The Arc of the Glades identifies candidates desiring Supported Employment placement and assists them as needed to make that placement possible. Potential job placements are identified which 'match up' appropriately to the individual's needs, abilities and desires. Vocational skills needed are identified and developed or enhanced through individual instruction or in classes.

The Arc uses a "Coach" model of service delivery, assisting the person when challenges arise and tailoring the interventions to specifically suit that individual's strengths and weaknesses. Initially, the job candidate is assisted by an Employment Specialist, or "Job Coach", who works with the person through the search, interview and on-the-job training phases. Once employed, the Coach works along-side the new employee, ensuring that the employer gets the expected work for the wages. As the individual masters the work-skills needed and performs at a competitive level, the Coach is weaned back until being replaced by a "Follow-Along Coach". The Follow-Along Coach maintains periodic contact with the employer and employee, providing interventions, assisting in retraining or new task training, and counseling as needed.

The Arc of the Glades serves a community with chronic unemployment levels approaching 20% and periodic levels near 40%. The challenge to provide vocational training and experience, then identify and secure employment for persons with disabilities in this community is daunting. The Arc has a history of finding creative solutions to address this environment.

• From 1996 to 1998 The Arc collaborated with Palm Beach Community College and The Arc of St. Lucie County in the development and implementation of the TAP Program, an employability skills development pilot program for which The Arc of the Glades received The Arc of Florida's Exemplary Collaboration Award.
• In 2005 The Arc developed a "Simulated Employment" program. Collaborating with area not-for-profit organizations, The Arc developed volunteer activities from which a program participant could choose, and provide assistance to that organization under the combined supervision of The Arc's staff and a site supervisor. The result is work experience for the individual, volunteer assistance for the area NFP organization, and useful references that promote employability.
• The Arc's staff has an average tenure of over 11 years. The relationships developed and knowledge of community resources and natural supports (e.g., transportation, child care) improves the likelihood of individual success.

The Arc of the Glades offers Supported Employment services to adults in Western Palm Beach County who have Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and who reflect their choice to participate in a current Support Plan. Supported Employment clients have a broad range of abilities and limitations and each individual is assisted according to personal needs and within the constraints of available community employment.

Contact us at 561-996-9583 or e-mail at arcglades@yahoo.com for more information.