Supported Employment

Supported employment is our progressive approach to employing people with disabilities. We match individuals to jobs based on their personal dreams and desires, and provide employers with the ongoing assistance they need to support people in the employment of their choice. Our support may include training (for both the individual and for coworkers and supervisors), supervision, transportation, assistance with communication or mobility, and other activities. Essentially, our supported employment is a business partnership that includes individuals, supporting organizations (for example, job developers and coaches, or training organizations), and business.

Our supported employment differs from traditional job-service approaches in several ways:

An Emphasis on Quality Employment.
The purpose of supported employment is to find work for people, with all of the usual considerations of having a job: regular and reasonable wages, good working conditions, job security, and the emotional and social benefits of employment.

Ongoing Support.
The focus is on providing not only the initial support required to get a job, but also the ongoing support needed to make the job work for the individual and the employer.

Job Placements, Not Just Preparation.
Emphasis is on creating opportunities to work and on placing individuals in those jobs, rather than on training to get the individual ready for a job sometime in the future.

Social Integration.
Contact and relationships with people without disabilities, and who are not paid caregivers, are important benefits of employment for people with disabilities. Social interactions with coworkers, supervisors, and others in the workplace are a natural way to integrate people with disabilities into the community.

Variety and Flexibility.
Supported employment is more flexible than traditional sheltered employment options. Flexibility comes from the wide range of jobs in the community, the different skills and abilities of individuals seeking employment, and the many ways of matching people to jobs and providing support to them.

A Complete List of Our Services

Assessment
 - Vocational interests
 - Vocational skills
 - Barriers to employment
 - Residential issues
 - Transportation issues
 - Knowledge of supports (family, friends, & paid assistants)
 - Consultation regarding further service options

Pre-Employment Training
 - Employment Skills
 - Resume Creation Interviewing (video and one-on-one)
 - Job Search Skills Dress for Success (including assistance    selecting/purchasing clothing)
 - Developing positive work traits

Job Placement
 - Including developing relationships with local businesses
    interested in hiring, training and providing on-going
    support for individuals .

Onsite Job Coaching
 - Developing Natural Supports
 - Developing Task Lists and Training Manuals with pictures
    & job steps
 - Training staff to assist employee to be productive