The Utah Supported Employment Training Project at the University of Utah's Department of Special Education is designed to provide training and support to community service providers, educators, and state agencies. Core and specialty trainings provide participants with a variety of information related to developing inclusive employment supports for people with disabilities. For schedules, training locations, registration, and fees click the training schedule link on the left of this page.
Core Supported Employment Training The core training will provide participants with the requisite information for understanding and delivering supported and customized employment services to individuals with disabilities. Participants enrolled in the training learn to develop practical strategies that meet the diverse supported employment needs of individuals with disabilities. Several topical areas related to developing inclusive employment supports will be discussed, such as: understanding supported employment philosophy including various employment models, developing natural supports, developing vocational profiles and client assessment strategies, conducting thorough job placement and job development activities that include marketing, work site analysis, job training, and developing appropriate instructional procedures. In addition, the course will review specific legislation related to the employment of individuals with disabilities, supported employment funding and billable guidelines, and the principles of customized employment. Below is a outline of typical training activities for the core supported employment training:
Day 1 Day 1 begins with an introduction and overview of employment supported for people with disabilities. We review the history of employment for people with disabilities and legislation related to employment programs for people with disabilities. We also examine the roles and responsibilities of supported employment professionals and examine funding options for supported employment, including USOR billable guidelines and funding sources for extended supports. We conclude the day with an examination of marketing and developing networks.
Day 2 Day 2 explores strategies for personal assessment and job development using the principles of customized employment. Participants learn how to conduct meaningful assessments and develop vocational profiles, learn how to job develop and contact specific employers, learn how to develop employment proposals and negotiate employments. Participates will subsequently be required to conduct an assessment, interview an employer, and create an employment proposal with an individual they support.
Day 3 After a 3 to 4 week break to allow particants to complete assignments, we return for the final day of training. Day 3 allows participants to present and share experiences they encountered during the assessment and interview. Participants present their employment proposal in a structured setting. In addition, we review the principles of developing task analysis and corresponding job training programs.
Specialty Trainings and Consultation A variety of specialty training will be scheduled throughout the year. These training are designed to provide profession additional information employment supports for people with disabilities.
In addition to the specialty training, project staff is available for individual consultation. For more information contact Tim Riesen at (801) 585-3154
