Official State of Rhode Island website

Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals State of Rhode Island

Getting Started with Employment Services

Paths to Employment 

If you are an adult with an intellectual and/or developmental disability (I/DD), you can get help finding a job. There are two paths to employment you can explore. The paths are: 

  1. Customized Employment (CE), where you get help creating a job just for you. 
  2. Supported Employment (SE), where you get help finding a job you have interest in. 

Here are ways CE and SE differ from each other:

Customized Employment (CE)

  • Good choice if you: 
    • Want to work but don’t know what you want to do. 
    • Have not worked before, or 
    • Have had trouble working in the past because of barriers. 
  • You work with a certified CE specialist who will: 
    • Get to know your skills, interests, and goals by talking to you and people close to you. 
    • Find 3 things you are interested in and learn about the options you have in the community. 
    • Work with possible employers to create a new job. 
  • In the end, you will have a job that didn’t exist before. This job will fit your skills and interests as well as the employer’s needs.

Supported Employment (SE)

  • Good choice if you: 
    • Have an idea about what you want to do for work. 
    • Have not worked before, or 
    • Have worked before but want to change jobs. 
  • You work with an employment specialist who will: 
    • Learn about the type of job you want by talking to you. 
    • Help you find job openings and apply to jobs. 
    • Help you ask for job accommodations. 
  • In the end, you will get hired in a job you applied to.

To print this information, review the Customized vs. Traditional Employment handout.

Steps to Employment 

There are many steps you can take to find the best job for you. It may be hard to figure out where you should start. This section lists the range of supports you can choose from. Read more to help you decide where you should start.

Learn about yourself, what you are good at, and the work you want to do. Then learn what your community has to offer so you get a job that best matches your skills. 

Get started with your employment journey if you never worked before. Make choices about work and figure out your path to employment. 

Look for jobs you are interested in. Write a resume and submit job applications. Go to job interviews and get hired. 

Learn how to do your new job tasks. Learn how to talk to your boss, coworkers, and customers. Use natural supports to grow your skills and become more independent. Also use assistive technology. 

Get help keeping and growing in your job. Talk about things you think are going well and things you are having trouble with. 

Get help with personal needs at work. This can be help with medical and/or behavioral needs.

To print this information, review the Employment Services Pathway handout.