ACCESS

Career Development and Transition for Multi-Challenged Adults

All individuals have unique life experiences, dreams and expectations. The staff in the ACES ACCESS Department recognize their responsibility to act in partnership with the individual and his/her support team in order to develop support plans based on each individual’s vision, goals, needs and interests. The concept of continuous adult learning and life planning allows for choices from a menu of services. The consumer plays an integral role in driving the service delivery system to continually update and improve services. Consumers participate on committees, interview teams, orientation of new staff and improvement teams.

As an extension of ACES commitment to serving the needs of students with special needs, ACES ACCESS supports the career development and transition for a multi-challenged adult population (ages 21 to 65 years). The program provides vocational training and support to adults with disabilities in Greater New Haven in the following areas:

Individualized Support assists the individual in securing and sustaining competitive employment in the community. Follow-up support is determined by the individual's level of need.

Group Support assists the individual in sustaining employment in the community with continuous on-site support given by a Job Coach. The individual works in a group setting with other program clients and company employees.

Volunteer Services assist individuals in obtaining and participating in volunteer opportunities in the community to enhance employability skills.

Comprehensive Situational Assessments at community employment sites determine the individual's work abilities, interests, and stamina. The assessment identifies the level of support needed for the individual to be successful. This service facilitates appropriate career development. A holistic team approach is utilized.

Mobility Training and Transportation services are offered on a case by case basis.