Request for DORS Review of AbilityOne/Maryland Employment Works/CRP Position for Consideration as Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE)
Resources
Background
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, updated by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), focuses strongly on helping people with disabilities get competitive integrated employment (CIE). For a job to count as CIE, it must meet all three of these requirements:
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Competitive wages – The person is paid at least minimum wage, and is paid the same as others doing similar work.
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Integrated location – The person works in a setting where people with and without disabilities work together.
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Opportunities for advancement – The person has chances to grow, learn new skills, and move up.
According to WIOA rules, DORS must use its resources to help people find and keep only jobs that meet the CIE standards. If a job does not meet even one of these requirements, it does not count as competitive integrated employment. For example, "sheltered workshops" do not qualify because they are not integrated workplaces. Some jobs offered through Community Rehabilitation Programs (CRPs), including those in AbilityOne (JWOD) or Maryland Employment Works, may or may not meet CIE standards depending on the details of the job.
CRPs that want DORS to help fill open positions must ask DORS to review the job to see if it meets CIE requirements. They must provide the job description, including the main duties and qualifications needed. DORS staff will look over the information and may schedule a visit to the job site. Once the review is complete, the results will be posted on the
CIE Review List.
Why is this review necessary?
DORS counselors and job developers must make sure a job meets the rules for CIE before they can use DORS resources to help someone get or keep that job. If a person wants to work for a CRP, the counselor and job developer must first check the
CIE Review List to see if that job has already been reviewed and approved as CIE.
If a job has been reviewed and does not meet CIE standards, DORS cannot use its funding to help someone get or keep that job. However, if the person still wants the job and gives written permission, the counselor may refer them to the employer and share the person’s DORS eligibility letter. If the employer needs more documents, they must ask the individual directly.
How does the employer request a review?
- Check the
CIE Review List to see if the job at that location has already been reviewed.
- If it has not, an authorized employee—ideally a hiring manager who knows the job well—must fill out the
CIE Review Request Form online. They must attach the job description, answer several questions about the job, sign the form, and submit it.
- DORS staff will look over the request and decide if they need to visit the worksite before making a final decision. They will contact the employer within seven business days.
CIE Questions?
Wanda Peele 410-554-9408
