Supported Employment in Action: Barber National Institute & Port Erie Plastics

This episode features a conversation with **Michelle Izbicki** of the Barber National Institute and **Heather Evans** of Port Erie Plastics about how Supported Employment creates meaningful work for individuals with disabilities while solving real workforce needs for local employers. The discussion unpacks Pennsylvania’s “employment first” commitment and how Barber’s Supported Employment Program turns that vision into day‑to‑day practice, through community‑based assessments, tailored job development, and on‑the‑job coaching. Michelle explains how job coaches walk alongside participants through interviews, the first 40 hours on the job, and any new tasks that arise later, with a goal of fading support as independence grows. Heather shares how Port Erie Plastics was introduced to the program at a hiring event, hosted on‑site “shadow days,” hired two employees through the program, and saw one progress from part‑time to full‑time and into a leadership role, strengthening culture and proving that “everybody belongs here.” For Erie‑area family and closely held businesses, the episode highlights Supported Employment as an untapped talent pipeline, a built‑in training partner, and a practical way to align operations with community values.