About Us

Project

ACCES-VR was awarded a five-year grant from the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) to conduct a Model Demonstration Project through September 2027. This project known as NY SWTCIE seeks to work with people with disabilities who are either working in subminimum wage settings or are contemplating subminimum wage employment.

NY SWTCIE is serving six counties in New York: Nassau, Suffolk, Eerie, Monroe, Wayne and Cortland County.

NY SWTCIE seeks to 

• Reduce the number of people working in subminimum wage settings
• Increase the number of people with disabilities working in competitive integrated employment
• Reduce the number of youth entering into subminimum wage settings

Team/Staff

NYSE Team

IES Team

Partners/Collaborators

Independent Living Centers

ACCES-VR has partnered with the New York Association on Independent Living (NYAIL) to coordinate the work of the five participating Independent Living Centers (ILCs) who will be providing services to project participants. ILCs are peer-led community-based organizations that help people with all types of disabilities to live as independently as possible in their home communities. They are also peer-led, meaning that many of the staff have disabilities themselves. 

Participating ILCs

• Western New York Independent Living (WNYIL) serving Erie County
• Regional Center for Independent Living serving Monroe County and Wayne County
• Access To Independence serving Cortland County
• Long Island Center for Independent Living (LICIL) is serving Nassau County
• Self-Initiated Living Options (SILO) is serving Suffolk County

Griffin-Hammis & Associates (GHA)

Griffin-Hammis & Associates (GHA) is an award-winning, internationally recognized pioneer in the field of customized employment for people with disabilities. GHA is training and mentoring SWTCIE staff to provide customized employment to fidelity.

San Diego State University Research Foundation for the Interwork Institute (SDSURF-II)

SDSURF-II has provided technical assistance and training for states transitioning from subminimum wage employment to customized employment and has been a leader in implementation, training, and evaluation of customized employment. SDSU is working with GHA in providing training and technical assistance to ACCES-VR and project staff on customized employment.

Cornell University Yang-Tan Institute on Employment and Disability

Cornell University’s Yang-Tan Institute on Employment and Disability’s (YTI) conducts research and provides education and technical assistance on many aspects of disability in the workplace. Cornell is evaluatin the project through a Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle. They monitor project progress, outcomes, and help project staff identify areas for improvement. 
Cornell is also providing training and technical assistance. Cornell University Work Incentive Practitioner Credential program is training project staff so they can advise project participants on maintaining the benefits they need while entering into the workforce.
Cornell is also providing training and technical assistance in the best ways to engage with families during this process.

RCM of Washington

RCM of Washington has developed a Direct Support Professional (DSP) / Personal Care Worker Academy. The DSP Academy is a customized vocational training program to certify an inclusive workforce of Direct Support Professionals and personal care workers.  Participants who are interested will have the opportunity to train and be certified in this field.    

Advisory Committee

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