Defining CIE
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) defines competitive integrated employment (CIE) as work performed on a full-time or part-time basis for which workers with disabilities:
Are compensated at or above minimum wage and comparably to the customary rate paid by the employer to employees without disabilities performing similar duties and with similar training and experience;
Receive the same level of benefits provided to other employees without disabilities in similar positions;
Work at a location where they interact with other individuals without disabilities; and
Get the same opportunities for advancement as other employees without disabilities in similar positions.
CIE Transformation Hub
ODEP created the CIE Transformation Hub to simplify access to resources from across the federal government. The hub provides practical guidance, policy information, and evidence-based best practices to help more Americans with disabilities to achieve CIE.
ODEP Initiatives to Increase CIE
ODEP drives nationwide systems change to expand access to CIE for Americans with disabilities. Through technical assistance to states, collaboration across employment-related systems, and a national model of knowledge building, policy development, and peer-to-peer learning, ODEP’s initiatives continue to strengthen pathways to CIE.
Center for Advancing Policy on Employment for Youth (CAPE-Youth) — CAPE-Youth seeks to increase the number of young Americans with disabilities transitioning to work by improving state delivery of youth services. CAPE-Youth provides technical assistance and state-centered support to help state leaders strengthen strategic partnerships, systems coordination, professional development, and career pathways.
Employment Transition Model (ETM) — ETM demonstration grants in Connecticut, Kansas, New York, and Minesota support the development of innovative strategies that improve job readiness and employment of youth and young adults with disabilities. ETM projects work by coordinating services and increasing collaboration across the public workforce system. Each project must incorporate the Guideposts for Success framework.
National Center on Leadership for the Employment and Economic Advancement of People with Disabilities (LEAD Center) — The LEAD Center assists states, workforce development professionals, and American Job Centers with the implementation of WIOA, including its activities promoting CIE for disabled Americans.
National Expansion of Employment Opportunities Network (NEON) — The ongoing NEON initiative partners with national provider organizations and their local chapters, state government agencies, and state intermediary organizations to increase CIE. Using a pool of nationally recognized experts, NEON provides technical assistance to help increase participation in CIE for Americans with mental health conditions and co-occurring disabilities.