Working enables individuals with disabilities to gain positive self-worth, learn new skills, and contribute to society.
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Approximately 90% of Vista members who are ready for paid employment are employed. Vista works with 140+ employers in southern Connecticut. In addition to programs and services related to competitive employment, Vista aims to help all students and members attain employment skills, via internships, training sites in the community, or community-based supported employment, and in skills building initiatives that we conduct on site. Vista offers classes, internships, job shadowing, job search instruction, job coach training, and individual vocational counseling.
All trainings are based on Vista’s functional skills model. Students begin on the career development path with work readiness skills building. The basic skills addressed are appearance, reliability, interpersonal and coping skills, performance, productivity, and rules of the workplace. Hands-on training and job-specific skills building continue with internships and other vocational options. The goal is to achieve viable and meaningful employment for each student or member, in a field and setting that is best suited to the individual’s vocational skills, interests, goals, strengths, and limitations.