“Employment opportunity for people with disabilities is a right, and our services help make it a reality,” said Ashley Dubois, Employment & Education Senior Manager at Champlain Community Services (CCS) in Colchester.
Through its Way2Work adult employment program, CCS, a nonprofit community-based agency, and part of the Vermont Care Partners (VCP) network, offers an array of “customized employment” supports to workers and job seekers with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
“Customized employment means individualizing everything to fit what the person wants and needs for support,” Dubois said. “We do our best to get to know individuals, their interests, skills, and goals, then work with appropriate employers to find positions that will suit both their business and the individual. We strive to make good job matches, instead of just job placements.”
Dubois said CCS works closely with local employers across all sectors of the economy and, if needed, helps them understand why hiring someone with a disability is valuable. “Individuals with disabilities can fill a staffing need for a business, and that employee will be a good fit.” All jobs are competitive, and individuals make at least Vermont minimum wage, often more. In fact:
90% of Way2Work participants working in December 2025 were earning above VT minimum wage ($14.01).
“Vermont has long been recognized as a forward-thinking state that understands strong communities are strongest when everyone has the opportunity to contribute,” CCS Executive Director Delaina Norton said. “That commitment is reflected in Vermont’s longstanding investment in employment and career development for people with disabilities.” She added that CCS built on this foundation from its inception in 1967, providing an alternative to institutionalization in Vermont.
“As our country began to better understand and appreciate people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Vermont paved the way forward,” Norton added. “Today, I am honored proud to be part of an organization and system that has led this movement both for Vermont and nationally.”
What if the best vocational fit brings an entrepreneurial call? Way2Work helps with that, too.
“Customized employment includes supporting individuals who want to start their own businesses,” said Dubois. “We work with them to explore their goals, assess business viability, and provide resources on self-employment.”
Way2Work is currently advising three individuals with active micro-businesses, according to Tyler Kronoff, Supported Employment Coordinator. “Self-Employment in general always has a lot of interest with our participants because it offers a unique alternative to traditional employment.” Typically, Kronoff said “We advise starting the business as a hobby to test its viability before making the jump into full blown self-employment.”
That was the path for DJ Paul, a.k.a. “No C DJ.”
Timeless Classics: The sound of success
How does one turn a passion and dream into a successful growing business? For Paul, it took connecting his love and knowledge of music with his dream of becoming a radio DJ – along with a little help from Way2Work.
“I’m totally blind from birth,” Paul said, reflecting on his “No C DJ” performing persona. “My business was a really small thing when I started working with Way2Work seven or eight years ago. They helped me launch it as an actual small business.”
Paul came to CCS with a dream job of becoming a radio DJ, as well as finding traditional employment. It took time, but we did both.” Dubois said. “Paul explored different traditional employment options, including three years at a local hotel. All the while, we continued to support him to develop a business.” As his business began to build, Paul decided to leave his “day job” to dedicate more time to realizing his self-employment dreams.
The result was Timeless Classics; a DJ business originally focused on events at nursing homes and assisted living facilities that is continuing to broaden and diversify its client base. The business name reflects Paul’s fondness for older tunes. “The music I play is mostly upbeat stuff that brings back people’s memories for when they were growing up. That’s the magic of music.”
“Once the business idea and name were solidified, CCS supported him with building a brand – creating a logo, business cards, and a banner. Way2Work, and the Division of the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI), assisted in finding specialized equipment for use at gigs. When his equipment breaks, something just isn’t quite right, or he wants to try something new, we utilize DBVI and other resources to help.”
Over the years Timeless Classics secured several standing gigs and repeat bookings, but Paul is working to learn more to grow – both his business and personally as a professional. Collaborating with Way2Work, he created a new business logo and is learning new DJ software.
Way2Work continues to partner with Paul to develop broader marketing and explore growth strategies.
“I have been working with Paul the past year on marketing, software, and equipment,” said Matthew McClintic, Employment Specialist. “Currently Paul uses his cool Braille reader (Focus 40) to control things at his show. We have been talking about ways to appeal to a broader audience and make his show more seamless. So, I brought up the idea of learning a DJ software and integrating some new equipment. This could lead to gigs like weddings or other celebrations and expand business for Paul.”
It seems to be working already. “I have often played at the CCS Holiday Gathering, but I couldn’t this year,” Paul said. “I had another gig that afternoon.”
Clearly, Vermont’s community-based approach to supported employment – and self-employment – for people with disabilities, and the network of agencies providing those supports, make a broad impact.
As Norton puts it, “At CCS we not only support individuals in finding and maintaining meaningful employment and careers, we also create opportunities that make Vermont a great place to live and work for everyone.”
About CCS
Champlain Community Services (CCS) is a developmental services and health care provider offering highly personalized and carefully coordinated supports to Vermonters with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism.
CCS specializes in employment and career development. We also provide supports at home, at school, and in the community.
This article is part of a series, collaboratively produced by members of Vermont Care Partners, a statewide network of sixteen non-profit, community-based agencies providing mental health, substance use, and intellectual and developmental disability supports.
