Those rehabilitation staff might be pleased to know that HDI is working on a project that will make it easier for them to walk in both those worlds. The Training Innovation Project (TIP) will offer training for vocational rehabilitation professionals, employers and future practitioners.

“TIP will offer a variety of ways for learners to receive training and resources, because everyone has different needs and ways they learn best. We will launch a Professional Learning Series which is a series of self-paced and instructor led courses. Learners can earn micro-credentials and continuing education units,” said Dr. Kathy Sheppard-Jones, who is leading the project. “We will also develop a Community of Practice where members share ideas, solve problems, build skills and create tools that support competitive integrated employment.”

Part of the project will involve holding Learn at Lunch events in partnership with the Kentucky Employment First Council, starting on April 21. In addition, there will be more informal Talk with TIP sessions that will allow drop-in consultations with staff. The TIP team is also planning to begin hosting multiple large events, including a Disability Hiring and Retention Academy in partnership with the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce in spring, 2027, and developing an undergraduate certificate for employer engagement and workforce development at UK. 

“We have subject matter experts on our staff, our National Advisory Panel and other valued TIP partners,” Sheppard-Jones said. “Much of what we create will be in response to what we learn through our needs assessments and interviews.” Trainings will be focused on providing as immersive an experience as possible through tools such as AI and virtual reality. 

TIP is part of a national effort funded by the US Department of Education to help increase employment among people with disabilities, which gives the program an approach that takes into account both national and local issues and strategies. 

“We are one of twelve funded Innovative Rehabilitation Training grants funded by the US Department of Education Rehabilitation Services Administration. Applicants selected from a variety of priority topics. We chose to focus on dual-customer strategies, recognizing the importance of building strong business partnerships. I’m eager to learn from and grow with the cohort of new projects,” Sheppard-Jones said. “While we have a national focus, we are proud to model the good work that’s being done in Kentucky as the emphasis of much of our training.”

Sheppard-Jones hopes that at the end of the day, the TIP program provides benefits to both the disability community and employers. 

“I want to help rehabilitation professionals grow in their confidence and have useful tools available to them when they work with employers. I want employers to have a workforce that strengthens their business,” Sheppard-Jones said. “But more than anything, I want people with disabilities to get to work in careers that are meaningful and all the good things that brings – to build economic self-sufficiency, to grow and to pursue their dreams.”

Link to the original UKNow article here.

The “Training Innovation Project (TIP): Demand-Side Employer Engagement Strategies in Vocational Rehabilitation” focuses on building the skills and capacity of rehabilitation professionals, employers and future practitioners through evidence-based and accessible training. The project addresses a significant national need of connecting businesses with a talented workforce that includes people with disabilities, while supporting vocational rehabilitation (VR) professionals who serve as the bridge between job seekers and employers.

“We are thrilled to support new learning and AI opportunities for rehabilitation staff to strengthen relationships with employers,” said Kathy Sheppard-Jones, Ph.D., HDI researcher and TIP project director. “This funding will enable us to develop responsive and cutting-edge trainings that build on strong partnerships we have with workforce, health care and education. We will share strategies for working with businesses that can be replicated throughout the country. Ultimately, this will lead to improved employment outcomes for a largely overlooked segment of the talent pool — people with disabilities.”

The TIP project will include a range of training and enrichment activities to help strengthen disability hiring and retention. These include hands-on learning experiences that bring the experience of employer engagement to the VR professional through virtual reality. Video self-modeling will let learners view themselves successfully connecting and communicating with business contacts. A Disability Hiring and Retention Academy will bring employers and workforce together to develop strategies that lead to more applicants and hires who happen to have disabilities. A new credential for professionals who work directly with employers will also be available through the TIP online learning hub.

Grant partners include the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board, Kentucky Hospital Association, Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation, Jobs for America’s Graduates Kentucky, Kentucky Nurses Association and CareerViewXR. 

This project is supported by the U.S. Department of Education as part of an award H263G250007 totaling $3,200,000 with 100% funded by the Department of Education. 

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It’s all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.

Link to the original UKNow article here.