Pre-Vocational
Services
Although many states
are moving away from prevocational services, they still provide a viable option for
employment. Pre-vocational services provide opportunities for individuals with
disabilities to work and develop skills in a “pressure free” environment.
Pre-vocational services are sometimes referred to as “sheltered workshops”.
Pre-vocational programs are most appropriate for individuals who want to earn
money but are not quite ready for a full time job or need a high level of
support to complete work tasks. Sheltered workshops typically have several
staff members on hand to supervise and to provide direct assistance.
Pre-vocational services provide vital services
to the community in ways you probably never knew. Companies often provide
contract work to pre-vocational providers. These contracts are beneficial to
both parties because the employees enjoy the work and the companies are able to
get work done at a lower cost. Most employees that work in pre-vocational
setting do not get paid an hourly wage. Instead, they are paid what is called a
“piece rate”. This means that they are paid according to how many items they
produce or package (example, .25 per box folded).
Pre-vocational services have a huge impact on the community that is often overlooked. Many of the products you purchase were produced or packaged by individuals with special needs.
Document Shredding: Companies often contract
with companies that hire individuals with special needs to provide document
destruction services. These services are critical for businesses as they
provide an inexpensive way to destroy secure documentation such as company/medical
records while providing meaningful work for the disabled.
Supported Employment
Supported employment services allow people with disabilities to
work in normal work environments with the “support” from a job coach. Supported
employment services are provided in a competitive work environment instead of
the sheltered environment of pre-vocational services. Job coaches assist
individuals with looking for jobs, preparing for the interview, and provide
direct support on the job. Job coaches can also assist the individuals with
conflicts on the job such as attendance, conduct, performance, accommodations,
etc. Job coaches typically spend a great deal of time with the new employee and
then taper off as they gain more experience and become more comfortable with
the job.
Supported employment can occur in just about any work setting.
Job coaches provide these services in grocery stores, department stores,
restaurants, offices, and more. These employees typically earn hourly wages and
enjoy benefits such as vacation time and health insurance if they don’t have
Medicaid.
Impact of Supported Employment
Supported employment services provide individuals with
disabilities the opportunity to work in competitive environments and earn
normal wages. I have listed some of the areas that special needs employees are
making a difference.
Laundry Services- Supported employment agencies also offer laundry services to
local restaurants and hotels. These services are particularly vital during the
summer tourist season.
Military- The military also has maintenance
contracts with agencies that employ the disabled. These employees are
responsible for light janitorial services in various military office buildings.
Community Engagement- Organizations like Goodwill and Versability provide opportunities for competitive employment as well as valuable services to the community.
Individuals with disabilities are some of the hardest
working and dedicated employees. Every time I visit a site the employees are so
happy and they are so proud to have a job. Sometimes I wish I had the same
enthusiasm. The areas I pointed out are just a snapshot of the impact that
vocational services have on our community. These programs prove that everyone
has the ability to make a difference regardless of physical or developmental
limitations.
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Mental Health Providers