The webinars below discuss various tools for implementing employment with a focus on customized employment supports. In some cases, the recordings below are applicable in more than 1 category.
1. Employment and Self-Employment in Small Towns and Rural Areas
Ashlea Lantz, a nationally recognized policy leader specializing in disability employment and relationship-based job development will discuss the challenges, opportunities, and solutions encountered in creating meaningful employment pathways in small towns. Her presentation will also include lived experience, having supported her sister Em in leaving subminimum wage employment to launch Em’s Coffee Co., a thriving small business that has become a model for rural self-employment success.
2. Employment First for All: Helping People with Complex Needs Join the Workforce
Abby Cooper and Ellen Condon bring years of experience to share proven strategies for creating meaningful employment for people with complex needs. Their presentation challenges the idea that individuals with significant disabilities or behavioral health challenges are “unemployable,” offering practical techniques for partnering with businesses and designing individualized supports. They’ll focus on both long-term day habilitation participants and young adults transitioning from school to work, showing how anyone can achieve rewarding jobs and careers.
3. Using a Value-Added Approach to Customized Employment
Sara Murphy from TransCen will share how to use a value-driven approach to engage employers in Customized Employment. Learn how Lean principles can help identify business needs and match them with job seekers’ unique skills—moving beyond charity to real workplace value. Additional resources linked below include:
- 2.1 Potential Task List from Phillips, Spallas, and Angstadt, LLC
- 2.2 Examples of Waste in Business Handout
- 2.3 Cost Analysis Sheet
- 2.4 Galls Task List
4. The Magic and Art of Job Development
Abby Cooper shares practical strategies for job developers to apply person-centered thinking, discovery, and storytelling in employment support. Learn how to engage employers, overcome resistance, and create meaningful opportunities for people with complex needs.
5. Managing Disability Employment Programs
Discover effective strategies for supervising, training, and mentoring staff in disability employment services. Led by Sue Killam and self-advocate Will Johnson, this session highlights core competencies, mentoring practices, and Will’s inspiring career journey through the PAY Check program. Learn how to build inclusive workplaces and improve employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities.
6. Best Practice in Community Integrated Employment (CIE): Supported Employment, Individual Placement and Supports and Customized Employment
This session, led by Susan Killam, explores evidence-based strategies for supporting individuals with disabilities in achieving competitive, integrated employment. Topics include Supported Employment (SE), Customized Employment (CE), Individual Placement & Support (IPS), and career pathway models. Learn how to structure services, manage caseloads, and implement proven approaches that promote inclusion and long-term success in the workforce.