Family Matters
Building Skills and Discovering Work
P
By Kate Adkins-Dix, UCP community employment manager social interaction, parents and caregivers can reinforce job readiness skills at home and set a clear expectation for competitive integrated employment. From practicing basic money management, utilizing household chore/ responsibility schedules, and discussing process-related tasks in a step-by-step manner, individuals with disabilities can learn or solidify important soft job skills, frequently taught by job training and development professionals, in a home environment. Parents and caregivers also can have ongoing, open conversations with their loved ones to gauge and start determining their workrelated interests. Consistent support at home coupled with professional services that are available allow individuals with disabilities to advance on the
path to community-based employment by enhancing their understanding of career interests, job skills and employment priorities. People with competitivelevel skills are supported to identify, apply for, obtain and retain jobs available in the community. OakLeaf Partners helps them discover work preferences, learn job-seeking skills and receive travel training to ensure they succeed on the job. Job preparation and employment skill building in OakLeaf Job Training prepares individuals with complex needs for employment in a
community setting. Individual needs are assessed through person-centered planning and are reviewed periodically for progress in meeting employment goals. As such, OakLeaf Partners provides employment services to individuals with a wide variety of disabilities, ranging from mild to complex. “OakLeaf Partners offers employment services at all levels,” says Paul Soprano, Director of OakLeaf Services. “From identifying preferences and interests to developing general employment goals and assisting them getting settled into their new job in the community, our staff is there to support.” For more information, contact your local Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) office (oodworks.com) and/or local county board of developmental disabilities.
PHOT0 COURTESY OF UCP OF GREATER CLEVELAND
eople with disabilities represent the single largest minority group seeking employment in today’s job market. Employment services, such as those provided by OakLeaf, a Center of Excellence at UCP of Greater Cleveland, address and help to overcome challenges that individuals with disabilities often face while seeking employment opportunities. Various programs support adults and students with disabilities to thrive in employment while also enjoying greater financial and personal independence. Services provide career discovery and exploration, skill development, job placement and retention activities that support individuals throughout the process to ensure success. During challenging times that restrict community and
livespecial.com 2020-21
25
