Events

Join Achieva for an informative webinar highlighting the wide range of support services available to people with disabilities. During this session, we will explore Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE), the InVEST Project, and Person-Centered Planning.

• Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) focuses on helping individuals with disabilities find meaningful employment that aligns with their unique skills, interests, and talents in inclusive community settings. This includes community-based work assessments, individualized job development, on-the-job coaching and ongoing supports, and guidance from dedicated employment specialists. We will also review available funding options through OVR (Office of Vocational Rehabilitation) and ODP (Office of Developmental Programs) that help make these services possible.
• The InVEST Project supports individuals who are currently earning subminimum wage, have earned subminimum wage in the past, or are considering it. The program helps participants transition to higher-paying, community-based employment through Competitive Integrated Employment opportunities.
• Person-Centered Planning uses the Charting the LifeCourse (CtLC) framework to help individuals create a vision for a life of personal significance. Achieva works alongside the people we support and their families to organize ideas, clarify goals, and build practical strategies—empowering them to problem-solve, navigate systems, and advocate for the supports they need.

Featured Speakers: Lesley Beasom, Jack Butler, and Amber Westwood
Lesley is the Associate Director of Competitive Integrated Employment at Achieva. She has over 10 years of experience in supporting job seekers in finding meaningful employment and valuable experiences. She works to assist job seekers in not only finding suitable job matches but also achieving success within the community. Lesley graduated from St. Vincent College with a degree in English, along with certifications in elementary and secondary education. She also holds an English as a Second Language (ESL) certification.

Jack currently serves as the Director of Person-Centered Support at Achieva, where he has championed the integration of Charting the LifeCourse (CtLC) across all levels of the organization—from intake and direct support to finance, HR, and communications. He is a nationally recognized leader in person-centered practices, organizational transformation, and disability rights, and he has more than 30 years of experience in human services. His work was recognized with the 2024 Innovations in Person-Centered Practices Award at the CtLC Showcase.

Amber is an ACRE-certified professional and Charting the Life Course Ambassador who serves as Associate Director of Business Services at Achieva. Over a decade of experience in Human Resources and Employment Supports, she works at the intersection of workforce development and disability inclusion, partnering with employers to expand competitive, integrated employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Amber holds a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management with an emphasis in Labor Relations from Saint Francis University.