Information, resources and research about work and disability issues
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Using Job Restructuring to Improve Employment Outcomes
At VCU-RRTC, we know that the best job match for an individual may not always be listed in the wanted ads or on the popular job search engines. Our goal is to support individuals with significant disabilities in locating long-term employment in a position that meets their interests, skills and abilities.
To accomplish this goal, our talented staff of employment specialists, pictured to the left, regularly work with businesses to restructure job opportunities. Among the individuals who were supported in employment in the past year, 10 are working in positions that were significantly restructured or carved to meet the needs of the employer as well as the specific talents of the jobseeker.
Upcoming Webcast
Research Based Intervention: Ensuring Program Quality for Students with ASD by
Sam Odom
Date: 6/14/2011, 3:30pm Eastern
It is critical for parents and professionals serving someone with ASD to utilize practices determined to be effective through research. This webcast will provide a comprehensive description of evidence-based practices for individuals with ASD. Dr. Odom will provide a definition and describe how a practice is determined to be evidence-based.
A review of the current literature in ASD will be provided and those strategies currently identified as evidence-based will be discussed. Dr. Odom will talk about components of a quality program for students with ASD and outline contextual features that represent best practice. A focus will be placed on the findings of the National Autism Professional Development Center in ASD and the National Standards Project.
Summer Online Courses
*** Discount to first 20 People who Register for Overview of Self-Employment for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities (June 6 - July 11, 2011) - The success rate of small business is surprisingly high, despite widely accepted folklore to the contrary. The U.S. Small Business Administration reports that over 79% of small businesses are still operating after the initial eight years. And, the long term trend in employment is smaller firms. Self employment and small business are a defining characteristic of America's economic landscape, and present a tremendous opportunity for those most challenged by the competitive labor market. Register Online *** The first 20 people who register will receive a discounted price of $50 (Regular price is $75.)
Supported Employment for Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury (June 6 - July 5, 2011) - Early demonstration projects back in the late 1980's and 90's paved the way for using a supported employment approach for someone who has sustained traumatic brain injury (TBI). This course will offer participants an overview of TBI and the supported employment literature suggestions on specific strategies to use to get to know the job seeker, look at possible workplace supports with an emphasis on compensatory memory strategies and some insight into ways to provide pro-active job retention services. Register Online
Supported Employment Web-based Certificate Series (Aug 1 - Oct 24, 2011) - ACRE-certified* - This online course provides an extensive overview of supported employment and how to facilitate competitive jobs for individuals with significant disabilities. Topics include: Federal Policy and Overview Customer Profile; Marketing and Job Development; Job-Site Support; and Long Term Supports & Funding. Find out more & Register
Supported Competitive Employment for Individuals with Mental Illness (Aug 1 - Oct 24, 2011) - ACRE-certified*This online course provides an extensive overview of supported competitive employment for individuals with mental illness. Sessions will include these topics: Overview and Values Base; Building Relationships with Business; Establishing a Career Direction; Locating Work Opportunities; Employment Support; and Funding & Other Topics. Find out more & Register
VCU-ACE Q&A Factsheet
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Recent reports estimate that, on average, as many as one in every 110 children in the United States has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is considered to be a lifelong neurological developmental disability for which there is no known etiology or cure. It affects individuals from all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. ASD is four times more common in boys, and the first signs usually appear before the age of three. Read the factsheet
