VA Division of Rehabilitative Services
DRAFT Integrated Setting Decision Matrix
Client Name:
Person completing form:
ESO Name:
Employer:
Counselor:
Manager Name:
ESO Contact Person:
Job Title:
Date:
Manager Review Date:
Phone Number:
When you answer NO to any decision point, determination is made the position is NOT integrated competitive employment: See reverse for guidance
Decision Points & Clarifying Questions
Decision Point #1: Is the consumer employed in a type of job typically
found in the community.
1. How is the person with a disability hired? For example, is he or she
hired by the business where the work is being performed, or is he or
she an employee of an employment services organization?
2. Is a funding source required for the person to be employed by this
employer?
Decision Point #2: Is the consumer employed under the same working
conditions as others without a disability in similar positions.
1. How is the person with a disability supervised? For example, is she or
he supervised by an employee of the business where the work is being
performed or by an employee of an employment service organization?
2. Is the individual with a disability paid wages and benefits that are
comparable to those of co-workers who are not disabled?
3. Does the employee with a disability have the same career advancement
opportunities within the worksite as co-workers who are not disabled,
as well as equal access to resources at the workplace, such as the
Employee Assistance Program?
Decision Point #3: Does the Consumer have on-going interaction with
other workers, supervisors and the general public to the same degree
as workers without disabilities in the same or comparable positions.
1. Is there full social access to co-workers who are not disabled, and is
there an absence of a congregation of persons with disabilities within
the work site?
Sources: U. S. Department of Education, Technical Assistance Circular, RSA-TAC-06-01
http://www.worksupport.com/documents/competitivesechap2.pdf
Comments
YES/NO
10/26/11 Draft
VA Division of Rehabilitative Services
DRAFT Integrated Setting Decision Matrix
Instructions:
The purpose of this integrated setting decision matrix is to act as a tool to assist VA DRS counselors and managers determine whether a possible placement meets
federal requirements, as described below. This is necessary to ensure funds are spent and placements are aligned with the requirements of the law.
Employment outcome means,
with respect to an individual, entering or retaining full-time or, if appropriate, part-time competitive employment, in the integrated labor market, supported
employment, or any other type of employment in an integrated setting, including self-employment, telecommuting, or business ownership, that is
consistent with an individual's strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice. 34 CFR 361.5(b)(16)
Competitive Employment means work –
• In the competitive labor market that is performed on a full-time or part-time basis in an integrated setting; and
• For which the individual is compensated at or above the minimum wage, but not less than the customary wage and level of benefits paid by the employer
for the same or similar work performed by individuals who are not disabled. 34 CFR 361.5(b)(11)
Supported Employment means –
• Competitive employment in an integrated setting or employment in an integrated work setting in which individuals are working toward competitive
employment…with ongoing support services for individuals with the most significant disabilities. 34 CFR 361.5(b)
Integrated setting means –
With respect to an employment outcome, means a setting typically found in the community in which applicants or eligible individuals interact with
non-disabled individuals, other than non-disabled individuals who are providing services to those applicants or eligible individuals, to the same
extent that non-disabled individuals in comparable positions interact with other persons. 34 CFR 361.5(b)(33)(ii)
Guidance regarding the use of the Matrix is listed below. If the matrix is used, please scan and make it a part of the client’s record.
Guidance:
 Decisions regarding whether a potential setting is integrated are best made prior to the IPE development or the provision of any time-limited service.
 Decisions regarding integrated settings are the responsibility of VA DRS.
 Decisions are to be made on a case-by-case basis, and must be an individual determination by the counselors, in consultation with the manager.
 There are no numbers or percentages of non-disabled people in the worksite to be set as a gauge.
 Each worksite must be evaluated to determine the level of interaction with non-disabled persons, including co-workers, the general public, customers, and
vendors, but not those providing services to the individual.
 Determine on a case-by-case basis if the particular work-unit, which houses the individual's job position, satisfies the definition of "integrated setting" and
constitutes an employment outcome under the VR program.
 Analyze whether the work-unit which houses the actual position sought by the individual with a disability constitutes an "integrated setting" because it is
possible that certain work-units within a CRP/ESO would satisfy the definition of "integrated setting" whereas others may not.
 To make this determination it may be necessary to conduct an on-site visit of the potential employment setting before making a determination. It is important
to include the ESO in the discussions and any site visits should be prearranged with the ESO
 If additional technical assistance is needed by the counselor/manager, please contact Donna Bonessi, Employment Support Specialist, VA DRS at 804-6627177 or donna.bonessi@drs.virginia.gov.
Sources: U. S. Department of Education, Technical Assistance Circular, RSA-TAC-06-01
http://www.worksupport.com/documents/competitivesechap2.pdf
10/26/11 Draft