In recognition that employment offers a sense of accomplishment, identity, economic support, and valued social role, Eman Community Living is committed to realizing the vision of employment for the individuals it supports in meaningful jobs in inclusive settings. As the means toward this end, the Agency will be using an employment strategy called Customized Employment (CE). The Office of Disability and Employment of the U.S.

"Customized employment means individualizing the employment relationship between employees and employers in ways that meet the needs of both. It is based on an individualized determination of the strengths, needs, and interests of the person with a disability, and is also designed to meet the specific needs of the employer.

It may include employment developed through job carving, self-employment or entrepreneurial initiatives, or other job development or restructuring strategies that result in job responsibilities being customized and individually negotiated to fit the needs of individuals with a disability."

Customized employment assumes the provision of reasonable accommodations and supports necessary for the individual to perform the functions of a job that is individually negotiated and developed.

The Agency has created a Task Force on Employment and Volunteerism that meets on a monthly basis and reports to the both the Quality Management Committee and the Community Supports Committee. The Task Force is charged with developing recommendations on how to best to implement CE for the individuals we support who have both the skills and the desire to be competitively employed. The Task Force is also charged with looking at strategies to involve more individuals in volunteerism as a means of both increasing social capital and achieving greater community inclusion.

For additional information contact Peter Cornog at 215-205-9268.