Are based on the determination of the needs of the individual as specified in the individualized plan for employment Are provided by an entity (other than VR) such as a State agency, a nonprofit private organization, the employer or any other appropriate resource after the individual has made the transition from support provided by the State VR Agency however; May be provided by the State VR agency to a youth with a most significant disability for a period not to exceed 4 years or when the youth reaches age 25 whichever comes first. Competitive Integrated Employment is work that is performed on a full-time or part-time basis (including self-employment) for which an individual: Is compensated: at a rate that is not less than the State’s minimum wage and is not less than the customary rate paid by the employer for the same or comparable work performed by other employees (who are not individuals with disabilities) who are employed in a similar situation and occupation by the same employer and who have comparable training, experience and skills, or in the case of self-employment, yields an income comparable to income received by other individuals (who do not have disabilities) and who are self-employed in similar occupations or on similar tasks and who have comparable training, experience and skills Is eligible for the level of benefits provided to other employees And: Is at a location: typically found in the community where the employee interacts, for the purpose of performing job duties, with other employees within the particular work unit and the entire work site, and as appropriate to the work performed, interacts with others persons such as customers and vendors, who are not individuals with disabilities (not including supervisory personnel or individuals who are providing services to such employee) to the same extent that individuals (who are not individuals with disabilities) who are in comparable positions, interact with other persons, and
post-secondary educational programs at institutions of higher education, work place readiness training to develop social skills and independent living skills, and instruction in self-advocacy which may include peer mentoring (see Section 14: Students and Youth with Disabilities). Youth With a Disability is an individual with a disability who is no younger than 14 years of age and who is not older than 24 years of age. Transition Services means a coordinated set of activities for a student or a youth with a disability designed with an out-come oriented process that promotes movement from school to post-school activities (see Appendix B: Definition of Terms for expanded definition). II. Use of Supported Employment Funds: In order to comply with The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the amendments made by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), the following criteria must be met when using supported employment funds allotted under these acts: The individual must be eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation Services The individual must be an individual with a most significant disability A comprehensive assessment of the rehabilitation needs of the individual including an evaluation of rehabilitation, career and job needs, identifies supported employment as the appropriate employment outcome for the individual In addition one half of all supported employment funds must be reserved for youth with the most significant disabilities. Thus only a youth with a most significant disability who qualifies for supported employment services can be provided supported employment services, including extended services, utilizing the reserved funds. An individualized plan for employment is required in order to: Specify the supported employment services to be provided, including as appropriate, transition services for youth and pre-employment transition services for students with the most significant disabilities. Specify the expected extended services needed including extended services for youths receiving supported employment services Identify as appropriate, the source of extended services (which may include natural supports), or indicate that it is not possible to identify the source of extended services at the time the IPE is developed and describe the basis for concluding a source will become available before case closure.