The Utah State Office of Rehabilitation Business Relations team has been working to increase access and opportunity in employment by Raising and Supporting Employer Expectations statewide. Drawing on a track record of elevating employer engagement, the presentation will offer actionable strategies for disability service providers and direct support professionals to effectively guide employers to not only understand the value of individuals with disabilities, but to actively build accessible and understanding work cultures. Attendees will learn how to transition employer perspectives from compliance and charity to a mindset that fosters environments

This presentation focuses on Discovery, the essential person-centered assessment phase of Customized Employment. It highlights the role of the principles of Discovery in achieving sustainable, competitive integrated employment within all Employment services. We will explore how Discovery moves beyond traditional, deficit-focused assessments by focusing on an individual's strengths, marketable skills to contribute, and ideal conditions of employment. Participants will see how Discovery tools such as observation and informant interviews can build a Discovery Profile focused on higher expectations.

This presentation explores the ethical responsibility to uphold informed choice, dignity of risk, and personal autonomy for persons with disabilities. Participants will examine practical strategies, policy implications, and real-world examples that balance safety with self-determination, empowering individuals to direct their own lives with respect and dignity.

For too long, employment conversations have centered on determining if someone can work—often through tools and processes that quietly leave room for a “no.” This breakout session builds on the keynote’s exploration of rising expectations and asks a different, more productive question: If we assume everyone can work, how do we build the conditions that make work possible? Grounded in Customized Employment, this session focuses on how shifting the question from if to how changes everything—from how we get to know people, to how we think about experience, support, and opportunity across the lifespan.

High expectations drive strong employment outcomes for people with disabilities. Staff assumptions shape job development, task matching, employer partnerships, and opportunities. Low expectations limit roles and exclude people from competitive integrated employment. This training builds a high‑expectation culture that presumes competence, prioritizes strengths, removes barriers, uses autonomy‑focused language, and applies effective supports. Through real examples and practice, staff learn to empower job seekers to pursue meaningful, competitive jobs aligned with their interests and skills.

This session will explore the importance of family high expectations throughout the formative years of individuals with disabilities that have successfully supported employment and career preparation. Real life impact and stories will be shared, including strategies and supports that resulted in achievement in this area. In addition, the session will have recommendations and takeaways for families and professionals alike.

Inclusive employment does not happen by chance. It requires intentional practices that transform expectations into action. This session will explore how businesses create inclusive cultures that support individuals with disabilities through initiatives such as Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), staff training, and mindset shifts. We will discuss how these efforts become part of organizational culture and lead to sustainable employment opportunities. Participants will gain practical insights they can apply to strengthen partnerships with employers and improve employment outcomes for people with disabilities.

As a self‑advocate who has received disability employment services, I’ve seen both the challenges and opportunities of navigating the workforce with a disability. My journey from job seeker to confident employee shows that real inclusion is about empowerment and collaboration, not just compliance. In this presentation, I share personal stories and practical examples of how communication, individualized support, and a strengths‑based approach help people with disabilities secure, thrive in, and grow in meaningful jobs. Attendees will learn how small shifts in attitude and practice create workplaces where everyone belongs.

his session will focus on Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act and discuss what is a reasonable accommodation, how to ask for one, and navigating barriers. We will also discuss resources to help identify reasonable accommodations that will fit your client's needs.

This presentation explores the case for higher expectations, detailing the value it brings to both individuals and organizations. Attendees will gain practical strategies to support people with disabilities in identifying reasonable self-expectations, learn methods for enhancing workplace practices to attract, retain, and support employees with disabilities, and discover how to effectively foster self-advocacy and self-determination.

This breakout session explores how video modeling can be used in employment settings to raise expectations for both job coaches and employees with disabilities. Participants will review the evidence base for video modeling and see practical examples of how video can clarify expectations, promote consistency in support, and improve workplace performance. The session will emphasize how making expectations visible through video can lead to higher-quality instruction, increased independence, and more meaningful employment outcomes.

People with significant intellectual and developmental disabilities continue to experience low rates of competitive, integrated employment, even when supported through supported employment (SE) and customized employment (CE). This session examines the gap between what is possible and what is currently achieved, drawing on research and matched administrative data to highlight persistent disparities. The sessions will explore how strong employment outcomes are driven by high expectations paired with a highly skilled workforce. Competency-based approaches show promise for strengthening service quality, advancing individualized supports, and expanding access to meaningful employment outcomes.