Employment/Education Services – Holyoke Viability

Record last updated 2023/06/27 Comment on this info .Update this info

Narrative

Community Enterprises utilizes an ever expanding network of employment and training options, including individual and group placements in a variety of settings. All settings provide paid employment and/or training in integrated work environments. Referring agencies include VA, DMH, MCB, MRC, SHIP, and School Systems. Most referrals come through state agencies' closed referral systems which typically means services are free for the individuals referred. In addition, private pay options are available. 

The Transition School -to-Work program is designed to provide assessment, world of work tours, job development and placement. Community Service/Volunteer placements, transportation coordinator and benefit planning all also provided. This program provides work experience for individuals who are blind, with the ultimate goal of competitive employment. In order to better facilitate a supportive work environment, training in communication and disability sensitivity is provided for co-workers and supervisors in the job setting. The program is run with local schools where we provide support to students sixteen to eighteen yrs. old in the community with functional skills. This may include purchasing, transportation and safety skills. 

The Supported Employment Programs help consumers obtain and maintain jobs in the community. Through training and ongoing supports, people with disabilities are able to gain the economic and social benefits of work in a wide variety of situations. Specialized employment supports are provided to people with psychiatric disabilities, developmental disabilities, hearing impairments, physical disabilities including blindness, acquired/traumatic brain injuries, and substance abuse issues. Work Experience for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing This program provides work experience for individuals who are deaf/hard of hearing, with the ultimate goal of competitive employment. Program staff is diversified with both deaf and hearing Employment Coordinators. In order to better facilitate a supportive work environment, training in communication and disability sensitivity is provided for co-workers and supervisors in the job setting. Supported Employment for Survivors of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) After a brain injury, the path toward recovery is long, with many challenges. When survivors are ready to pursue employment for the first time or to return to work, they may seek the help of Community Enterprises' TBI staff that is trained to help participants meet those challenges.

Community Enterpises runs the ASSET program. ASSET stands for Achieving Success through Supported Education and Training. The ASSET program is a vocational skills program operated by Community Enterprises in partnership with Holyoke Community College. Referrals are made by School Districts or Adult Services such as DDS and MRC. Students must have a diagnosed disability, an interest in the content area, and must be able to navigate the campus with training. Students must also be safe to be in the college milieu and preferably have a 4^th Grade reading level. The ASSET program runs two year-long classes, one on Business Office Technology and one on Culinary Arts.  CE Holyoke works with many local school districts. In addition to coursework the students take part in both on-campus and off-campus internships. The goal of the program is to assist students with disabilities in transitioning into the world of work and/or higher education. Private pay options are available.  

Service Types

• Adult Education
• Community Based Day Program
• Job Counseling
• Job Placement
• Job Seeking
• Job Skills
• Job Support
• Job Training
• Skills Training

Program Type

• Jobs
• Vocational

Populations Served

• All Disabilities
• Asperger's Syndrome
• Autism Spectrum
• Behavior Disorder
• Cerebral Palsy
• Deaf
• DeafBlind
• Depression
• Developmental Disability
• Hard of Hearing
• Intellectual Disabilities
• Learning Disabilities
• Mental Illness
• Multiple Disability
• Nonverbal Communication
• Physical Disabilities
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Substance Abuse
• Tourette Syndrome
• Visual Impairment

Ages Served

• 14 - 18
• 19 - 22
• 23 – 59
• 60 +

Languages Spoken

• American Sign Language
• Spanish

Accessibility Features

• Accessible Restrooms
• Elevators
• Free Transport
• Near Public Transportation
• Sign Language
• Wheelchair Ramps

Additional Information

• Accredited By: CARF
• Fees: MassHealth, Personal Funds
• Licensed By: DDS