2. Vocational Rehabilitation
3. WI CIE: Act 178
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5. Jonn's Story

Long-term support and DVR services bolster young man's employment capabilities

Jonn Johnson of Fort Atkinson, Wis., isn't a typical 28-year-old. Despite being an individual with autism and other cognitive impairments, he's gifted with a remarkable memory. And although it didn't start that way, today is he is on a strong path of employment.

In Wisconsin, three state agencies prepare young individuals like Jonn for success in the workforce. Together, the Department of Health Services (DHS), Department of Public Instruction (DPI), and Department of Workforce Development (DWD) collaborate to ensure individuals with disabilities have access to competitive integrated employment opportunities.

Competitive integrated employment (CIE) refers to work in which an individual with a disability is paid no less than the customary rate earned by other employees performing similar work, regularly interacting with people both with and without disabilities, and having access to the same benefits and advancement opportunities as their peers without disabilities.

Throughout high school and into his early twenties, Jonn had found several part-time jobs on his own, working for a parks department, a local retail store, a service center, a factory, and a local creamery. But none were quite the right fit. Jonn ultimately began receiving long-term support services from DHS through Inclusa, which provides case management, residential services, and transportation support.

Jonn’s residential staff at Inclusa supported him in applying for services with DWD's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), which he did on three separate occasions over the course of a decade. DVR provided Jonn with work incentives, benefits counseling services, and job development services. Jonn's DVR service agency, Paragon Community Services, ultimately arranged a job interview with the manager of the Fort Atkinson Club. The club was so impressed with Jonn, they hired him on the spot as a Facilities Assistant.

Now, nearly one year later Jonn works Mondays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as well as on weekends for special events. As the Facility Manager’s right hand, he supports a variety of tasks including building maintenance, snow removal, lawn care, and setting up and taking down for events. Jonn thrives on staying busy; he finds the slow days when there’s not much to do to be the most challenging.

Of all the positions he’s held, Jonn says his current role at the Fort Atkinson Club is his favorite. He values the chance to work with great people and appreciates the flexibility the team offers when he needs it.

“Having Jonn on staff means having someone who is detail-oriented, brings great conversation and humor to the workplace, and genuinely enjoys what he does. I’m glad he’s part of the team!” said Emely Sanchez Baez, Programs Manager for the Fort Atkinson Club.

When Jonn isn't working, he enjoys taking walks, going for bike rides, playing video games, and watching TV. Coming from a family of first responders, his strong interest in fire trucks and memorization of the models' extensive details has provided opportunities to give presentations to local fire departments, sharing his in-depth knowledge about their specific fire truck features.

Individuals with disabilities who would like to learn more about CIE opportunities can contact DVR toll free at 800-442-3477, via email at dvr@dwd.wisconsin.gov, or learn more at Wisconsin Competitive Integrated Employment: Act 178.

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John is one of thousands of individuals across Wisconsin who benefit from Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) in Wisconsin - a joint effort of DHS, DPI, and DWD-DVR, formalized in 2017 through Wisconsin Act 178.

Special thanks to Think Ability Wisconsin, Jonn, and his support community for sharing his employment story.

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