What is Competitive Integrated Employment

Defining CIE

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) defines competitive integrated employment (CIE) as work that is performed on a full-time or part-time basis for which an individual is:

• Compensated at or above minimum wage and comparable to the customary rate paid by the employer to employees without disabilities performing similar duties and with similar training and experience;
• Receiving the same level of benefits provided to other employees without disabilities in similar positions;
• At a location where the employee interacts with other individuals without disabilities; and
• Presented opportunities for advancement similar to other employees without disabilities in similar positions.

Learn more

Blending, Braiding, and Sequencing

Resource leveraging and service coordination across various public systems can increase competitive integrated employment (CIE) for workers with disabilities. Through collaborative efforts, state and local entities that provide employment support services can maximize employment, inclusion, and economic advancement outcomes for individuals with disabilities.

Blending, braiding, and/or sequencing (BBS) are innovative strategies to maximize the efficient and effective use of federal funds across systems for supporting individuals with disabilities to secure and maintain CIE. Learn more.

Sources:
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/program-areas/cie
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/program-areas/bbs