These new publications from the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy, showcase contributions by the Maryland Customized Employment Partnership and the Montgomery County (MD) Customized Employment Public Intern Project, two projects TransCen helped design and implement.

One of the brochures is geared toward employers interested in exploring unique ways to meet newly recognized or unmet needs to increase productivity and profitability, increase retention and lower turnover rates, improve return-to-work outcomes, increase efficiency of operations, and increase a more diverse workforce and inclusive environment. Customized Employment: Put It to Work for Your Business showcases real employers that have put this unique form of Flexible Work Arrangements to work in their businesses.

The other offers a broader and more general overview of how Customized Employment works across the nation. Customized Employment Works Everywhere illustrates the stories of six individuals with significant disabilities from Louisiana, New York, Mississippi, Maryland, Missouri, and Washington, DC. The narrative focuses on how they found competitive and integrated employment using the principles of customized employment as a Flexible Work Arrangement with their employers.

Customized employment is an approach in employment services which capitalizes on individualized determination of strengths, needs and interests of job seekers with significant disabilities; and assumes the provision of negotiated tasks, accommodations, and supports necessary for the individual to perform the functions of chosen job so that employer operations are enhanced. These publications will aid in the continued dissemination of this innovative and effective approach.