Employment needs and
services also vary. Decisions and choices based on the student’s lifestyle, strengths,
interests, and preferences lead to greater success and satisfaction for the
student. The options for career and vocational placement may include:
·
Day
habilitation. The student attends a day setting with other persons with
disabilities, where subcontract work activities are performed for pay at
per-piece rate.
·
Work
adjustment in a training facility or center-based training. The student goes to
the facility to receive support services.
·
Work
adjustment in the community. Activities in work environments are set up to
teach appropriate work habits and attitudes. The pay varies.
·
Supported
employment. The services go to the student in a paid employment setting in the
community. Outside business agencies provide long-term job coaching.
Modifications and accommodations for the student and the employer are ongoing.
·
Job
readiness. Assistance with specific topics related to seeking, securing, and
maintaining a job.
·
Selected
job development. There is assistance to design or find paid employment that
matches the student’s interests, aptitudes, and special needs. Modifications
and accommodations are negotiated before the student begins the job.
·
Short-term
job coaching. The services go to the job for a limited time and are reduced as
the student becomes independent or until natural supports begin to work for the
student. A natural support is usually a person that is already employed in the
business and assists the student, as needed.
·
Mentoring.
An individual with the company or from an outside agency provides periodic job
support to the student while he/she works. The mentor does not train or support
the work directly.
·
Competitive
employment with no supports.
·
Combinations
of the above.
Parents and students may
want to examine vocational trends as career plans are made. According to the
U.S. Bureau of Statistics, the greatest growth in job opportunities for the
years through 2008 will be in the following fields:
·
Systems
analysts, computer specialists, and technicians. A large percentage of jobs
will require at least minimum computer skills.
·
Retail
and wholesale trade.
·
General
managers and top executives.