Our program consists of specialized services to help maximize the potential and success of each student ages 16-21 and aide in their transition from high school. Our professional program staff will work closely with the districts Committee of Special Education, the student and family to ensure a person centered plan is developed. These plans include the following services: 1. Discovery- observation, interview, career interest surveys, career exploration, situational assessments, work readiness and the development of soft skills. 2. Job Development/ Work Experience- internship placement, job coaching and job shadowing. 3. Travel Training –transportation schedule planning, safety training in the community and supervised training to and from work site. Once the student graduate’s additional vocational or ACCES-VR services can be arranged.
Job readiness, resume building and cover letters, interview skills, and computer research help familiarize participants with the working world. Regular trips to tour job sites are scheduled based on participant input and interests. The group has toured the SUNY Neuberger Museum, Finocchio Brothers Waste Management, Costco, Printcraft Printing Press, and Antonees Gourmet Family restaurant, to name a few! This is a group meant for participants who are on a job-track and those who may already have a job and are interested in exploring other possibilities.
This is a staff supported independent study time when participants can work on projects, research, and even do their homework if they are taking college courses. More independent participants work on their organization and time management skills while others can receive individualized support. This group utilizes Cerebral Palsy of Westchester’s new Cyber Lounge.
The SLC provides collegiate-based learning opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities. Cerebral Palsy of Westchester’s Vocational Program transports and supports our participants enrolled in their classes. Their classes are hosted on various local college and university campuses. The classes available are varied, including: Graphic Design, Money Management, Creative Writing, Sports Team Management, among many others.
For participants on a job track towards competitive employment in the community. Each individual is evaluated in-house through our ACCES-VR certified staff. Our trained coaches provide job development, help with resume, support in adjusting to workplace setting, facilitate effective communication with supervisors and coworkers, and assistance with learning assigned tasks. These services are provided through ACCES-VR, and Supported Employment programs.
Cerebral Palsy of Westchester’s own radio station located inside our Vocational Program! The Mary Frawley Grant award winning production meets throughout the week and records every Wednesday. Each broadcaster researches materials for their segments which are themed based on their interests: news, music, sports, food & restaurant review, video game review, weather and poetry. With staff assistance, they prepare a summary or script to act as a reference when they are on-air. Our broadcasters have toured local radio stations WFAS and WVOX and met their on-air DJ personalities. The Wave also welcomed Ed Delaney, VP of Operations for YES Network, and Bob Marrone, retired DJ personality from WVOX, for interviews and tips of the trade! Problem solving, social and team building skills, and professional communication are just some of the skills worked on in this comprehensive group. If you’d like to learn more, please find our broadcasts online available in streaming format: www.mixcloud.com/thewave
Cerebral Palsy of Westchester is developing its own Facebook and Twitter accounts. Participants learn how to collect information from different departments and groups, such as Marketing & Development and the Advocacy Group. They also learn to edit and upload podcasts of The Wave radio station for family and friends to listen and watch. In addition, our Cyber Lounge offers participants Skype so they can communicate with old friends and loved ones
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Cerebral Palsy of Westchester’s participant lead in-house Advocacy Group. The group is an official member of the Hudson Valley Region of the Self-Advocacy Association of New York State, Inc. A short list of accomplishments include advocating for healthy options in our vending machines, writing letters or concern to Governor Cuomo regarding spending cuts in the New York State budget, and meeting with local government officials. The group has recently organized a fundraiser for a local organization and plans to do more fundraisers in the future.
Living and working in the New York Metropolitan area, Spanish is a language we all hear every day. Any amount of bilingual knowledge is not only fun to learn, but also a valuable skill. Participants engage in beginner Rosetta Stone Spanish with staff assistance to learn basic conversational words and phrases. Participants who already are fluent or familiar with the language can act as mentors in the group. History and culture of Latin and South American countries are also discussed.
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