An Integrative Literature Review on Customized Employment for Individuals with Significant Disabilities

This study conducted an integrative literature review of 22 international studies (2001-2025) to conceptualize Customized Employment (CE) and explore its application in Korea. First, CE supports competitive integrated employment for individuals with significant disabilities by addressing limitations of traditional models. It was institutionalized in the 2014 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which codified discovery, job restructuring, and support. Second, CE is a person-centered strategy involving six structured phases: discovery, vocational profile, CE planning meeting, visual resume, job development and negotiation, and Accommodations and Post-Employment Support. Third, unlike supported employment, CE differs in employment approach, assessment methods, job development, and support strategies, emphasizing individualized job creation through employer collaboration rather than placement into existing roles. Fourth, empirical studies validate CE’s effectiveness in enhancing employment access, job fit, and retention, underscoring the need for legal and policy support in Korea.