The Consortium for Customized Employment (CCE) was launched in 2012 with a two-fold mission: mentoring a community of member agencies committed to using customized employment techniques, and developing a network of employers who use those strategies to hire job seekers from CCE members.
Today, the CCE has an enthusiastic community of 13 developmental disability agencies and one school and an ever-growing network of more than 60 innovative New York businesses. The group has provided employers with access to a larger pool of motivated job seekers with a wide range of skills–more than any member agency could provide on its own.
Together we are expanding employment opportunities for more than 220 New Yorkers with developmental disabilities so they can live productive, fulfilling, and connected lives.
- Sarah H.
Thank you so much for honoring Poly and introducing us to James so many years ago. For me, it served as a fantastic reminder of how incredible the work is that you and the consortium perform, and why it’s so important. It’s funny, James has been with us so long and become such an ingrained part of the community that it’s almost easy to forget the journey getting him to Poly, and what his progression has been like.- Charles Polizano, Head of Technology at Poly Prep school
I'm proud of what I've accomplished at Poly Prep in the last 9 years and how it has contributed to the success of Poly as a school during that time. It's a privilege to have such wonderful colleagues. This award was a great honor for all of us. The award will have a proud place in our trophy room!- James O.
- Paul Brensilber, President of property management company, Jordan Cooper
- Bay Ridge Honda CFO Nick DiMaria
- Keith Diaz, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Behavioral Medicine, and the employee leader of CUIMC’s Disability Employee Resource Group.
As of 2023, seven CCE participants are working at CUIMC's departments.
See Our Work in Action
Marlon works as a support analyst in the Department of Population and Family Health at the Mailman School of Public Health, and was featured in a video series by Columbia University Irving Medical Center as part of their National Disability Employment Awareness Month series. Click here to see videos from two other employees who found their place on the job at CUIMC with the Consortium’s support.
Andrew talks about his work as an admin receptionist at the Bowery Residents’ Committee, his first paid job. For Andrew, the people he works with are his favorite part of the job, and he values being part of BRC’s mission of supporting individuals experiencing homelessness.
Audrius Barzdukas, Head of School at Poly Prep Country Day School, talks about the value of having an employee from CCE. James is an Administrative Assistant at the school.
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A Community of Practice: Member agencies gather on a monthly basis to learn together and from one another. This photo is from a recent Master Class co-presented by Aaron Shmueli, Assistant VP Goodwill Industries/ Rachel Pollock, Senior Program Advisor, Job Path
Agency Partners
Customized Employment Awards
The 9th Annual Customized Employment Awards recognized three employers who are dedicated to career growth and advancement. Teams from MOPD, OPWDD, CCE and one of them – Dr. Keith Diaz and colleagues from Columbia University Irving Medical Center are seen here.
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We were proud to honor Shake Shack as the recipient of the 8th Annual Customized Employment Award. Teams from Shake Shack, the MOPD, CCE, and Job Path are seen here.
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Celebrating the 7th Annual Customized Employment Award are (L-R) Job Path CEO Carly Teichman, CCE Director Karen Waltuck, Goodwill Industries Assistant Vice President Aaron Shmueli, Head of Talent for USHG Abe Monzon, The Modern line chef Devin, and Julia Kelly from NY MOPD.
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CCE Award Winners
2025: Jordan Cooper, Poly Prep Country Day School & Dr. Keith Diaz, Director of Project PossABILITY at Columbia University Irving Medical Center
2024: Shake Shack
2023: Union Square Hospitality Group
2022: Columbia University Irving Medical Center & Contento Restaurant
2021: We honor all of our employers during this difficult time
2020: Bay Ridge Honda & NBA/Fanatics
2019: Brooklyn Academy of Music & CVS
2018: Trader Joe's, International Charter School of NY & The New School
2017: Shake Shack, Tumbador Chocolates & Restaurant Associates, Brooklyn Prospect Charter School
CCE Business Partnerships
We form dynamic partnerships to meet a wide range of business needs.
Wendy Banner, Karen Waltuck, Kelly McGrath (L-R)