Susan B. Parker Director, Office of Policy and Research Office of Disability Employment Policy U.S....

Susan B. ParkerDirector, Office of Policy and ResearchOffice of Disability Employment Policy

U.S. Department of LaborWashington, D.C.www.dol.gov/odep

(866) ODEP-DOL TTY (877) 889-5627

VETS 2006 Competitive Grantees Conference

July 31-August 3, 2006

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A Catalyst for Change, Transforming the American Workforce

CUSTOMIZED EMPLOYMENT

•Everyone Customizes

•A “Win-Win” Solution

•Individualized

•Negotiated

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A Catalyst for Change, Transforming the American Workforce

Customized Employment FundamentalPrinciples:

•Integrated, Individualized, Negotiated Jobs•Customized to the Person and the Employer•Individualized Funding Provides Choice and

Control•Blending and Braiding Funds Leverages Multiple Systems

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A Catalyst for Change, Transforming the American Workforce

Preliminary Project Data

Number: 536 customers

Ages: Mean age was 37.7 years (range of 17-68)» 56% were male

Race: 66% White/Caucasian,» 24% Black or African American» 5% Hispanic

Primary Disability: 42% psychiatric19% cognitive or mental retardation15% physical/mobility impairment

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A Catalyst for Change, Transforming the American Workforce

Preliminary Project Data (Continued)

Hourly Salary: Average wage was $8.60 (range $2.38 to $37.00/hour)

Hours worked per week: 34% worked full time (35+ per week) 46% worked less than 21 hours per week

» 20% worked 21 - 34 hours/week.

Fringe benefits: 27% offered at least one fringe benefit.

Career Advancement: 63% had a position with career advancement potential.

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A Catalyst for Change, Transforming the American Workforce

Coming off/Staying Off Support Services and Benefits

• During the Time that Customers Received Services:– 14% (N=66) of Those Sampled Went Off at Least One Benefit– 18% (N=96) of Those Sampled Went On at Least One Benefit

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A Catalyst for Change, Transforming the American Workforce

Coming off/Staying Off Support Services, Continued

• TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)

– 97% stayed off TANF

– 1% (5 people) went off TANF

• Food Stamps

– 74% stayed off Food Stamps

– 4% (16 people) went off Food Stamps

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income)

– 60% stayed off SSI

– 2% (10 people) went off SSI

• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)

– 68% stayed off SSDI

– 1% (5 people) went off SSDI