Helping people with disabilities find and keep quality jobs is the core of vocational rehabilitation. But doing it well takes more than good intentions. It takes best practices - strategies that are backed by research and shown to work.
Over the past five years, QE worked with VR professionals and agencies across the country to identify strategies that lead to quality employment. The VRTAC-QE Comprehensive Review White Paper highlights what we learned from state data, plans, and needs assessments.
The five best practices featured here come from that work. They are effective, research-based, and provide a strong foundation for future progress even after the QE project ends on September 30, 2025.
Start Early with Strong Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)
Why it matters:
What works:
Try this:
- •Work with schools and community partners to identify students in need of Pre-ETS, especially in rural areas or with low-incidence disabilities.
- •Partner with schools and programs like Project SEARCH to offer real-world work experiences.
- •Use transition counselors to provide outreach, coordinate services, and share VR information in schools.
Support Work-Based Learning Experiences Through Career Pathways and Apprenticeships
Why it matters:
What works:
Try this:
- • Help job seekers map a path from entry-level jobs to long-term goals.
- • Promote apprenticeships and other work-based learning opportunities in your community.
- • Collaborate with partners to increase employer awareness of career pathways and industry-recognized credentials.
Engage Employers as Partners
Why it matters:
What works:
Try this:
- • Talk with employers to learn what they need and how your job seekers can meet those needs.
- • Use your knowledge of local labor market trends to guide career planning.
- • Share success stories and helpful info through newsletters or chamber of commerce events to build strong business relationships.
Learn More > Employer Engagement Resources - TACQE
Expand Supported and Customized Employment Options
Why it matters:
What works:
Try this:
- • Offer or attend training on supported and customized employment practices.
- • Use the Supported and Customized Employment Side by Side Referral Decision Guide to match individuals to the right approach.
- • Partner with nonprofits and community providers to expand access, especially in rural areas.
Learn More > Customized Employment Resources | Supported Employment Resources
Solve the Transportation Puzzle
Why it matters:
What works:
Try this:
- • Add a transportation discussion to every employment planning session.
- • Explore local resources like shared rides, travel training, or NEMT options.
Learn More > Transportation Resources - TACQE