vocational services

Supported Employment

Employment Training Program (ETP)

The ETP program offers a discovery phase that will help individuals explore different employment opportunities. They are then provided with an opportunity to work in an internship that may lead to permanent employment in a community business. During the internship, the individual’s wages will be paid by through the Employment Training Program while they learn the skills needed for the job. While participating I the Employment Training Program, they will also attend job readiness classes that present topics such as conflict resolution and how to dress for work. Employment Training Program services include increased job development and job coaching as well as assistance with other employability skills.

Supported Employment (SEMP Extended)

After receiving job placement services with ACCES-VR or OPWDD they are transitioned to supported employment. Supported employment can provide the supports the person requires to maintain a paid competitive job in the community. They will receive services from an Employment Specialist that can assist them with learning new positions, completing training requirement for the position and assistance with other work related issues. These services can be short term or ongoing. Virtual Reality Headsets help the Individual in career exploration to identify the skills necessary to pursue employment interest. Individuals will be provided with either skill building or mastery opportunities which could potentially connect to a job placement.

Community Pre-Vocational Program

The community pre-vocational program prepares Individuals with developmental disabilities for paid employment or meaningful community activities such as volunteering. The program consists of pre-employment and/or job readiness activities. This program is a combination of site based and community-based programming. Virtual Reality Headsets help the individual in career exploration to identify the skills necessary to pursue employment interest.

Site Based Programming:

The site-based programming consists of job readiness classes such as resume development, interview techniques, professionalism in the workplace and how to be a successful employee. While these classes are attended the skills are being refined and practiced while volunteering in the community.

Community Programming:

Individuals are given the opportunity to participate in community-based volunteer opportunities. The opportunity is given to research potential future employment opportunities, develop contacts in the community and work on the soft skills learned during the site-based portion of the program. This portion of the program may be individualized or group oriented and gives Individuals the opportunity to work with peers and learn the skills needed to successfully interact with coworkers.