WIOA (2014) defines CE as

competitive integrated employment, for an individual with a significant disability, that is based on an individualized determination of the strengths, needs, and interests of the individual with a significant disability, and is designed to meet the specific abilities of the individual with a significant disability and the business needs of the employer… carried out through flexible strategies (29 U.S.C §705(7), p. 1634). 

Examples of flexible strategies for implementing CE include working with employers to customize job descriptions; adapting job duties, schedules, and job locations; altering the supervision process; and providing services and supports on the job (WIOA, 2014). Additionally, there are four primary process components to CE–discovery, job search planning, job development and negotiation, and post-employment support (see Table 1).

Table 1
Components and Descriptions of CE 

Note: Table developed based on Kim et al. (2023) and Harvey et al. (2013).

Riesen et al. (2015) evaluated the CE literature and found 15 non-databased and 10 databased articles on CE published between 2006 and 2013. The authors noted that databased CE articles were descriptive in nature (i.e., non-experimental). Nevertheless, positive results related to CE were similar across the studies examined. These studies revealed that individuals with disabilities who received CE had an improved quality of life, income greater than the minimum wage, accomplishment of part-time or full-time employment, and stability in wage earnings and hours worked for up to 2-year period. Similarly, Riesen et al. (2023) conducted a follow-up review of the CE literature published between 2015 and 2021. Although the literature continues to be primarily descriptive, findings remain the same¾CE yields positive employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities.

Inge and colleagues (2023) recently investigated the efficacy of CE with transition age students with intellectual and development disability. Results indicated that participants who received CE services had more positive competitive integrated employment outcomes than participants who did not receive CE services. These outcomes included part-time work earning at least minimum wage in jobs of choice, with a much greater participation rate than the group that did not receive CE services. In addition to improving competitive integrated employment outcomes, the authors also found evidence to suggest that CE may boost independence in three specific domains¾home living, employment, and protection and advocacy. Results from this study expand our understanding of the effectiveness of CE as a pathway to competitive integrated employment.

CE is a promising practice that has been linked to improved competitive integrated employment results for individuals with extensive support needs (Riesen et al., 2015; Riesen et al., 2023). Educators can promote the use of CE by sharing information with families about both the components and the effectiveness of CE. In addition, educators can help families learn more about CE services by providing them with a list of local CE providers.

To maximize the potential success of CE, it is important for students to receive a variety of work-based learning experiences prior to graduation from high school. Providing direct, hands-on work-based learning experiences may allow individuals with disabilities to develop not only job skills but also the "soft skills" that are essential in competitive integrated employment (Muller & VanGilder, 2014; Wehman et al., 2016). Participating in job experiences prior to graduating from high school has a dual benefit. In addition to gaining job skills, students also develop relationships with businesses and employers have an opportunity to get to know the students. It may also aide in reducing preconceptions and fears around hiring individuals with disabilities (Wehman et al., 2018).

Customized Employment Competencies
The CE competency model provides information for increasing awareness and utilization of CE and increasing the skills and capabilities of employment personnel.
https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/odep/pdf/2011cecm.pdf 

Customized Employment: Stories and Lessons Learned from the Field
This document provides an array of real examples of customized employment experiences that may be relatable to transition personnel.
https://www.griffinhammis.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Updated_CE_Stories_optREV4withPW.pdf

Harvey, J., Szoc, R., Dela Rosa, M., Pohl, M., & Jenkins, J. (2013). Understanding the competencies needed to customize jobs: A competency model for customized employment. Journal of Vocational rehabilitation, 38(2), 77-89. https://doi.org/10.3233/JVR-130622

Inge, K. J., Avellone, L., Wehman, P., Broda, M., & Joy, J. (2023). Effects of customized employment on the independence of youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 61(6), 481-491. https://doi.org/10.1352/1934-9556-61.6.481

Kim, J., Riesen, T., Inge, K., Keeton, B., Weathers, M., & Tansey, T. N. (2023). Customized employment as a pathway to competitive integrated employment: An analysis of RSA 911 data of state vocational rehabilitation agencies with the highest use of this intervention. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 58(1), 89-98. https://doi.org/10.3233/JVR-221227

Müller, E., & VanGilder, R. (2014). The relationship between participation in Project SEARCH and job readiness and employment for young adults with disabilities. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 40(1), 15-26. https://doi.org/10.3233/JVR-130660

Riesen, T., Morgan, R. L., & Griffin, C. (2015). Customized employment: A review of the literature. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 43(3), 183-193. https://doi.org/10.3233/JVR-150768

Riesen, T., Snyder, A., Byers, R., Keeton, B., & Inge, K. (2023). An updated review of the customized employment literature. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 58(1), 27-38. https://doi.org/10.3233/JVR-221222

Salon, R. S., Boutot, N., Ozols, K., Keeton, B., & Steveley, J. (2019). New approaches to customized employment: Enhancing cross-system partnerships. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 50(3), 317-323. https://doi.org/10.3233/JVR-191013

Wehman, P., Brooke, V., Brooke, A. M., Ham, W., Schall, C., McDonough, J., Lau, S., Seward, H., & Avellone, L. (2016). Employment for adults with autism spectrum disorders: A retrospective review of a customized employment approach. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 53-54, 61-72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2016.01.015

Wehman, P., Taylor, J., Brooke, V., Avellone, L., Whittenburg, H., Ham, W., Brooke, A. M., & Carr, S. (2018). Toward competitive employment for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities: What progress have we made and where do we need to go. Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities, 43(3), 131-144. https://doi.org/10.1177/1540796918777730   

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. 29 U.S.C §705 et seq. (2014).
https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/29/705