Resources

PRIME stands for Promoting Retention in Meaningful Employment. It is a model demonstration project designed to help people with disabilities stay employed long-term, not just get hired. The project tests new tools, training, and supports that state vocational rehabilitation agencies (SVRAs) can use to strengthen job retention.

Many VR participants find jobs but are no longer employed 6–12 months later. Improving retention helps individuals gain stability, financial independence, and long-term career success.

PRIME supports VR consumers who are preparing for or recently entered competitive integrated employment (CIE).

Participants may include:

• Youth or adults with disabilities entering the workforce
• Individuals returning to work after a new disability
• People with justice involvement
• People from low-income or underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds
• Individuals facing challenges such as homelessness or risk of dropping out of school

PRIME is partnering with VR agencies in:

• Wisconsin
• Florida
• Maryland
• Delaware

PRIME has four main supports:

1. Pre-Employment Retention Training (PRIME-PERT)
   Four learning sessions that help participants identify barriers, build self-advocacy skills, plan for challenges, and develop a personal job-retention plan.
2. AI Retention Companion (PRIME-AIRC)
   An interactive tool that checks in with participants, offers resources, and alerts staff if someone may be at risk of losing a job.
3. Peer Support Portal
   A moderated online space where participants connect with others, share experiences, and learn from peers.
4. Retention Specialists
   Staff who meet monthly with participants for up to one year after VR exit to support their job success.

PRIME provides:

• Training on job retention strategies
• Practical tools and resources
• A model that agencies can adopt and sustain
• Data showing what services best support long-term employment

PRIME plans to recruit 500 VR participants.
Goals include:

• At least 90% completing the program
• At least 75% remaining employed six months after VR exit
• Strong retention at 12 months as well

The project aims to increase:

• 6-month job retention
• 12-month job retention
• Retention with the same employer
• Participants’ confidence, communication, and problem-solving skills
• VR agencies’ capacity to support long-term employment

CIE means that a person with a disability works in a job where they:

• Earn at least minimum wage
• Receive similar wages and benefits as coworkers without disabilities
• Work in inclusive settings
• Have opportunities for advancement

PRIME is based on well-established career and behavior-change research frameworks and includes input from:

• People with disabilities
• Family members
• VR counselors
• Employers
• Community rehabilitation providers
• National disability organizations

This feedback helps ensure the program is relevant and useful.

Yes. PRIME uses accessible materials, multiple formats, assistive technology, captioning, and universal design principles to ensure full access. Accommodations are available based on individual needs.

The PRIME participant experience includes:

• A 4-week training series, plus
• Monthly check-ins with a retention specialist for up to 12 months, and
• Access to the AI companion and peer support portal throughout the year.

The project will measure:

• Participant satisfaction
• Improvements in readiness and job-retention skills
• Employment outcomes at 6 and 12 months
• Comparison of outcomes to similar VR participants not in PRIME
• VR staff feedback and training effectiveness
• Agency adoption of PRIME practices

Keep visiting the PRIME website to get:

• Project updates
• Access to training materials
• VR resources on job retention and use of AI
• Information for potential participants
• Job retention tools and supports

Join our email list for periodic updates or important announcements.