Self-Directed Employment Planning
About the Training
The self-directed employment planning trainings were designed to help people with disabilities think about their integrated employment options, understand employment supports, and create a plan to achieve their integrated employment goals.
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The training was developed by Shannon Webb and Nancy Farnon-Molfenter through inControl Wisconsin with funding made available by the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities.
What to Expect
The training has 10 learning modules. There is also a conclusion module to help you review and complete your employment plan. There is a workbook that follows the trainings. Each module has a corresponding section in the workbook with questions. If you use the workbook to answer the questions at the end of each module, then you will have the information you need for a written employment plan when you are done.
Introduction
Watch the introduction video to learn more about the self-directed employment trainings and how to work through the modules.
Module 1
This module introduces the rights of people with disabilities to work in their communities, dispels common myths about employment for individuals with disabilities, and emphasizes the importance of planning for finding the right job match.
Module 3
Module 3 of the self-directed employment training focuses on identifying interests, skills, preferences, and supports needed for developing an employment goal.
Module 5
Module 5 discusses work incentives for SSI and SSDI recipients. SSI and SSDI can be very confusing, so this module explains the public benefits in detail. Understanding work incentives is crucial for individuals receiving SSI and SSDI to make informed decisions about employment and maximize their income potential.
Module 7
Module 7 of the self-directed employment planning training covers understanding employment supports, including assessments, job development, job coaching, and ongoing support. It emphasizes individualizing supports to tailor them to specific needs and goals.
Module 9
Module 9 of the self-directed employment planning training focuses on getting the help you need by working with an Employment Support Agency to assist with various aspects of the employment process.
Module 2
Module two of the self-directed employment planning training explores different work options, the benefits of working, and reasons for working. It emphasizes the importance of contributing to the community, health benefits, social connections, and financial stability.
Module 4
Module 4 focuses on overcoming barriers to employment, including lack of work experience, uncertainty about career goals, transportation challenges, and utilizing assistive technology. Various strategies are provided to help individuals address these barriers and create a plan for successful employment.
Module 6
Module 6 of the self-directed employment planning training focuses on building your employment support planning team, understanding the job seeking process, and collaborating effectively with your team members to reach your employment goals.
Module 8
Module 8 of the self-directed employment planning training discusses understanding resources for employment and advocating for what you need, including information on funding sources and support systems.
Module 10
Module 10 of the self-directed employment planning training explores hiring individual employment supports through self-directed supports, emphasizing the importance of clear job descriptions, training, supervision, and communication.
Conclusion
Congratulations on completing the self-directed employment training! Remember, everyone can work with the right job match and supports, and no one is too disabled to work. Take the time to create a planning team, have high expectations for yourself, and advocate for the services and supports you need to be successful in reaching your employment goals.