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Leadership & Economic Independence
Many advocacy groups have expressed a concern because of deficiencies in job-readiness training programs available. The Leadership and Economic Independence Program addresses this concern and represents a direct enhancement of the overall process. It affords an opportunity for persons with disabilities to develop job-readiness skills. Participants will attain economic independence through entry into the workforce.
Since its establishment in 1986, the Leadership and Economic Independence Program has taken a holistic approach in enhancing the developmental task of the person, especially those with challenges. This approach attempts to facilitate a smooth transition into the workforce with the goal of economic independence as its major thrust. The program combines career planning/awareness, leadership development, and peer mentorship. All participants who complete the program receive a leadership certificate. The program parts are:
CAREER PLANNING/AWARENESSAt the beginning of the program, all participants are assessed for career interests and ability. The participants are then counseled regarding career choice and direction. The assessment and counseling is ongoing.
SEMINARSThe goal of the Leadership and Economic Independence Program’s seminars is to strengthen and/or develop skills that enhance the probability of succeeding in the world of work. Each seminar presents new information while building on the skills from the previous one. The seminars are highly participative and include a variety of training techniques: group discussions, lecturettes, role-plays, films, simulations, exercises, speakers and assessment instruments. Each participant is assessed on participation and performance in the seminars by the trainers. The program trainers have had extensive experience and come from backgrounds in business, health, human services and education. Their training and experience include leadership program design, human resource development and program evaluation.
PEER MENTORSDuring the career assessment and program seminars, each participant is given the opportunity to be involved with a peer mentor. Peer mentors are assigned on the basis of the students’ interest and ability.
Since its establishment in 1986, the Leadership and Economic Independence Program has taken a holistic approach in enhancing the developmental task of the person, especially those with challenges. This approach attempts to facilitate a smooth transition into the workforce with the goal of economic independence as its major thrust. The program combines career planning/awareness, leadership development, and peer mentorship. All participants who complete the program receive a leadership certificate. The program parts are:
CAREER PLANNING/AWARENESSAt the beginning of the program, all participants are assessed for career interests and ability. The participants are then counseled regarding career choice and direction. The assessment and counseling is ongoing.
SEMINARSThe goal of the Leadership and Economic Independence Program’s seminars is to strengthen and/or develop skills that enhance the probability of succeeding in the world of work. Each seminar presents new information while building on the skills from the previous one. The seminars are highly participative and include a variety of training techniques: group discussions, lecturettes, role-plays, films, simulations, exercises, speakers and assessment instruments. Each participant is assessed on participation and performance in the seminars by the trainers. The program trainers have had extensive experience and come from backgrounds in business, health, human services and education. Their training and experience include leadership program design, human resource development and program evaluation.
PEER MENTORSDuring the career assessment and program seminars, each participant is given the opportunity to be involved with a peer mentor. Peer mentors are assigned on the basis of the students’ interest and ability.
The Project SEARCH Transition-to-Work Program is a unique, business-led, one-year employment preparation program that takes place entirely at the workplace. Total workplace immersion facilitates a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on training through worksite rotations. The program culminates in individualized job development.
