Special Needs Programs

TRANSITION TO EMPLOYMENT (TTE)

Transition to Employment is a service that provides training in the meaning, value and demands of employment, and in the development of positive attitudes towards work. This service provides members with individualized instruction, training and supports to promote skill development for integrated and competitive employment.

At the beginning of the TTE program, members will be engaged in a curriculum designed to assess their individual learning styles, strengths, likes, dislikes and career interests.  Staff will work with the members to develop specific skills for acquiring and maintaining employment, which include, but are not limited to: filling out applications, creating a resume, interviewing for a job, how to positively communicate with employers and coworkers, customer service, time management, working quickly but efficiently, public speaking, phone etiquette, and dressing appropriately for the workplace.

In addition to classroom training, the TTE program is designed to be a hands-on experience, and will provide the members with many opportunities to explore potential careers while out in the community. Ability has teamed up with numerous local businesses who generously donate their time and facilities for our members to experience first-hand what it would be like to work in various types of work environments (scroll down to see list of businesses who donated their time). Additionally, our students are out in the community throughout every day, and also volunteer once a week at the Salvation Army. This gives students an opportunity to practice vocational skills out in the community with the general public, and allows job coaches to evaluate students to work on individual goals and needs.

During and after TTE, our members have the opportunity to work on various Group Supported Employment (GSE) crews. There are several job opportunities with local businesses that currently employ our members.

The Ability Transition to Employment program provides members with individualized instruction, training and support systems to promote skill development for integrated and competitive employment.

The curriculum includes 17 modules on topics such as:

• assessing career interests
• conflict resolution
• job shadowing
• positive work behavior
• the hiring process
• interviewing
• budgeting

“Our mission is to provide our members with the necessary employment skills for them to find a fulfilling career, in a safe and caring environment.”