doubted Vincent could be successfully employed in the community. Through Discovery, Vincent's team learned about his interests and passions, where he is at his best, and what supports work for him. They completed a Brain Blizzard [PDF] to compile a list of 169 total possibilities for employment in Vincent's focus areas of books, shopping, being in the water and computers. Vincent then circled his favorite things on the list. Ultimately Vincent chose to have his own business called Vincent's Vending.

VR supports to Vincent include:

·        VR Transition Specialist participated in Discovery

·        Now Vincent has a Certified Business and Technical Assistance Consultant (blends the use of rigorous business and economic development strategies to develop business plans for self-employment VR clients)

·        Helping Vincent finalize his business plan

Vincent says his life goals are to have his own vending business, own a home, continue his education, and live a long and happy life.

Meet Justin

Justin is a 22-year-old 2011 graduate of the USF Learning Academy. He is also a creative artist and graphic designer. Justin attended a national competition to show off his graphic design skills and learned he needed to enhance his skills and gain more knowledge to become competitive. He attended technical school, developed a graphic design portfolio, and participated in an internship to learn all aspects of the business. Justin's team includes himself; his mom, dad and brother; a teacher; his VR Counselor; and representatives from the Learning Academy and the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at USF.

Being a successful business owner is important to Justin. He actively participates in community events to market his products, gather information for business planning, and connect with potential customers. Justin enjoys sharing his passion with others.

Justin's supports are nonpaid and paid, with an emphasis on natural supports such as his parents and brother, a retired business owner, a neighbor, church members, and peers. Paid supports are provided by the DVR Counselor, CBTAC through DVR, the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, and the Learning Academy.

Meet Chelsea

Chelsea is a 24-year-old creative and humorous writer. She creates graphics and the accompanying text for t-shirts. During Discovery, Chelsea's team spent time "hanging out" with her outside of structured environments. They attended some of her guest lectures, which is where they learned of her keen sense of humor. Traditional assessments would not have provided Chelsea's team with customized employment possibilities...too often, these assessments only show what people with significant disabilities can't do instead of what they can. To help Chelsea determine her customized employment goal, team members needed to step outside their typical roles. Members included Chelsea; her mom, dad, sister, grandmother and uncle; her teacher, the transition specialist, and the employment support person from school; her VR Counselor; a Certified Business Technical Assistance Consultant (CBTAC); her Speech Therapist (Chelsea uses Facilitated Communication); and a companion.

It is challenging for anyone to start a business; the process has taken Chelsea three years. Today she is developing her business plan, participating in market analysis and building social capital. Her supports include natural supports (parents, sister, grandmother, uncle), the DVR Counselor, CBTAC through DVR, her Speech Therapist and companion, and a Constituent of the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD).

Customized Employment/Self-Employment:
The Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy has released Customized Employment videos for employers, youth, and the general audience. The videos highlight the benefits of Customized Employment, an employment strategy which matches the skills and preferences of the individual with the specific business needs of the employer.

Web Sites:
As part of President Barack Obama's Executive Order (EO) "Establishing a Coordinated Government-Wide Initiative to Promote Diversity and Inclusion in the Federal Workforce," the U.S. Office of Personnel Management has launched a new Diversity and Inclusion website.

The Autism National Committee (AUTCOM) is an autism advocacy organization dedicated to "Social Justice for All Citizens with Autism" through a shared vision and a commitment to positive approaches.

Temple Grandin explains why The World Needs All Kinds of Minds [video] in this 20-minute video.