Discover Opportunity
““Going through the Discovery process emphasized a person-centered approach and the importance of understanding an individual’s skills, interests, and support needs. It has helped to solidify job placements that are tailored to each person’s unique abilities. Additionally, obtaining the CE certificate has helped our employment specialists have a higher standard of service delivery—and our clients have better placements.”
In partnership with the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities (ICDD), MG&A has been able to build capacity and impact policies for best practices in Customized and Supported Employment. These practices open new worlds of opportunity for employment—and offer innovative solutions to one of the most pressing issues (challenges) for this community—leading to greater self-determination and economic empowerment for individuals with disabilities.
Let’s Keep It Going…
We want to engage with you: understand your strengths, interests, and needs. We want to support your efforts to provide exemplary service, expand the field’s capabilities, and build a network of individuals and organizations that are stewards of these values and practices.
Read more below, or click the button below to tell us more about who you are, where you’re from, and how we can help.
Our Work, In Brief
In 2024, MG&A conducted a third-party evaluation of the current Customized Employment for Individuals with Disabilities Act (820 ILCS 97/) and submitted recommendations for modifications to the act, which would bring it into closer alignment with best practices in Customized Employment. ICDD used these recommendations to advocate to amend the Act.
“My key takeaway—and something I am excited to share with my staff—is […] if we follow the process and do it well, it will work for ALL people: even those who have significant challenges. I frequently hear from current vocational support staff that people aren’t ready for work; they need to learn to manage this behavior, or learn “pre-voc” skills. This material will enable me to enact change for the people I support.””
Since, 2021 through our partnership with ICDD, over 500 participants have attended informational webinars and received in-depth training on Customized Employment and Systematic Instruction best practices. MG&A has also issued 120 ACRE certificates for Customized Employment to provider staff in Illinois.
As a result of opening to the public our training on Customized Employment (CE), nearly 200 self-advocates and family members learned about how CE can create access to employment in their community and whether it is a service or support that could be both important and helpful to them.
MG&A has conducted nine (9) Community of Practice sessions since 2021, designed to support providers with implementing Customized Employment practices. Additional Community of Practice sessions are being offered in 2024.
In 2024, MG&A will begin a Discovery for Students training series for those who work with youth in school-to-work transition programs. Discovery for Students is an innovative and promising approach for infusing Discovery best practices into transition planning and related activities.
Ready to help keep it going?
Click the button at right to let us know more about who you are, where you’re from, and how we can help: