Supporting employment journeys.

Employment Supports help those with disabilities build confidence, develop workplace skills, and explore job opportunities that fit their goals and strengths. From career exploration to job coaching, we’re here to guide each step of the way toward meaningful, lasting employment.

Job Development Services

ASPPIRE is a vendor for Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) and The Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP). An individual must have an open case with MRS or BSBP prior to receiving employment services from ASPPIRE. Click a title below to learn more about the services we offer.

Job Readiness

Involves meeting with the individual to identify “dream jobs”, “okay jobs”, and “no way jobs”. Gather information that is disability specific and identify potential barriers. Assist with job search preparation skills (i.e., applications, resume/cover letters, mock interviews, transportation, time management, self-determination, and communication skills).

Career Exploration

Using the O*NET Interest Profiler, the individual will explore interests and how they relate to the world of work. This will help the individual decide what kinds of careers they might want to explore and skills they will need to develop. The individual will receive a customized report, explore hundreds of jobs, and critically investigate three career paths.

Person Centered Vocational Inventory (PCVI)

A comprehensive report including a clinical interview based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model and administration of a Transferable Skills Analysis (TSA), Gallup’s StrengthsFinder 2.0, and John Holland’s Standard SelfDirected Search (SDS). Additionally, a lunch outing is conducted to observe social appropriateness, money management, and other perceivable interactions. The PCVI provides all the pertinent information necessary to create a plan around an individual and truly have in depth knowledge of who the person is and what they want to achieve through Vocational Rehabilitation services. All reports include DOT, SOC, and Holland Codes; additionally, they contain federal and Michigan growth along with median wages with real life job postings to predict labor market information. This report includes recommendations for future directions.

Person Centered Plan (PCP)

Through a facilitated person-centered planning process, the individual and their support team will identify dreams, goals, current progress, supports, and strengths. Using this process, necessary services and supports are identified to further ensure the individual’s ability to meet their annual goals. The PCP facilitator encourages the team to listen, learn and take part in the process so that the individual can get what they want in their life. An individual report is provided. This service can be offered individually or in small groups.

Job Shadows/Informational Interviews

Involves meeting with the individual(s) to determine local employers or careers they are interested in learning about. Businesses are contacted and arrangements are made for visits. Up to 3 visits will be made, dependent upon individual interest. This service can be offered individually or in small groups.

Work Experience

An OJE, otherwise referred to as a “work experience” is a cooperation between ASPPIRE and a willing employer that helps an individual obtain limited work experience. Work experiences are typically 20 hours per week and last up to four weeks, or up to 120 hours over 6 weeks.

Weekly updates will be provided with information gathered from the job coach, co-workers and supervisors on work production, social interactions and ability to navigate the environment.

Job Placement

Involves meeting with the individual to determine potential employment sites. Job development activities may include:

  • Employer contact (in-person, phone and on-line contacts) & follow-up
  • Individual visits to potential employment sites
  • Application process assistance
  • Preparation for interview process
  • Assistance with transportation arrangements
  • Coordination of employment start date and communication with necessary team members
  • Regular updates through the support of job development services

Job Support including Job Coaching

All job coaches have been provided information on task analysis, communicating with individuals, strategies to overcome employment barriers, and fading techniques. Job coaches are in regular contact with site supervisors and employment specialists to ensure ongoing communication and support. Job coaches track time used and submit detailed reports that are beneficial for future services and considerations.

Job Retention Support

Supports may include:

  • Regular contact with employer (supervisor) and individual
  • Identification of accommodations as needed
  • Arrangement for job coach (if needed)
  • Ongoing supports for individual to ensure continual improvement and successful employment
  • Regular updates