Implementation Speaks Louder Than Words: Next Steps for An Apprenticeship Toolkit

Dr. Bryan Austin is Director of Evaluation for the Illinois Institute for Rehabilitation and Employment Research at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He has worked in the fields of disability and rehabilitation for over 25 years and has served in clinical, teaching/training, supervisory, research and evaluation, and administrative capacities. Dr. Austin has significant clinical experience working with individuals with disabilities in mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, vocational rehabilitation, and higher education practice settings. His research interests include clinical competencies, intellectual disability and co-occurring psychiatric disorders, vocational rehabilitation, and employment-/career-related interventions for people with disabilities. Most notably, Dr. Austin has worked as a counselor educator, program coordinator and project director, researcher, clinical supervisor, vocational rehabilitation counselor, behavior specialist, trainer, consultant, and program evaluator.

Jim Knauf serves as Director of Field Operations for the Illinois Institute for Rehabilitation and Employment Research at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He joined the U. of I. in February 2023 after a 37-year career with the Illinois Department of Human Services, the last 14 working in administration with the Division of Rehabilitation Services. Jim served as assistant bureau chief, training unit manager and policy advisor within the state’s lead agency in placing individuals with disabilities into employment. In these capacities, he has worked closely with community rehabilitation facilities, centers for independent living and the State Rehabilitation Council, and provides the Institute with a solid background in state government. Jim earned a B.A. degree in English from Illinois State University in 1985.

Amanda Muller is the Apprenticeship Navigator for the Maine Bureau of Rehabilitation Services under the Maine Department of Labor. With over seven years of experience as a vocational rehabilitation counselor, Amanda brings a wealth of expertise to her role as a dedicated advocate for the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in registered apprenticeship programs.

Amanda graduated from the University of Central Florida (UCF) in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She supported the University’s Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) and the partnering non-profit Providing Autism Links and Supports (PALS) through the development and implementation of social and educational programs for clients and their families. Amanda’s career has been driven by a passion for empowering individuals with disabilities and fostering inclusive opportunities. She remains committed to advancing these goals through her work with the Maine Department of Labor.

Stuart Rumrill is a Research Evaluation Specialist in the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for the Illinois Subminimum Wage to Competitive Integrated Employment (SWTCIE) project. Previously, Stuart worked as a return-to-work specialist for the University of Kentucky, research assistant and teaching instructor/assistant at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, research consultant at Kent State University, academic coach at the University of Arkansas, and vocational specialist at VocWorks Inc., in northeast Ohio. His work specializes in serving people with brain tumor, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder and traumatic brain injury. Stuart also currently works as a vocational consultant for Vocational Consulting Services, where he conducts vocational evaluations and provides recommendations to young adults with brain tumors. He is also a member of the editorial board for the Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Caleb Tibbetts is a Pre-Employment Transition Services Supervisor at Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (IDVR) where he supports a team of individuals who work with students as they transition from high school to the world of work. Prior to his current role, Caleb served as the Apprenticeship Coordinator at IDVR where he helped Idahoans with disabilities obtain registered and state apprenticeship opportunities. Caleb has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Idaho State University and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling from Thomas University. Caleb is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and has been serving individuals with disabilities at IDVR for over 8 years.