Leigh Valley

Individual Barrier to Competitive Employment

An individual with a high school education was deemed by the professionals in charge of his care to be appropriate for placement in Via’s sheltered workshop. Instead of focusing on his strengths and abilities, the emphasis was placed on his disabilities of autism, mental retardation, and deafness. It was difficult for people to imagine a man who communicated through sign language, had difficulty with impulse control, and could not “function” outside his routine as “employable.”

Strategy to Address Barrier

• A circle of support was created for this individual, focusing on his expressions of dreams and an evaluation of his competencies.

• A variety of community-based vocational assessment opportunities were presented.

• Partnerships were formed among his family and other supports in his life to dream about the ‘perfect job’ and “what works” for him.

• A job development plan was created to focus on the type of work, environment, and co-workers that would provide the best opportunity for his individual success and productivity.
  

Case Example of Individual Change Strategy

The individual spent time in several companies trying a variety of jobs. These experiences gave insights into what type of work was enjoyable, done well, and provided a sense of fulfillment for the individual. He enjoyed jobs that required an eye for detail, allowed for little deviation from routine, and involved a challenging task. A local company that produced fine guitars fit this description perfectly. The individual was offered a part-time position in the string-winding department. Not only did he excel in this fast-paced atmosphere doing precise work, but he also quickly learned to operate two string-winding machines simultaneously. The company was able to provide him with a challenging, yet routine position that focused on his strengths, interests, and abilities. In the process, he enjoyed a good paying job with friendly coworkers and the best holiday parties and summer picnics you can imagine.

Strategies to address barriers: Organizational | Individual

Allegan County Community Mental Health
The Arc of Stanly County, Inc.
Career Design & Development Services
Career Support Systems, Inc.
The Cobb/Douglas Community Services Boards (CSBs)
HPS, Helping People Succeed, Inc.
KFI
Rise, Inc.
Via of Lehigh Valley