The V3 Discovery process, adapted from the Collaboration on Discovery & Innovation in Employment (CODIE, 2013), was developed to serve as an age appropriate transition assessment for individuals with ASD and other complex disabilities. The process is aligned with the principles of person-centered planning, self-determination, and individual choice, and provides relevant and accurate information to assist in employment planning. The outcomes of this 5-step process include:

1. Vision: Relevant and accurate information to inform the IEP transition goals as well as other postsecondary transition outcomes.
2. Vocational Profile: Information in 4 primary areas that enhance employment outcomes (The 4 C’s): 
   1. Choices (individual’s interests and preferences)
   2. Contributions (skills and abilities that would benefit employers)
   3. Conditions (individual needs and challenges)
   4. Connections (social capital)
3. Visual Resume: A visual representation of the contributions the individual can make to potential employers.

The V3 Discovery 5-step process includes:

1. Preparation
2. Plan & Conduct Interviews & Surveys: 
3. Plan & Conduct ICIE (Intentional Community Integrated Experience) Observations
4. Develop the V3 Discovery Summary: Vision, Vocational Profile, & Visual Resume
5. Employment Development

Related Learning Activities: 

1. Print or save the following documents: V3 Discovery Calendar Example, V3 Discovery Process Checklist, and V3 Discovery Process Description.
2. Watch the V3 Discovery Overview Video (18:47).

Step 1: Preparation: This step involves tasks necessary to begin the process of V3 Discovery. These include identifying the target student and obtaining signed release, establishing team members, scheduling meetings, ensuring all team members have information and resources on Discovery and Customized Employment, establishing outcomes, and conducting a records review.

Related Learning Activities:

1. Print or save these documents: V3 Discovery Release of Info, Student Profile, Team Information form for V3 Discovery, and V3 Discovery Records Review Form. 
2. Watch the Step 1: V3 Discovery Checklist video (5:57).
3. Complete Step 1 of the Discovery Checklist.

Step 2: Plan & Conduct Interviews & Surveys: This step involves conducting interviews and surveys of individuals, personal and professional, who know the individual with ASD and/or the family best. This might include extended family members, neighbors, church members, and peers.

Related Learning Activities:

1. Print or save this document: V3 Discovery Interview & Survey Tools.
2. Watch the Step 2: V3 Discovery Checklist video (3:34).
3. Complete Step 2 of the Discovery Checklist.

Step 3: Plan & Conduct ICIE (Intentional Community Integrated Experience) Observations: Step 3 involves direct observations of the student during identified routines and environments.  Observations are more aptly defined as “hanging out with intention” as the observer is expected to engage and participate in the activities or routines and then document their experiences after the event. This step also involves scheduling and conducting a home and neighborhood observation and tour.

Related Learning Activities: 

1. Print or save these documents: ICIE Observation Guide _ Documentation Form and V3 Discovery Home Visit _ Neighborhood Tour Documentation. 
2. Watch the Step 3: V3 Discovery Checklist Video (11:41). 
3. Complete Step 3 of the Discovery Checklist.

Step 4: Develop the V3 Discovery Summary: Vision, Vocational Profile, & Visual Resume: In this step, the team combines all the information gathered through the records review, interviews and surveys, and ICIE observations to complete the V3 Discovery Summary.  This step includes a Brain Blizzard meeting that focuses on employment planning as well as the development of the visual resume.

Related Learning Activities:

1. Print or save these documents: V3 Discovery Summary-Vision, Vocational Profile, Visual Resume
2. Watch the Step 4: V3 Discovery Checklist Video (21:37). 
3. Complete Step 4 of the Discovery Checklist.

Step 5: Employment Development: In this step, the team contacts potential employers and conducts a needs analysis in the business to identify a match between the job seeker and the employer.

Related Learning Activities:

1. Print or save this document: Employer Needs Analysis
2. Watch the Step 5: V3 Discovery Checklist Video (7:15). 
3. Complete Step 5 of the Discovery Checklist.

Research indicates that family involvement increases likelihood that students will have successful outcomes in employment. By design, V3 Discovery prefaces that family engagement (alongside school, agency and student) is an integral collaboration component to this process.

► Next: Employment Strategies