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Center on Community Living and Careers

Employment Services and Supports

Indiana's Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) is a key resource for individuals with disabilities and their families who are preparing for employment.  VRS is both a key component of effective secondary transition --the process of moving from school to adult life—as well as a source of information and support for those who are looking for jobs or who are currently employed, regardless of age.

The Center on Community Living and Careers works with VRS as well as local and national organizations and agencies to promote innovative employment programs and to support Indiana professionals who work to improve employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities.

Training

The Vocational Rehabilitation Leadership Academy provides online professional development and skills training to Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation counselors and staff. Leadership Academy courses and learning opportunities are also available to anyone with an interest in self disability services. Click here to visit the VRS Leadership Academy page and login window.

The Day and Employment Services Outcomes System (DESOS), which collects annual data on where individuals with disabilities spend their day, has been updated to include easier-to-use features and enhanced security measures. To access a webinar on DESOS data entry changes (webinar will be online through the end of May), click here.

Indiana Employment Specialist Training offers workshops covering job and career development, employment support, worksite analysis, follow-along, and emerging industry trends.

Staff Contacts

Corporate Development, James Emmett, emmettx4@aol.com
Teresa Grossi, tgrossi@indiana.edu
Vocational Rehabilitation Leadership Academy, Jodi Isaacs, joisaacs@indiana.edu
Project SEARCH Indiana, Jackie Tijerina, jtijerin@indiana.edu
Employment Specialist Training, Jackie Tijerina, jtijerin@indiana.edu
The Center on Community Living and Careers, 812-855-6508

Working with Indiana Businesses

In conjunction with Indiana VRS and with funding from the state's Medicaid Infrastructure Grant, the Center on Community Living and Careers coordinates efforts to increase the number of people with disabilities in productive, competitive employment—real jobs for real pay.

Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services Corporate Development forms collaborative relationships between Hoosier employers, disability support and employment service providers, and VRS to help corporations recruit, hire, include, and retain workers with disabilities.

Project SEARCH Indiana, based on a model developed by Cincinnati Children's Hospital, partners businesses with schools and community service providers to help young adults and students with significant disabilities learn skills and obtain meaningful employment. Click on the link above to learn more about this promising new program

Other Employment Resources

Additional Resources

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