Vocational Services 

COMMUNITY VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION CENTER MISSION STATEMENT:

 

 THE VOCATIONAL DIVISION OF NIAGARA CEREBRAL PALSY WILL OFFER PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AN ARRAY OF QUALITY SERVICES THAT WILL PROMOTE COMMUNITY INTEGRATION CHOICE AND INDEPENDENCE

 

COMMUNITY VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION CENTER

 

This vision of CVRC is to assist people with disabilities in their endeavors to achieve personal and vocational growth. We provide services essential to improving the self-image, quality of life and independence of each person participating in our programs.

 

We co-develop an individualized plan in which we provide support, guidance, training and employment opportunities while our participants provide inspiration, effort and determination. Together we develop a rehabilitation partnership.

 

United in purpose, we move forward- one step at a time- striving to achieve our common goals.

 

Adults entering CVRC must have a physical, mental and/or developmental disability and be willing to pursue a vocational career in competitive or sheltered employment.

 

CVRC is a unique program in that not only are there no charges for services, but program participants are paid for work that they perform. Hours are 8:00 am - 2:30 pm, Monday through Friday.

 

 

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

 

Interested persons who have disabilities can be self-referred or referred by any other agency or individual.

 

 

SHELTERED EMPLOYMENT

 

Provides employment opportunities for individuals where a competitive employment opportunity, consistent with the person's abilities, is not presently available.

 

 

JOB PLACEMENT

 

Participants are assisted in securing and maintaining competitive employment positions consistent with their interests and abilities.

 

 

SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT

 

Job coaches help train individuals on-the-job and help each person become integrated into the work setting. Once the individual is stabilized on their job, the job coach continues to monitor their performance twice per month to be sure that the job is continuing to go well.

 

 

LIFE AND EMPLOYMENT ENRICHMENT PROGRAM

 

LEEP provides the program participant who have Medicaid and possess a developmental disability with services not traditionally offered in the workshop setting (occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, recreational therapy, nursing, social services, nutrition, independent skills and independence in travel training).

 

The program participants who are enrolled in LEEP receive assistance and/or training in a variety of individual and group settings. The goals are to increase skills and abilities that enhance their self-esteem and independence. Wherever possible, LEEP works in conjunction with the workshop program and blends into the everyday routine at CVRC. In this manner, participants are allowed the opportunity to work on individualized goals while earning wages in the sheltered workshop.

 

 

ADULT BASIC EDUCATION

 

Offers the opportunity to attain functional academic skills in order to maximize the functioning level of the individual and to enhance the person's employability. Basic computer skills are also taught.

 

 

WORK SKILLS TRAINING/PRE-VOCATIONAL

 

Opportunities for work experience with individuals who have Medicaid and a developmental disability diagnosis are provided consistent with the person's abilities and with an objective toward enhancing a person's skills level. Examples of work performed include:

 

Electronic sub assemblies

Manual assembly

Manufacturing

Packaging (plastic)

Collating

Bulk Mailing

Inspection

Building maintenance

Painting

Landscaping

 

 

DAY HABILITATION

 

For Medicaid enrolled individuals with a developmental disability Day Hab provides opportunities for community integrated experiences such as volunteer work, shopping, parks and restaurant outings.

 

 

TRANSPORTATION

 

CVRC is located near a city bus route. For those who cannot make other arrangements, transportation is provided free.

 

 

CASE MANAGEMENT

 

Professional staff coordinate an individual's goal plans so that the individual may derive the maximum benefit from their programming. Each individual's case manager is available to assist them with personal and work adjustment needs and problems.

 

 

HEALTH CARE SUPPORT

 

Professional staff assist those who require help with feeding and toileting needs.

 

 

SELF - ADVOCACY GROUP

 

The Crusaders are a group of individuals who are learning to make a difference by speaking out for their own rights and the rights of others.

 

The Crusaders are involved in a variety of activities: i.e. Adopt a Family at Christmas, volunteer work, letter to businesses and food/clothing drives.

 

 

SPECIAL CVRC ACTIVITIES

 

Christmas Party at area Restaurant

Summer Picnic at area Park

Halloween Party

Obtaining of Bus Passes at Reduced Fare

Assist in SSD/SSI/SA Applications

Assist in Obtaining of HEAP, FOOD STAMPS, etc.

Hair Cuts

Assist in Applying for Salvation Army Christmas Baskets

Field Trips to Tour Local Businesses and Companies

Educational Field Trips - Power Plant, Horticulture Training Groups,

Communication Skills, Budgeting, Dual Roles, Parenting,

Relationships, Women/Men Issues, etc.

Fun outings- Becker Farms, Fantasy Island

Maid of the Mist, Fort Niagara, Shopping, Movies