The TIP Brief: Beyond the Surface
April 2026 Newsletter

Enabling Employment Opportunity with Immersive Technology: Learn at Lunch 

April 21, 12pm – 1pm ET

Presenter: Matt Chaussee
Join Matt Chaussee, CEO of CareerViewXR, for the inaugural Learn at Lunch session. Matt will define and explore the use of immersive technologies and how these tools can be effectively used in workplace settings. This event is co-hosted by TIP and the Kentucky Employment First Council. 

There will be an opportunity for further discussion with TIP staff immediately following the presentation.

Community of Practice with the Training Innovation Project

April 28, 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm ET 

Come to share ideas, solve problems, build skills and create practical tools that support competitive integrated employment.  The  Community of Practice (COP) is meant to grow naturally over time, giving participants the chance to shape discussions and activities around what matters most to them and their work. More COP events will be held June 23 and August 24 from 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM ET.  

Why Competitive Integrated Employment Matters to Business: The Bottom Line
Learn at Lunch

May 19, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm ET

Presenter: Merry-Reid Sheffer
For too long, “special” has come to mean “separate”— and the cost of segregation is borne not only by people with disabilities, but by employers as well. As we move into 2026, organizations are grappling with a growing workforce crisis driven by mass retirements and a shrinking labor pool. Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) offers a powerful, practical solution. By supporting people with disabilities to work alongside people without disabilities—earning comparable wages for comparable work—CIE expands talent pipelines while strengthening workplace culture. Join Merry Reid Sheffer, Director of Employment Services at Mattingly Edge, to explore what CIE is, why it matters, and how it’s reshaping the workforce for the better. 

This event is co-hosted by TIP and the Kentucky Employment First Council. There will be an opportunity for further discussion with TIP staff immediately following the presentation.

Setting the Record Straight About Hiring and Retaining Disabled Workers: Debunking Myths
A TIP Master Class 

June 24, 2:00 pm– 3:00 pm ET

Presenter: Phillip Rumrill, PhD, CRC
This master class, led by Dr. Phillip Rumrill, will explore the progress made in creating a more inclusive and accessible American workforce for people with disabilities. It will also highlight persistent concerns among employers related to hiring and accommodating workers with disabilities. Finally, the session will share research-based evidence demonstrating that workers with disabilities perform on par with their non-disabled peers, underscoring the disability community as a valuable and often untapped labor resource.

Save the Date! Workforce & Employer Engagement Summit  

On September 22, 2026, the TIP inaugural Workforce & Employer Engagement Summit will be held virtually. This event will bring partners together to share lessons learned, strengthen employer partnerships, and explore practical tools that can be adapted across settings. More details coming soon!

2026 Autism Informed Employers Video Series

The Kentucky Employment First Council, Innovative Supports for Autistic Workers (ISAW), and the Training Innovation Project (TIP) share Episode 4 of the 2026 Autism Informed Employers quick-hit video series. This is a monthly 2-minute video series along with quarterly topical conversations.

Episode 4 shares information on sensory needs and practical tips on how to accommodate both hypo- and hypersensitivities in the workplace. 

TIP Staff Shares Insights at Department of Labor Event 

On April 7, 2026, Johnny Collett attended the Stay-at-Work/Return-to-Work Policy Forum, hosted by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy and the State Exchange on Employment and Disability. During the forum, he highlighted the ongoing impact of the RETAIN Kentucky project and how TIP is advancing and applying lessons learned from more than five years of collaboration with employers.

We Want to Hear From You! 

The Training Innovation Project (TIP) is designed to strengthen the capacity of vocational rehabilitation professionals to support people with disabilities and effectively engage employers through innovative training and technical assistance. As we continue this work, your input is essential. 

What questions do you have about competitive, integrated employment? What training would be most valuable to you? What tools or resources would support your work?

Share your ideas using the feedback link in the menu on our website. Your insights will help shape TIP offerings to better meet your needs.

Master Class Defined

TIP Master Classes will take your expertise to the next level. Join these high-impact learning experiences designed for professionals who are ready to deepen their knowledge and expand their influence. These advanced sessions go beyond the basics, offering practical strategies, real-world applications, and expert insights to strengthen skills and drive meaningful outcomes. Participants will engage in interactive learning, explore innovative approaches, and gain tools they can immediately apply to enhance their work. Whether you're looking to refine your practice, increase your effectiveness, or stay ahead of emerging trends, the TIP Master Classes provide the depth and connection needed to grow with confidence. Join us to learn, collaborate, and lead with impact.