Tim Riesen, PhD

Biography

Dr. Riesen is the Director of Research and Training at the Institute for Disability Research, Policy, & Practice and has an appointment of Research Associate Professor in the Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling at Utah State University. Dr. Riesen has 30 years of experience working with people extensive support needs. He has worked for adult residential programs that support people with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities, worked as a certified special educator serving 18-21-year-old students with disabilities, and has worked as a researcher and faculty member in institutes of higher education. His research focuses on improving employment and community-based outcomes for individuals with significant disabilities. He has written extensively and presented nationally and internationally about customized employment, transition for youth and young adults with disabilities, work-based learning, fair labor, and instruction for inclusive classrooms. He has published a book on transition, book chapters on transition to employment and high leverage practices.