Leadership for Employment

Discovering the Choice System: Empowering Employment for People with Severe Disabilities ​

This document dives into the transformative “Choice System,” a framework designed to empower people with severe disabilities to take ownership of their journey into meaningful employment. ​ It explores how individuals, programs, and administrators can work together to create a system that fosters independence, mutual responsibility, and personalized support. ​

At its core, the Choice System emphasizes three interconnected levels: Person, Program, and Administration. ​ Individuals are encouraged to make informed decisions about their work life, mobilize resources, take thoughtful risks, manage budgets, and negotiate their own job opportunities. ​ Programs play a vital role by offering accessible planning tools, advice, and responsive assistance tailored to each person’s needs. ​ Administrators are tasked with building the capacity to support these efforts, from allocating flexible budgets to developing responsive service providers and reducing employment barriers. ​

The document highlights the importance of alignment across these levels to ensure the system’s success. ​ Poor coordination can limit opportunities and hinder progress, while strong collaboration can increase the number and diversity of people who achieve employment ownership. ​

Readers will gain insights into how Choice fosters independence, encourages thoughtful risk-taking, and promotes mutual responsibility between individuals, employers, and service providers. ​ Whether you’re a policymaker, program designer, or advocate, this taxonomy offers a roadmap for creating inclusive employment systems that truly empower individuals. ​

Dive in to explore how the Choice System transforms employment support into a collaborative, person-centered process that celebrates individuality and maximizes potential. ​