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Employment

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Easterseals of West Alabama Employment Services 

  • Workforce Development 

  • https://www.eswaweb.org/workforce-development.html

  • PURPOSE: Provides a range of programs designed to help individuals with disabilities develop workforce skills to enter and retain employment to grow self-sufficiency  

  • REFERRAL: must be receiving vocational rehabilitation services from the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services and be referred by vocational rehabilitation counselor  

  • Potential Services 

    • Pre-Employment Transition Classes provided in the schools to teach financial budgeting, job readiness skills, self-advocacy, social skills, permit training, etc.  

    • Job readiness services to assist with preparing for employment 

    • Job development and placement services to assist with obtaining employment  

    • Supported employment services for those needing more extensive assistance during the employment process 

    • Vocational evaluations to help determine the best career field to pursue ​

  • Future Promise Youth Program  

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Indian Rivers Behavioral Health Support Employment 

  • Matches individuals with severe mental illness and/or developmental disabilities with appropriate employment based on interests and abilities of the individual  

  • Call 205-391-3131 for additional information and access services  

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The Arc of Tuscaloosa

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  • Palk Enterprises Supported Employment (PESE) 

    • Person-centered planning profiles, situational assessments, assistance with job applications and interviews, job coaching, long-term follow up services 

    • Reside in Tuscaloosa, Hale, Pickens, Bibb, and Greene counties 

    • Must be receiving vocational rehabilitation services from Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services and be referred by vocational rehabilitation counselor  

  • Palk Enterprises 

    • Offers Day Services that enable the individual to refine prevocational skills and increase productivity 

    • Participate in sub-contract activities at various community employment sites 

    • Instruction related to safety and appropriate work-related behaviors  

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United Cerebral Palsy 

 

  • UCPWA is committed to help individuals with disabilities live a life without limits by creating and incorporating more services for children and adults in our community. The goal is to be a beacon for those with disabilities with the West Alabama community.  

  • Transition Programs 

    • Provided to high school students in the school setting, funded by Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services 

    • Workplace Readiness 

    • Community Work Experience 

    • Driver's Permit Training 

    • Job Experience Training (JET) 

      • Summer paid internship  

  • Small Group Employment 

    • Contact: Heather Jones 

    • 205-345-5083 

    • Day program style employment that provides more support and ongoing job coaching  

    • Must be receiving Community Waiver Program services  

  • Supported Employment 

    • Utilizes a milestone approach to provide extensive support throughout every step of the employment process  

    • Includes person-centered planning profiles, situational assessments, assistance with applications and interviews, job placement, job coaching, and long-term follow up services 

    • Must be receiving vocational rehabilitation services from Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services and be referred by vocational rehabilitation counselor  

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Vocational Rehabilitation

 

  • Provides individualized employment and education related services to assist youth and adults with disabilities achieve their employment goal 

  • Provides services to individuals with disabilities from high school until death  

  • Eligibility  

    • Any Alabama resident who has a physical disability, intellectual disability, or mental illness 

    • That disability is an impediment to employment 

      • Presents barriers that will make it difficult to obtain or maintain employment without vocational rehabilitation services 

    • Can benefit from vocational rehabilitation services to obtain or maintain employment  

  • Vocational Rehabilitation Process 

    • Contact the vocational rehabilitation office that covers your geographical area 

    • Application: initial meeting to gather information about disability, limitations, interests, and goals  

    • Eligibility: obtain medical records to document disabilities and determine eligibility  

    • Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE): outline services provided and steps being taken towards employment goal  

    • Employment: obtain employment and implement any necessary accommodations  

    • Follow-Up: period of time after employment is obtained to ensure a successful outcome 

    • Closure: case is generally closed after 90 days of successful employment  

  • Potential Services 

    • Job readiness  

    • Job development and placement 

    • Supported employment 

    • Employment retention 

    • Adaptive drivers training 

    • Vehicle modifications 

    • Pre-employment transition services  

    • Psychological evaluations  

    • Vocational evaluations and career exploration  

    • Interpreter services  

    • Assistive technology/accommodations  

    • Post secondary training assistance  

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