Abstracted here are some of these projects. Learners negotiated their topic with input from his or her supervisor. Respect was given to current employment and organizational priorities and with a view to maximize learning and practice in stated areas of interest. In many cases, these field projects have had long-term impact, as noted by Susan Adams of North Carolina: "I can proudly state that my project (in 2000) to establish a network of job developers in my community continues - and is being supported by my local Chamber of Commerce."

Contact information for project designers can be found with each abstract. If you would like more information or materials, please contact the author or send an email to sences@auburn.edu

Susan Adams organized and developed "Durham County Job Developers" and presented information to the Job Service Employer Committee of the local JobLink Center, the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce, the Triangle Hospitality Association, and to other local employers. She provided a roster of members and services. Reported benefits included: a united force, the opportunity to share "leads and needs," responsiveness to employers, and increased visibility of VR.

Nancy Vierling and Joan Seymour sponsored a free one-day pre-employment workshop for individuals with disabilities. They enlisted the assistance of the Projects with Industry Business Council, negotiated space in a new community center, contacted all VR counselors in a 6 county area for client referrals and invited 243 people. Services included: resume preparation, assistance in completing applications for open jobs, interest/aptitude assessment, interviewing techniques, and mock interviewing on videotape. They report that the most needed service seemed to be "getting more comfortable with the actual interview."

Dianne Rawdanowitz performed a comprehensive job analysis at a Protective Services Company. She job shadowed a security guard at the courthouse and really got into the role...down to wearing a uniform. She learned the many rules and regulations of the position and learned a great deal about the company, its pay, it benefits, its overall climate. She took pictures, mapped out parking, travel routes, etc. and used O*Net in her research.

Susan Burns developed a training manual for new job coaches.

Patricia Veal linked up with Mental Health Association and Mayor's Council for Persons with Disabilities and presented a free seminar to educate employers on mental health issues in the workplace. 

Mary Wenger designed a marketing brochure and made presentations to employers.

Bess Garrett evaluated the effectiveness of job fairs; she found them to be effective as a training tool.

Brenda Medley developed a "Job Development and Placement Manual" for individuals who are inexperienced in the area.

Randy West surveyed 40 employers in the Birmingham area to determine their perceptions regarding the services they had received from VR, and to determine the preferences of employers regarding job development services. Results indicated employers did not like cold calls, preferred appointments, and liked marketing materials. 93% were satisfied with their interactions with VR staff and none of the employers stated any serious negative encounters regarding hiring people with disabilities in the past.

Barbara Ferguson developed an employer/job-ready consumer/job data bank.

Tiffany Olive designed an employment newsletter and training on one-stop shops.