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The Melmark Vocational Program

Maximizing vocational skills, independence, and community integration

“For a future that works”

The Melmark Vocational Program addresses the needs of students and adults with intellectual disabilities who require individualized instructional, vocational, and behavioral supports in order to achieve a maximum level of independence and community integration. The program comprises The School Vocation Program (serving students 14 to 21 years of age) and the Adult Vocational Program (serving adults 21 years of age and older).

Instruction takes place in both classroom and community settings and addresses:

• Vocational skills training (job sampling and Shadowing)
• Service learning
• Life skills training (safety, travel, personal finances, self-care)
• Self-determination
• Decision making

Program Overview

For students, exploring vocational interests begins at the age of 14 with the development and implementation of Transition Services in the Individualized Education Plan (IEP). For adults, an Individualized Program Plan (IPP) is developed reflecting vocational preferences.

Program staff work closely with the students and adults and their families to develop goals and instructional strategies that will meet an individual’s needs. Melmark’s staff performs ongoing comprehensive assessments of a student’s or adult’s interest, recommending plan modifications as needed. The Vocational Program follows a Supported Employment Model (staff oversight and support) in conjunction with the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis. Services provided include:

• Vocational and Life Skills Assessment
• Career Portfolio Development
• Job Development and Analysis
• Customized Employment
• Job Coaching
• Situational Assessment
• Functional Behavioral Assessment
• Behavior Support Plan Development

Vocational Opportunities

Students and adults are trained in work areas that align with each individual’s interests, abilities, and needs. Some work sites include, but are not limited to:

• Retail and customer service
• Horticulture/grounds maintenance
• Automotive services
• Supply and distribution
• Recycling programs
• Office support
• Community service assignments

Based on an individual’s skill development, students and adults are provided with a variety of work and instructional experiences ranging from on-campus training programs, to community-based job sampling, to employee shadowing or independent paid employment opportunities in the community.

Melmark presently has students and adults placed in a number of community businesses and organizations. The overall goal of the Vocational Program is to assist and support each individual as they identify a vocational opportunity that allows them to grow and enjoy their work.
For More Information

To find out more about The Melmark Vocational Program, please call (610) 325-4732