Vocational Habilitation Program
Everyone who wants to deserves to be given a chance to make a contribution to our society. But for the people with disabilities, even getting a chance to do so is often easier said than done. That’s where WES Health Centers comes in – its Vocational Habilitation Program (VHP) provides employment training to individuals 18 years of age or older whose primary disability is Intellectual Disabilities. The VHP is a work activity center, which incorporates a realistic work atmosphere. In this supported environment, individuals are paid piece rates and/or hourly rates based on wages commensurate with wages in similar work places. With trainers working alongside, the participants perform a variety of services for other businesses on a contractual basis, such as sorting, collating, labeling, food service and industrial subassembly. Training emphasizes skill development for competitive employment – a goal that many participants are able to achieve after having been exposed to the demands of an actual work environment. In the absence of remunerative work opportunities, structured groups and activities are facilitated. These groups and activities emphasize enhancement in the areas of physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and vocational skills development and promote increased job readiness skills as well as increased independence in the home and community. The sense of achievement these individuals experience is but one reason WES Health Centers is proud to have this program in its spectrum of services.