At Journey to Employment (JTE), we are committed to securing competitive integrated employment for disconnected youth and adults with disabilities in North Dakota. Our training program will equip direct service providers with the knowledge, skills, and tools to create localized, customized, and integrated employment solutions in their communities.
Through JTE, service providers will obtain skills on how to support disconnected youth and adults with disabilities in securing meaningful jobs that match their interests and skills. By working closely with businesses, employers, families, and we help build workplaces that benefit the whole community.
Why Employment Matters
Employment is more than just a paycheck—it’s about purpose, inclusion, and independence. Individuals bring unique talents and perspectives to the workforce, yet many face barriers to employment. The impact of JTE goes beyond the individual participants. The community impact is exponential, benefitting employers, their employees, family members, professionals, and agency staff. Competitive integrated employment (CIE) means:
- Jobs that are in the community alongside employees with and without disabilities.
- Wages that are at or above minimum wage.
- Work that aligns with a person’s skills, interests, and goals.
Research shows that when people with disabilities are employed, workplaces thrive, businesses grow, and communities become stronger. Our training empowers service providers to create these opportunities by partnering with local businesses, crafting employment plans, and advocating for workplace inclusion.
This program is designed for:
🔹 Service Providers: Gain customized employment skills to support employment for disconnected youth and adults with disabilities (YADD). Learn best practices in job development, employer engagement, and person-centered planning.
🔹 Employers: Discover the advantages of an inclusive workforce, learn how to implement workplace accommodations, and access a talent pool of motivated, trustworthy, and capable employees.
🔹 Individuals with Disabilities & Families: Understand the employment options available, the role of direct service providers, and how to advocate for meaningful career opportunities.
Each group plays a vital role in fostering employment, and our training provides the tools and knowledge to make it happen.
Training Program Details
✔️ Person-Centered Employment Planning – How to identify skills, interests, and career goals for individuals.
✔️ Customized Job Development – Strategies to match individuals to roles that fit their strengths and business needs.
✔️ Engaging Local Employers – How to build relationships with businesses, present the value of hiring individuals with disabilities, and provide workplace support.
✔️ Workplace Accommodations & Supports – Understanding reasonable accommodations, job coaching techniques, assistive technology, and universal design and learning (UDL).
✔️ Navigating Employment Policies & Funding – Guidance on laws, regulations, and financial resources available to support employment initiatives.
The training includes ACRE certification with an emphasis on customized employment certification, in-person interactive workshops, real-world case studies, and hands-on customized employment skills. These strategies will prepare service providers to create lasting employment success for individuals.
JTE will be trained by Griffin-Hamas Associates to bring fidelity to the Customized Employment process across the state of North Dakota.
How to Get Involved
- Do you support someone who could benefit from Customized Employment? We can train you on the CE process.
- Are you a business who wants to support an employee? We can connect you with local, trained providers.
- Are you or someone you know interested in gaining Customized Employment? We can provide resources to get you started.
Project Director
Malinda Kragh
malinda.kragh@minotstateu.edu
701-858-3514
CE Consultant
Zoey Winkler
zoeann.winkler@minotstateu.edu
701-858-4367
CE Consultant
Tyler Allers
tyler.allers@minotstateu.edu
701-858-3547
Minot State University
Memorial Hall 203
500 University Avenue West
Minot, ND 58707
The contents of this website were developed under grant Award: H421F240056 – MINOT STATE UNIVERSITY from the U.S. Department of Education (Department). The Department does not mandate or prescribe practices, models, or other activities described or discussed in this document. The contents of this website may contain examples of, adaptations of, and links to resources created and maintained by another public or private organization. The Department does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. The content of this website does not necessarily represent the policy of the Department. This publication is not intended to represent the views or policy of or be an endorsement of any views expressed or materials provided by any Federal agency.