Customized Training Toolkit

Learn more about the benefits of customized training, customized training strategies, models, steps to developing customized training programs, as well as tips, examples, and applications of customized training.

In this toolkit, we provide information and resources for Customized Training. This toolkit also provides an example of Vocational Rehabilitation Policy on Customized Training programs for State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency’s (SVRA’s) consideration.

Toolkit: Customized Training (pdf)

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Resources

The list of resources and tools below were collected from a variety of programs and organizations to provide information and examples that may assist state VR programs as they implement Customized Training programs with employers and consumers. (Current as of August of 2023).

Implementation Tools:

VRTAC-QE Training: Customized Training - Developing a Toolkit

Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center for Quality Employment (VRTAC-QE)

Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center on Quality Management (VRTAC-QM)

Apprenticeship Inclusion Models

Apprenticeship Inclusion Models | U.S. Department of Labor

Registered Apprenticeships

Universal Design

Explore VR

Myths & Facts

Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable Accommodations in the Workplace

Disability Etiquette

Employer Engagement: Helpful Guides/Resources

Building Business Relationships & Resources: A guide to help identify promising practices, tips, and questions to consider throughout the various stages of a business relationship lifecycle.
Interacting with Businesses: Guiding Questions Protocol: A guide for front-line staff that provides sample responses and resources for business services representatives to reference as they respond to commonly asked questions by businesses.
JAN - Job Accommodation Network
The JAN Workplace Accommodation Toolkit
VRTAC-QE Employer Engagement resources:

Engaging Workforce Partners

Helpful Business/Workforce Partner Guides

Customized Training Flyer: Customized Training Flyer

CSAVR

The NET | CSAVR

Training Programs and Resources

Blind or visual impairments:

Deaf or hard of hearing:

Native American Program WIOA Section 166:

Workplace Communication Training:

ASL Interpreting Services Workplace Communication

State Examples:

Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board Manufacturing Pipeline: Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative (ewib.org)
Maryland Division of Rehab Services: Career & Technical Training Programs
Massachusetts Rehab Commission: Cisco Cybersecurity: MRC Launches Cybersecurity Training for People With Disabilities In Massachusetts

More about this Toolkit:

Who is this for?

This toolkit has been developed for use by SVRA’s professionals (counselors, business service specialist, and leadership), employers, association of employers, community colleges, community organizations, and American Job Centers. It provides information and examples to aid professionals who are new to this topic and step-by-step guidance on engaging a business regarding building their workforce and how to partner with them to meet employee needs.

How was the toolkit created?

This Toolkit was developed through the Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center for Quality Employment (VRTAC-QE). The toolkit was developed by a Learning Community on Customized Training composed of Program Managers, Training & Development Coordinators, state Vocational Rehabilitation Administrators, state Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors, Business Analysts, and people with disabilities. Participants that do not have a project position beside their name had roles throughout the year in each phase of the project, ranging from Small Group Leader, Reporter, Technologist, and Researcher.

Contributors to the toolkit include:

Sandy Conder, M.Ed., MRC, CRC (Project Manager), University of Kentucky: Human Development Institute
Pennie Hartley, BA, BCCS, CAS (Project Team Group Leader), Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation- Program Analyst-Supported Employment
Andrzej Walz-Chojnacki (Project Scribe), Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation: Department of Workforce Development
Laura Reed, Connecticut Workforce Outreach Team of BRS/ADS
Angela Korth, Nebraska Vocational Rehabilitation
Destyn Stowe, M.S., Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services
Cheri Reed-Anderson, M.S., CRC, Montana Vocational Rehabilitation & Blind Services
Denise Doktor, South Carolina Commission for the Blind
Rochelle Price, M.A., Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Janeen S. Gordon, MRC, CRC, Texas Workforce Solutions Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Yancy Cruz-Virella, Illinois