Services available to individuals with disabilities through Creative Employment Opportunities, Inc. (CEO):

Functional Community Based Assessments: This assessment is done to determine an individual’s employment preferences, skills, and interests. The assessment is conducted entirely in the community and may include touring businesses, an hour or two working on a job in the community, examining alternative transportation and other issues related to employment.

Internship: This vocational assessment provides a timely work experience on a job in the community for up to 40 hours. The worksite is chosen based upon the individual’s interests, abilities, and experience. This assessment provides a realistic assessment of the likelihood of success in an individual’s chosen area of employment, job performance issues, and work habits. The outcomes may include: immediate hire, letter of recommendation, and individual self-awareness of abilities, interests and work habits.

Passport of Employment: We offer a series of vocational sessions that provides participants with the skills needed to obtain and maintain employment. Class size is small to provide individualized attention. Topics include: identifying goals, developing and maintaining references, completing an application, writing resumes and cover letters, interviewing successfully, mock interviews with employers from the community, work appropriate dress and appearance, writing thank you letters, maintaining a job and business tours.

Computer Classes: We offer Beginning and Advanced computer training classes. All classes are individualized to fit the goals of the individual. Classes are completed at one’s own pace. They are guided to learn long term value added skills and receive a certificate at the completion of the training.

Benefits Analysis: An informed choice benefits analysis (prior going into job development) or an in-depth benefits analysis (once a job has been obtained) will be done with each individual. A report is generated that described the affect work may have on benefits received such as SSI or SSDI.

Individualized Job Development: Job development is done in partnership between the individual, family members, support personnel and Creative Employment Opportunities, Inc. (CEO) staff. Job development may include completing applications, developing a resume and assistance in interviewing. Creative Employment Opportunities, Inc. (CEO) staff also provides presentations to area businesses to develop jobs on behalf of individuals we assist.

On the Job Support: On the job training may be provided if necessary. Support may be provided on or off the job. Creative Employment Opportunities, Inc. (CEO) staff assist in facilitating natural training and support opportunities on the job through the employer and co-workers. Ability Awareness training and assistance in developing accommodations is also offered to employers.