BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of research regarding employment services for adults with autism. Interventions typically focus on adapting behaviors of the person rather than customized approaches and environmental adaptations that may improve employment matching and ongoing, competitive employment rates. OBJECTIVE: The ACCESS intervention protocolizes the customized employment (CE) process and has the potential to optimize employment outcomes in adults with autism. Lessons learned during the implementation of the Phase I open trial are presented. METHODS: The study utilizes a randomized pre-test post-test experimental control group design. Phase I-open trial (N = 10) of the study tested feasibility and acceptability of the ACCESS intervention. Phase II-randomized controlled trial (N = 30) will test preliminary efficacy of an amended intervention protocol. RESULTS: Findings from the open trial suggest the need for a revised recruitment strategy and an extended timeframe for the intervention. Thorough screening of practitioners and assessing participants' work motivation may reduce attrition. CONCLUSION: An evidence-based, user-friendly process that employs well-trained practitioners is critical to successful implementation of CE services with fidelity and consistency. A collaborative approach to training, implementation, documentation, evaluation, and pre and post-employment supports is essential to promote an effective and sustainable intervention.

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BACKGROUND:The capacity for individuals with disabilities to work has been proven through multiple initiatives and demonstration projects; however, personnel shortages within the vocational rehabilitation (VR) system impact service delivery to consumers. Long-Term Training Programs (LTTP) in rehabilitation counseling address the priority of increasing the number of highly qualified rehabilitation professionals available to serve VR consumers. OBJECTIVE: This article describes a five-year LTTP in a Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling (RMHC) program at a large Southeastern University. The goal of this program is to increase the skills of rehabilitation counseling scholars so that, upon successful completion of the program, they are prepared to effectively meet the VR needs of persons with disabilities. CONCLUSIONS:The RMHC scholar program is achieving the stated objective by offering didactic and practical training at the master's level through its accredited program. New courses have been developed to increase scholars' exposure to current trends and best practices in rehabilitation counseling such as customized employment strategies, case management and documentation, critical thinking and collaborative relationships. This article includes an overview of the scholarship program and lessons learned to assist other programs in replication. Implications for the field are also included.