Working
Our vocational programs provide individuals with the opportunity to increase their proficiency at work skills, to earn a wage, and to serve the community through volunteer efforts. We provide opportunities for our participants to reach their highest potential through the enhancement of independent living skills. Academic skills such as reading, money management, consumer rights, social awareness, leisure, and enrichment programming are practiced to round out their comprehensive curriculum.
Adult Developmental Training
The needs of individuals over the age of 21 with developmental disabilities are addressed in the Developmental Training Program. Goals include achieving self-sufficiency by mastering practical life skills and furthering proficiency in vocational tasks.
A major emphasis is placed on the instruction of daily living skills such as personal hygiene, meal preparation, housekeeping, and experience in community interaction. Arts and crafts, music and other recreational activities are incorporated into the daily schedule.
Vocational task training is designed to increase participant’s attention span and improve gross and fine motor coordination. Sorting, matching, packaging and other work related skills are practiced on a consistent basis. When participants have mastered basic work skills and meet established criteria, they are eligible to progress into other more advanced vocational tasks.
Center-Based Employment Services
The Vocational Training Program provides work from local and national companies. Our workers perform a variety of tasks such as packaging, poly-bagging, light assembly, collating and sorting. We conform to all requirements of the Department of Labor and meet the accreditation requirements of the State of Illinois and national standards. We capitalize on our participant’s strengths while challenging them to increase their vocational abilities. Our goal for every person is to successfully transition to community based employment.
Community-Based Employment Services
Community Employment Services places individuals with developmental disabilities in jobs within the community. A job coach is assigned to the employee to provide training and on-the-job assistance to ensure that the employee with disabilities has the proper supports to achieve success.
Opportunities can be created that benefit both the employee with disabilities and the employer, because the job coach ensures that the position meets the individual needs of the participant, while negotiating supports with the employer.
Employers receive a dedicated, loyal employee that has a personal job coach, ongoing training, and benefits of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit. Additional services provided by the job coach include:
- Assessment
- Job Development and Placement
- Job Retention
- Follow-Up