Supported Employment Program

The Supported Employment Program is an educational component of the Collaborative's Transitional Services Program. Supported employment opportunities enable students with disabilities to work on regular paying jobs in the community and to work and interact with non-disabled people in the workplace.

The Supported Employment Program places students who have successfully completed prerequisite training in paid jobs. Over the years, the Program has established a network of area businesses which provide employment opportunities for students. Students are selected for job placements on the basis of their vocational interests and aptitude in relation to their employer's expectations. The Program provides students on the job training in cooperation with the employer and when appropriate, provides a "job coach" to work along side the student until the student attains the level of job skills to work independently. Students also receive training in job seeking skills, good work habits, communications, money management, and accessing community resources. The Program provides assistance to students and their families in arranging transportation to and from the student's place of employment.

The Program provides ongoing support services to students and their employers to ensure students remain productively employed and the relationship between the student and employer is successful and mutually beneficial.