Disability Related Employment Programs

Supported Living/Residential Rehabilitation
Community Supported Employment
Vocational Rehabilitation
Adult Developmental Therapy & Day Care
Crisis Placement
Infant Toddler Service Coordination
School-based Developmental Services

Rehabilitation Services include:
- medical assistance as deemed appropriate
- independent living services
- vocational guidance and counseling
- vocational and academic training, including books, tuition, equipment, and supplies
- home instruction in alternative techniques of blindness
- assistance in setting up a small business
- job placement and follow-up to assure success

**ATC-Center: provides intensive instruction in alternative techniques skills. The Center's goal is to provide training which will allow the individual to perform any task, on the job or at home, as well as his/ her sighted peers. Whenever possible, the client is encouraged to participate in training at the center; however, when that is not possible, the client may learn these skills at home through the assistance of a home instructor. Instruction is available in the following areas:
- adjustment to blindness
- instruction in travel (getting to where you want to go)
- braille, typing, and computer
- techniques of daily living and homemaking
- industrial arts, including wood shop

**Sight Restoration: The best way to rehabilitate a blind person is to restore vision. When sight can be restored, ICBVI, civic organizations, and other state agencies often can provide financial assistance to qualified individuals.

**Business Enterprise Programs: Many blind individuals manage and operate vending stands located in public buildings throughout Idaho. Interested individuals may receive training in accounting and management procedures, initial ordering and maintenance of equipment, stock, and supplies. This program makes it possible for some blind individuals to earn a living and pay taxes.

**Services for Seniors: The Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired provides specially designed services for seniors who are experiencing vision loss. These services may include home counseling, instruction in alternative techniques, peer support groups, low vision services, and making communities and resources more accessible for the senior blind or visually impaired person.

**Newsline for the Blind Reading Services: ICBVI has made available to the blind of Idaho a national newspaper service via the telephone. Additionally, volunteers broadcast the reading of the Idaho Statesman and other current materials on radio (this radio service is limited to a one-hundred mile radius of Boise).

**Taping Services: The Commission along with volunteers, produce reading materials on tape for blind college students and others having special reading needs. The Idaho State Library's "Talking Book Program" provides, on loan, record players or tape players for blind persons to use to listen to books, magazines, and other recorded material. Call 334-2117 for more information.

**Employment: The ICBVI provides training and works with employers to provide opportunities. They provide employers with individual and group training on blindness and "What Blind People Can Do".

**Summer Programs for Youth: In order to help blind and visually impaired young people become self-sufficient adults, ICBVI offers the Summer Youth Program, Summer Work Experience Program, and College Days.

**Low Vision Clinic and Store: ICBVI contracts with local optometrist to perform the Low Vision Clinic one or two days each week. The ICBVI Low Vision Store offers a variety of low vision devices and products for visually impaired individuals.

Has three rehabilitation programs: Vocational Rehabilitation, Independent Living and Sight Restoration. The Vocational Rehabilitation Program provides training necessary to obtain a job or to retain a current job. Independent Living serves those who have no vocation objective, but who have experienced an impediment to their independence in their home, family, or community. Rehabilitation teachers instruct the person on independent living skills such as cooking, cleaning, self-care and communications. The Sight Restoration Program meets a variety of medical needs, especially that of prevention of blindness and sight restoration. It serves those individuals who cannot afford medical care in order to prevent blindness. Other assistance is provided with adaptive technology, low vision aids and appliances. If a person has Medicaid or Medicare, that is used to pay for any surgery needed, or if they can afford some of the cost, a cost sharing plan is worked out.

Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired - Pocatello has three rehabilitation programs: Vocational Rehabilitation, Independent Living, and State Only. The Vocational Rehabilitation Program provides training necessary to obtain a job or maintain a current job. Financial assistance and counseling is provided. Independent Living serves those who have no vocational objective, but who have experienced an impediment to their independence in their home, family, or community. Finally, the State Only program provides financial assistance for prevention of blindness and sight restoration.

Rehabilitation Services:
* Medical assistance when appropriate
* Vocational guidance and counseling
* Vocational and academic training, including books, tuition, equipment, and supplies
* Home instruction in alternate techniques
* Assistance in setting up a small business
* Job placement and follow-up to assure productive employment
* Independent living services.
Orientation and adjustment services:
* Adjustment to blindness
* Travel instruction
* Braille and keyboard
* Techniques of daily living
* Homemaking skills
* Industrial arts, including wood shop
Additional Services:
* Employment Services
* Sight restoration
* Business enterprise program
* Services for seniors
* Radio reading services
* Taping services
* Talking book program

Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired - Lewiston provides
vocational skills and training so clients may return to work in a vocation that would best fit them. Also, restoration services to prevent blindness, such as eye surgery, removal of cataracts and slowing the progression of diabetic retinopathy and other eye diseases. They provide rehabilitation for clients to improve independent living skills and to remain independent in their own home. They assist people signing up for talking books at the state library, do low vision evaluations and provide help in selecting and purchasing magnifiers and low vision equipment. They assist persons with diabetes financially who need specialized equipment or by helping locate equipment such as talking calculators and long oven mitts. They can teach them cane travel and Braille. Provides low vision evaluations, and magnifiers. Home modification Operate ICBVI store where clients and public can purchase adaptive aids such as talking clocks, games, wrist watches, contrast sheets, large print timers, oven mitts, cards, or will search out products an individual is looking for, etc.

Idaho Commission for the Blind & Visually Impaired -- Twin Falls Office -- provides three programs: Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Independent Living Services, and Sight Restoration Services.
**Vocational Rehabilitation services consist of those services required by visually impaired or blind individuals to return to the work force.
**Independent Living services concerns those services that assist visually impaired or blind people to be as independent as possible in their living environment.
**Sight Restoration services consist principally of financial assistance for eligible persons to remove or reduce the threat of blindness.

**Training in various blindness alternative techniques including Braille, long white cane usage, home economics, communications, etc. are also available. A residential training program is available in the Boise office. Additionally, low vision services in the form of adaptive equipment, magnifiers, and voice output equipment is available.

The Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation's program goal is to place Idahoans with disabilities into the workforce by securing and maintaining productive employment. IDVR can provide the services required to assist you to go to work and can assist you in locating suitable employment. Only services that you need to reach employment will be provided.

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES PROVIDED TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

LIFE SKILLS
Life Skill training and support is provided to individuals with Intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to promote furthered independence. Developmental therapy services include teaching money management SKILLS, meal preparation, personal hygiene, social interaction, anger management, home safety, community awareness, housekeeping, communication, social skills development, functional reading, writing, personal safety awareness, public transportation use, and access to other community resources. Services are provided in an individual’s home, at our main site, or in the community.

ASSISTED LIVING
The Arc assists in determining strengths, needs, job interests, and job matches for a variety of careers in employment. Individuals may select: Interviewing Skills, Job Seeking and Keeping Skills, Community Based Work Evaluations, Community Based Work Adjustment, and Personal Computer Training. Qualified Arc staff assist in job development, placement, job training, and follow up services.


VOCATIONAL ASSESSMENT AND JOB TRAINING
Work and Business Services
Production-based work includes: printing mailing, packaging, assembly, and paper contracts. Work can be completed at our main site or we can bring a supervised work group of to your site. Labor costs, liability insurance, employee benefits, and Worker’s Comp coverage are provided by The Arc. Work is secured through a competitive bidding process. One hundred percent quality control is guaranteed. Prevocational activities and work training are provided for persons with disabilities preparing to enter the competitive labor market.

ONE ON ONE JOB COACHING
Assistance is provided to individuals with disabilities to search for a job, obtain a job and learn the job with support from staff.

RECREATION
(Recreation And Vacation Experiences) www.thearcinc.org/raveabout.htm

Recreation and leisure opportunities enhance each person’s quality of life, including sports, travel, dances, and special events. Vacation packages offer small, integrated travel opportunities at affordable rates. Activities range rafting, and horseback riding, to enjoying city nightlife, train rides, Boise River float trips, Shakespeare nights, bingo, and biking on the Greenbelt. Click the "blue" link above for more detailed information and a current list of activities

SL Start is a human services organization that provides services for children and adults in approximately 26 cities throughout Washington and Idaho. Services include programs for children with developmental disabilities, community-based programs for adults with developmental disabilities, and employment programs for people with and without disabilities.

SL Start WorkFirst offers programs to help train individuals and aid them in acquiring employment.

The services offered are job placement assessment, job readiness classes, case management, transitional services and supportive services.

SL Start WorkFirst offers programs to help train individuals and aid them in acquiring, maintaining and enhancing employment.

The services offered are job placement assessment, job readiness classes, case management, transitional services and supportive services.

Independent Living Center - provides advocacy, peer counseling, information and referral, independent living skills and personal assistance in the home.

OPPORTUNITIES UNLIMITED, INC. operates as a private, nonprofit organization for the purpose of providing evaluation, training, employment, education, placement and support services to individuals with emotional, physical and developmental disabilities, including people with severe disabilities and people who are disadvantaged. These services are provided to increase their level of independent functioning, vocational skills and earned income in order to decrease their reliance upon public and private support.


THE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES offered by Opportunities Unlimited, Inc. are conducted in such a manner that no person will be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination or segregation under such programs and services on the grounds of race, creed, color, age, national origin, gender, physical or mental disability.

OPPORTUNITIES UNLIMITED, INC. operates as a private, nonprofit organization for the purpose of providing evaluation, training, employment, education, placement and support services to individuals with mental health, physical and developmental disabilities, including people with severe disabilities and people who are disadvantaged. These services are provided to increase their level of independent functioning, vocational skills and earned income in order to decrease their reliance upon public and private support.


THE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES offered by Opportunities Unlimited, Inc. are Medicaid funded and conducted in such a manner that no person will be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination or segregation under such programs and services on the grounds of race, creed, color, age, national origin, gender, physical or mental disability.

The Disability Action Center provides advocacy, information and referral, peer support and independent living skills training to people with disabilities and the community. Personal assistant services in the home are also available.

Information available on:
ADA, fair housing, access issues/discrimination, Independent living issues, transportation, personal assistants, sign language interpreters, community services, coping strategies, Social Security, vocational rehabilitation, Medicare and Medicaid, and assistive technology for people with hearing impairment.

Personal Assistance services in the Home are available.

The Disability Action Center provides advocacy, information and referral, peer support and independent living skills training to people with disabilities and the community.

Information available on:
ADA, fair housing, access issues/discrimination, Independent living issues, transportation, personal assistants, sign language interpreters, community services, coping strategies, Social Security, vocational rehab, Medicare and Medicaid, and assistive technology for people with hearing impairments.

*1 month free loans- devices that amplify sound and improve understanding of speech for: telephone, personal conversations, television, and speakers at meetings. After 1 month clients may apply for a grant.

We provide therapy, advocacy, and case management to children and adults with a developmental disability or a mental health diagnosis. We provide a full range of developmental services such as Habilitative Supports (HS), Habilitative Intervention (HI), Respite, Family Training and more. We also offer an inclusive play group for children ages 0-5.

We provide therapy, advocacy, and case management to children and adults with a developmental disability or a mental health diagnosis. We provide a full range of developmental services such as Habilitative Supports (HS), Habilitative Intervention (HI), Respite, Family Training and more. We also offer an inclusive play group for children ages 0-5.

A private agency working for individuals with disabilities in partnership with their families, neighborhoods and communities for the purpose of promoting independence and community participation.

Mental Health/ Community Support Program for Children and Adolescents and Adults:
- Assistance in gaining and using skills needed for school or employment. This may include grooming, communication, anxiety reduction, appropriate school related behaviors, in school supportive contracts.
- Problem solving and support related to daily living, such as personal hygiene, grooming, money and time management and use of transportation.
- Medication prescription, monitoring and education about the role and effects of medication in symptom treatment.
- Community crisis support is designed to provide assistance in crisis situations to ensure health/safety or to try to prevent hospitalization.
- Additional services for outreach groups, counseling, assistance with pre-assesment

Developmental therapy Occupational therapy, Psychosocial rehabilitation, Employment services and residential habilitation.

Service Coordination for all ages 3 to 21. We attend meetings and appointments with families and creative problem solving.

Employment services: Finding and maintaining employment for individuals with developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injury, learning disabilities, mental illness, physical disabilities.

Recreation: A camp for adults with disabilities.

Pre-Employment skills: Job explorations, preparing resumes, competent completion of job applications, interview skills.

A private agency supporting for individuals with disabilities in partnership with their families, neighborhoods and communities for the purpose of promoting independence and community participation.

Children's Services:

-Children's Redesign Services offers parents the option to select redesign services, including respite, family training and crisis intervention. Many of these services can be offered in the home or the community.

-SandCastles Learning Center in Boise offering a high quality learning environment for children year round, including preschool classes, after-school classes for those attending elementary school, and a summer program for school-age children. The learning center is licensed through the City of Boise and has been awarded a 5-Star Rating by IdahoSTARS.

-Children's Mental Health and Community Based Rehabilitation Services provides counseling services for children's severe emotional disturbance and psychiatric diagnosis.

Adult Services:

-Developmental Therapy assists adults with developmental disabilities become more independent and involved in their community. We do this by working with individuals to develop their skills for daily living, socialization, self-help and communication.

-Adult Mental Health Services providing access to licensed counselors and clinicians in order to meet a client's mental health needs.

-Employment services work to find and maintain employment for individuals with developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injury, learning disabilities, mental illness, and physical disabilities.

-Adult Day Services offer a wide variety of carefully planned activities focusing on social, educational, and recreational experiences for adults with developmental disabilities.

-Residential Habilitation Services providing agency affiliation for Certified Family Home providers.

-Supported Living assisting adults with developmental disabilities in developing and maintaining independent living skills in their own homes or apartments.

-Recreation programs allows our participants the opportunity to enjoy fun-filled activities with trained staff supervision in order to ensure safety.

A private agency working for individuals with disabilities in partnership with their families, neighborhoods and communities for the purpose of promoting independence and community participation.

Mental Health/ Community Support Program for Children and Adolescents and Adults:
- Assistance in gaining and using skills needed for school or employment. This may include grooming, communication, anxiety reduction, appropriate school related behaviors, in school supportive contracts.
- Problem solving and support related to daily living, such as personal hygiene, grooming, money and time management and use of transportation.
- Medication prescription, monitoring and education about the role and effects of medication in symptom treatment.
- Community crisis support is designed to provide assistance in crisis situations to ensure health/safety or to try to prevent hospitalization.
- Additional services for outreach groups, counseling, assistance with pre-assesment

Employment services: Finding and maintaining employment for individuals with developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injury, learning disabilities, mental illness, physical disabilities.

Pre-Employment skills: Job explorations, preparing resumes, competent completion of job applications, interview skills.

Provides information for people with disabilities who are SSI or SSDI recipients and want to work.

(SSI)

Provides free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues. For both employers and employees, Accommodation Information by Disability: A to Z; and Accommodation Ideas by Disability, Limitation, Occupation, Product or Service, and Topic.

Consultants offer one-on-one guidance on workplace accommodations, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related legislation, and self-employment and entrepreneurship options for people with disabilities.

ThinkWork is the hub for an array of resources related to employment for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and is under the umbrella of the Institute for Community Inclusion at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. It hosts resources for individuals and families, policy administrators, and practitioners. Resource topics include supporting job seekers/employees, community rehabilitation/service providers, community life engagement, self determination and decision making, engaging families, staff training and development, state policy, and funding.