Indianapolis Customized Employment Project A collaborative project sponsored by The Department of Labor/Office of Disability and Employment Policy, awarded to The Indianapolis Private Industry Council in partnership with The Department of Workforce Development, Easter Seals Crossroads, Goodwill Industries, & Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Amy Self employed in laundry service for local hair salons.

Partners Involved Vocational Rehabilitation Customized Employment Project Transition services at North Central High School Amy’s mother

Vocational Rehabilitation Involved in brainstorming, planning, and business development Future business expansion possible

Customized Employment Project Employment Consultant Washer and Dryer Towels Development of business plan Follow along services for 90 days

Transition Services Provided person centered planning Involved in brainstorming, planning, and business development.

Amy’s Family Involved in brainstorming, planning, and business development. Provides transportation

Amy’s Business Development Process Through person centered planning, laundry service was determined as an area of interest to Amy. The E.C. discussed wage employment, as well as developing a towel service to salons as a business. The E.C. completed market research to determine the need for a towel service. Through networking, Amy’s mother found a salon in need of towel service.

Business development process Cont’d The E.C. assisted Amy with the development of her business plan. Washer, dryer, & towels purchased. Amy is currently servicing 1 salon. Currently planning for future expansion by adding additional salons.

Amy Working

Bryan Customized wage job Developing a business within a business Video computer game room at skate park

Partners Involved Vocational Rehabilitation Customized Employment Project Transition services through high school Bryan’s family

Vocational Rehabilitation Involved in brainstorming, planning, and business development Future business expansion funding possible

Customized Employment Project Employment Consultant Computers Videogames Development of business plan Follow along services for 90 days

Transition Services Provided person centered planning Involved in brainstorming, planning, and business development.

Bryan’s Family Involved in brainstorming, planning, and business development. Transportation

Brian’s business development process Develop a business idea based on Bryan’s interest Contact local companies to determine good business fit Obtain a wage job in order to make money while in business start up process Assess the employer’s needs and see how it might fit with Bryan’s interests. Currently, purchasing equipment and negotiating details with the owner of the Ultra-Violet skate shop.

Bryan

Bo Self- employed as a vending machine owner

Partners Involved Vocational Rehabilitation Customized Employment Project Transition services at North Central High School Bo’s family

Vocational Rehabilitation Involved in brainstorming, planning, and business development Supporting cost of business

Customized Employment Project Employment Consultant Vending machines Development of business plan, along with SBA Benefits planning Follow along services for 90 days

Transition Services Provided person centered planning Involved in brainstorming, planning, and business development.

Bo’s Family Involved in brainstorming, planning, and business development. Assistance in locating alternate housing options for Bo. Provides transportation to vending sites. Identifying natural supports to enable Bo to transition into the community.

Bo’s Business Development Process During person centered planning, Bo’s interests and barriers to employment were identified. A vending machine business was identified. Market research was completed to determine the need for vending machines in Bo’s community. The E.C submitted proposals to 8 buildings requesting permission to place machines there. The team also worked on Bo’s independent living skills. Additional locations have been identified and contacted to further develop the business.

Bo with his vending machines