Pathways to competitive integrated employment in oregon: a collective impact community empowerment model

The University of Oregon was awarded a $9,999,378 Project Grant by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services under the Disability Innovation Fund (CFDA 84.421) program. The 5-year grant, effective October 1, 2024, supports the "PATHWAYS TO COMPETITIVE INTEGRATED EMPLOYMENT IN OREGON: A COLLECTIVE IMPACT COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT MODEL" initiative. This project aims to develop innovative strategies and evidence-based practices to improve employment, education, and transition outcomes for individuals with disabilities in Oregon. Key activities include creating model demonstration projects to transform subminimum wage employment, enhance competitive integrated employment, and increase access to advanced technology careers for youth and adults with disabilities. The grant will fund the implementation and evaluation of these initiatives, with the goal of developing replicable approaches to support meaningful employment and career advancement for individuals with disabilities.