Securing employment is difficult in today’s economy, but finding a position that best suits the abilities of someone with an intellectual disability can be more challenging.
“Customized employment” is an initiative designed to help meet that need.
The Delaware County Office of Intellectual Disabilities (OID) is partnering with Networks for Training and Development to offer a breakfast workshop on Customized Employment, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 31, at the Delaware County Intermediate Unit, rooms 171-172, 200 Yale Ave., Morton.
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Individuals, parents, caretakers, advocates, educators and business leaders are invited to attend the half-day workshop on Customized Employment titled “Opportunities for All, One Person at a Time.”
Participants will learn about the Customized Employment process from the beginning of the discovery stage to informational interviews to the ultimate goal of employment.
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The goal of the initiative is to individualize the employment relationship between employees and employers in ways that meet the needs of both. Job responsibilities are customized and negotiated and attempts are made to provide reasonable accommodations for the individual.
Customized Employment involves getting to know the individual and the unique skills and talents that he or she can bring to a community business.
Presenters want to make people aware that everyone has the ability to work, and to inspire employers and potential employees to have a better understanding of the benefits of employment for people with intellectual disabilities.
Participants will gain a better understanding of how to find work that fits an individual’s skill set and ultimately how to get and hold a job. This is particularly helpful for individuals making the school-to-work transition.
There is no cost for the workshop but space is limited. For information or to register contact Marsha Komara at the Delaware County Office of Intellectual Disabilities by July 22. Komara can be reached at komaram@co.delaware.pa.us or at (610) 713-2210.
