1. Susan B. Parker Director, Office of Policy and Research Office of Disability Employment Policy U.S. Department of Labor Washington, D.C. www.dol.gov/odep (866) ODEP-DOL TTY (877) 889-5627 www.dol.gov/odep VETS 2006 Competitive Grantees Conference July 31-August 3, 2006

2. 2 A Catalyst for Change, Transforming the American Workforce CUSTOMIZED EMPLOYMENT Everyone Customizes A “Win-Win” Solution Individualized Negotiated

3. 3 A Catalyst for Change, Transforming the American Workforce Customized Employment Fundamental Principles: Integrated, Individualized, Negotiated Jobs Customized to the Person and the Employer Individualized Funding Provides Choice and Control Blending and Braiding Funds Leverages Multiple Systems

4. 4 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% psychiatric 19% cognitive or mental retardation 15% physical/mobility impairment

5. 5 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.

6. 6 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

7. 7 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