V3 Discovery Fact Sheet
Students with complex disabilities confront significant challenges when it comes to the accuracy and
usefulness of typical secondary transition evaluations and assessments. In addition, these evaluations are
often deficit-driven, lead to a prediction of success in employment and other post-secondary outcomes
based on performance on the evaluation, and provide information about what the student needs to learn or
change in order to have opportunities in employment and other post-secondary transition activities. Thus,
these types of comparison-based, standardized assessments often result in an exclusion model. The V3
Discovery process is an accurate and acceptable substitute to such evaluations that provides a foundation
for employment planning and other post-secondary transition vision and goals. In addition, V3 Discovery
is compatible with the principles of self-determination and employment first.
What is V3 Discovery? V3 Discovery is an age-appropriate transition assessment aligned with the
principles of person-centered planning, self-determination and choice. The process involves gathering
relevant and accurate information for developing a secondary transition student’s Post-Secondary Vision
(required as part of the IEP process), Vocational Profile, and Visual Resume. This process establishes a
foundation for employment planning and the Summary of Performance (SOP) as well as the development
of other post-secondary transition goals. The tools for V3 Discovery include records review, interviews
and surveys of persons who know the student best, multiple observations and time spent together with the
student in familiar and novel integrated school and community settings, home visit(s) and a neighborhood
tour. As a result, the team discovers positive information about the student to inform these outcomes
including:
 Interests and preferences
 Skills and contributions
 Experiences
 Supports and services
 Conditions for success
 Connections
 Challenges that may impact employment and resulting support needs
Benefits of V3 Discovery:

Discovery of new found interests and skills of students with ASD. Even family members are
surprised when an individual’s intense interest is not necessarily the area where they want to and
may work best.

Re-framing an “unemployable” decision to a list of conditions of employment for the student.

Changing the perspectives of team members. They see unique skills, preferences, and support
needs.

Collaborative partnerships between school staff and adult service agency staff (e.g. MRS, CMH,
employment agencies, etc.) improve.
This material on Customized Employment was developed by Griffin-Hammis Associates and is used with
permission.