Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

Supported and Customized Employment
OVR uses Supported and Customized Employment services to help customers achieve
competitive, integrated employment. Supported and Customized Employment are
intensive rehabilitative services that pair an OVR customer with a Job Coach from
a Community Rehabilitation Provider (CRP) of their choosing. The Job Coach works
intensively with the customer to help them obtain employment. Once employed, the
Job Coach works with the customer and employer on the job site to ensure that the
customer is able learn their new job duties and is meeting the expectations of the
employer. In addition, the Job Coach helps the customer to develop relationships
with supervisors and peers.
Bryttanie is a 24-year-old resident of Westmoreland County who was diagnosed
with mild cerebral palsy and borderline intellectual disability. Bryttanie worked with
her Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor from OVR who provided career guidance
and counseling, and arranged for Bryttanie to participate in a Community Based
Work Assessment (CBWA) that would help her identify her skills and potential job
goals. The CBWA led to the need for additional services, including supported
employment, a driver’s evaluation and driver training with a modified vehicle. Her
OVR counselor also provided information on housing options, benefits counseling
and made referrals to connect Bryttanie to other community services that would
allow her to be more independent in her community. This past year, Bryttanie was
able to obtain employment at Giant Eagle as a cashier making $8.25 per hour.
When asked how she overcame obstacles in her life to obtain employment, Bryttanie
stated: “I have very good determination. I don’t like it when people underestimate
me. I like to prove people wrong. Just because I have a disability, does not mean
I can’t do what anybody else can do.”
Congratulations, Bryttanie, and best wishes for continued success in your new career!
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