Lessons Learned from CRPs Facilitating Customized Employment Outcomes:  

Success One Person at a Time…

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EmployAbility is one of the first agencies that T-TAP selected to receive technical assistance when the project began in 2002. Agencies responded to a request for proposals, and EmployAbility received a year of intensive support from project staff and a mentor agency that has been successful in moving individuals with disabilities into customized positions in the community earning at least minimum wages. A success story from EmployAbility follows.

For 17 years, Elizabeth worked at her parent’s restaurant. Surrounded by family, she had a lot of freedom and was a little bit pampered. When the business closed in 2004, her parents were concerned that she may have difficulty finding and keeping a job. When asked what she wanted to do, she matter-of-factly answered, “I want to be a princess.”

Her mother, Olga, had heard of EmployAbility and wanted to learn more about customized employment. “I would never have brought her to EmployAbility unless I was confident that she would be treated well,” said Olga. “Everyone has been very concerned with Elizabeth’s needs and they found the perfect job for her.”

When Dawn Venne’, Elizabeth’s Employment Coordinator, dug deeper into the princess challenge, she found that at the root of everything was a desire to be surrounded by pretty things, and to feel very feminine. Dawn began considering places where this need could be met for Elizabeth, and was brought to Margo Proctor, owner of Sweet P’s, a local upscale gift shop. Margo has been a long time supporter of EmployAbility, but had a small staff so she had not considered using the employment services at that point. She and Dawn discussed different aspects of the business where Margo could use help and found that there were plenty of opportunities for Elizabeth’s abilities.

Customized employment generally takes a different approach, by considering the job seekers abilities and creating a position that meets the employer’s needs as well as puts the individual in the best position for success. The job that was customized included watering the plants and assisting with maintaining the merchandise such as dusting and putting items out in the gift shop. Because Elizabeth was a little shorter than the average person, she was not able to reach the top shelves, so another employee tends to these and Elizabeth maintains the other shelves. She also was looking for part-time hours, and she and her boss agreed upon a work schedule that met both of their needs. Elizabeth works there 4 days per week and earns $5.15 per hour.

Customization not only removes aspects of a particular job; it leaves the door open to adding new responsibilities. One job that was not initially considered, but became one of Elizabeth’s small victories was making deposits at the bank. In order to do this, Elizabeth had to cross a busy street. Dawn coached her with all of the details, starting out side-by-side, assisting Elizabeth in her tasks, and showing her how to safely cross the street at the light. Eventually, Dawn began the process of fading by walking a few steps, then several steps behind Elizabeth, always keeping her safety in mind. This same process of fading was used in each of Elizabeth’s tasks, until she was able to work independently. Elizabeth no longer needs a job coach as she has gained understanding and confidence in her work. She has built strong relationships with her co-workers, who are naturals at supporting her to success.

The biggest change Dawn has noticed in Elizabeth is her sense of independence. “At first, Elizabeth wasn’t sure she wanted to work outside of the EmployAbility contract room. Now, not only does she work independently, she also takes public transportation by herself. I am just amazed by her.”

Making a good wage matters to Elizabeth. She loves to shop and has a number of responsibilities. Because of her new sense of independence and the income generated by her job, Elizabeth has moved out of her parent’s home and has a new house that she is decorating with her roommate Megan.

Who wouldn’t want to be in her shoes? Elizabeth has good friends, a bright future, a loving family and a great job. “I like everything I do at Sweet P’s,” said Elizabeth, “especially watering the plants and running errands for Margo, my boss. We have lots of pretty things here, it makes me feel good to come to work.”