1. The Customized Employment Plan Design “a flexible process designed to personalize the employment relationship between a job candidate and an employer in a way that meets the needs of both.” This Presentation Developed Through the Texas Customized Self-Employment Project Financial Support for The Texas Customized Self-Employment Project is provided by the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities, with Federal funds* made by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Developmental Disabilities. *($112,704) (78%) DD funds; ($32,019) (22%) non-federal resources

2. Discovering Personal Genius* Home & neighborhood observation Interviewing others Skills & ecological “fit” Review Vocational themes* Descriptive narrative Career development * Courtesy of Griffin-Hammis Associates, LLC

3. Discovery Methodology Gather a team of people Explain customized employment Schedule the first meeting Tour the neighborhood Meet with the person and their family for 1 to 2 hours Interview others who know the person well & begin identifying “themes”*

4. Discovery Methodology Identify activities that the person may perform Identify activities outside the home Identify and visit a couple unfamiliar places and activities Go to possible places of employment & perform informational interviews

5. Discovery Methodology Return to the person’s home to collect any additional information Review files, memorabilia and records of past and current activities and services Develop a list of places, specifically 20 places of business where people do jobs related to each of the three themes identified for a total of 60.

6. Discovery Methodology Review the notes taken throughout DPG* Complete the draft vocational profile using the information gathered Review the draft vocational profile to the employment seeker, family, and others involved on the DPG team Meet with the individual and/or family and others as needed to discuss the profile, for comments and for approval. Develop a customized employment plan.