This program is designed to assist participants in finding and maintaining employment. An Employment Training Specialist receives a referral from a qualified agent and meets with the participant to identify the type of employment desired. A job search then begins to match-up the available employment opportunities to the interests of the participant.

New Dimensions has Support Service Assistants (SSA) that work with the participant on-site to assure a smooth transition between employer and the list of duties the participant is expected to perform. SSA's will be available for the guidance that is necessary and will always support the employer's wishes before phasing out their availability. Michigan Rehabilitation Services provide written authorizations to New Dimensions, while the Opportunity Center, Do-All, and I.S.D. (Intermediate School District) are referral partners in the Supported Employment process.

DEFINITIONS

A Support Service Assistant (SSA) is a person who is hired by the placement agency to provide specialized on-site training to assist the participant with learning and performing the job and adjusting to the work environment.

Individual Placement Model--A person with a disability is placed in a job in a community business which best suits his/her abilities and preferences. Training is provided on site in job skills and work related behaviors, including social skills, by a SSA. As the participant gains skills and confidence, the SSA gradually spends less time at the worksite. Support is never completely removed. The agency that is furnishing the SSA is always available to the employer for training other participants, assisting in dealing with challenging behaviors, supplying periodic consultations with co-workers and employer, giving orientation and training for co-workers.

Enclave Model--A small group of people with disabilities (generally 5-8) is trained and supervised among participants who are not disabled at the host company's work site. Persons in the enclave work as a team at a single work site in a community business or industry. Initial training, supervision, and support are provided by a specially trained on-site supervisor, who may work for the host company or the placement agency. Another variation of the enclave approach is called the "dispersed enclave." This model is used in service industries (e.g., universities, restaurants, and hotels). Each person works on a separate job, and the group is dispersed throughout the company.

Mobile Work Crew--A small crew of persons with disabilities (up to 6) works as a distinct unit and operates as a self-contained business that generates employment for their crew members by selling a service. The crew works at several locations within the community, under the supervision of a SSA. The type of work usually includes janitorial or groundskeeping. People with impairments work with people who do not have disabilities in a variety of settings, such as offices and apartment buildings.

Consumer-Driven Supported Employment- - The concept of independent living is rooted in the belief that control over one's own life is important and that personal independence can be increased by managing one's own affairs. Also by participating in day-to-day life in the community and fulfilling a variety of social roles, it establishes individual identity for many people who have disabilities. Work in the community is a very important goal for many disabled workers, but since many workers have limitations and face barriers associated with their employment, supports can now ease the transition to successful outcomes with the private sector that years ago were not traditionally available. The independent living movement and the initiative of Supported Employment have begun to join forces. Together the respective philosophies and outcomes of independent living and Supported Employment, offer opportunities for people with severe disabilities to take on competitive employment and benefit from the supports with the initional development of community integration.

Benefits to Employers

• No fee for supports to the employer

• Thoroughly screened applicants

• Participant's abilities matched to job requirements

• On-site job training by professionals

• Additional training, as necessary

• Follow-up services for the duration of employment
  
  

The Advantages of Hiring People With Disabilities

Many businesses with non-disabled participants experience various issues such as high turnover, absenteeism, tardiness, and unmotivated participants. This negatively affects their bottom line and the morale. New Dimensions is proud that the participants receiving community work through Supported Employment services are able to demonstrate their talents and abilities. Through jobs, persons with disabilities are integrated into the community and encouraged to expand, develop and show their maximum potential.

Supported Employment Provides Business Owners:

• An immediate pool of available workers

• A federal tax credit for employers of individuals with disabilities

• A dependable, motivated workforce who have excellent attendance, loyalty, and punctuality records

• Experienced and professional Support Service Assistants (at no extra cost) to train, supervise, and provide support services for the participant at your place of business. The SSA is there to guarantee the job gets done accurately and timely.

• Long-term support to assure participant success and employer satisfaction

• An opportunity to enhance your image as a community service leader by hiring persons with disabilities

Supported Employment Annual Banquet...Each year New Dimensions holds an annual banquet for employers/participants and gives out awards of participation to all those working in the Supported Employment Program. It is a very special occasion for all participants because this banquet provides recognition for those in the community working through their disabilities. New Dimensions also gives out a special recognition award for "Outstanding Achievement" where all of the participating agencies vote on the candidate most deserving.

Employers are recognized for their commitments to persons with disabilities while motivational speakers remind everyone of the importance of transitional community employment. This working interaction is the foundation to a more comprehensive relationship where everyone works together and stereotypes can finally be put to rest. We are proud to assist with this transition for our disabled population, as they develop identity and strive for their independence while becoming more productive citizens.

Anyone wishing to make a donation to our organization on behalf of agency and the supports we offer, can contact us at the address below. Please note that all contributions are 100% tax deductible and that your support is genuinely appreciated by everyone at New Dimensions.

NEW DIMENSIONS
2 Johnson Court
Bay City, MI 48708
(989) 892-8883

(All Donations 100% Tax Deductible)