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Access to Employment - Michael Callahan, presented by The Arc of IL in Oak Lawn
Date: 10/7/2009
Time: 8:30:00 AM
Customized Employment is a strategy that provides persons with life complexities, and with significant
barriers to employment, with an alternative
to traditional, competitive jobs. Customized Employment
refers to 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. Customized Employment relies on a
negotiated rather than competitive approach to employers;
therefore, job developers must be available
to assist applicants to develop personalized
proposals for employers. This approach to employment
offers the promise of welcoming all persons
with life complexities who wish to work into the generic
employment system and into a job that fits
their needs. About the Presenter, Michael Callahan: Michael has consulted throughout the US, Canada and Europe in the area of supported employment for the past twentythree
years. He has worked with Marc Gold & Associates (MG&A) since 1979 and has served as president of the organization
since Marc Gold’s untimely death in 1982. MG&A is a network of consultants that provides technical assistance to
systems, agencies and families interested in insuring the complete community participation of persons with severe disabilities.
Mike also studied vocational rehabilitation while at Syracuse University in a doctoral studies program. He is an
editor of a popular "how-to" book on employment for persons with severe disabilities, Getting Employed, Staying
Employed (1987) and co-author of Keys to the Work Place (1997) a text on systematic instruction and natural supports in
supported employment. He has written numerous articles, chapters, manuals and curriculums pertaining to employment
of persons with disabilities. Michael is the vice-president of Employment for All.
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