A Brief
History Of Employment Services
Since The Arc’s foundation in 1954,
individuals with disabilities have always been encouraged to try working
in the community, even as a safe, self-paced and supervised work setting
was provided at the agency.
In 1986, New York began
funding Supported Employment, which provided trained job coaches to help
teach skills at integrated work sites throughout the area. The Arc began
developing jobs to match the skills and limitations of individuals. Soon a
“follow-along” component was added – Senior Job Coaches who did whatever it
took to help employees retain their jobs.
“Supported Work” was
well-received by employers and the program grew. Other agencies, working
with persons with different disabilities, added synergy to the movement.
Today, The Arc supports nearly 200 persons in community-based jobs, and
works with over a hundred different employers.
Over the years, The Arc
expanded its Employment Services to include not just persons with
developmental disabilities, but many others, including persons with head
injuries, learning disabilities, autism, and visual and hearing impairments.
The Arc also now works with area schools, providing work experience and job
readiness training. A complete list of the employment services that The Arc
provides can be found elsewhere at this site.
