Vocational Reintegration

Beacon Therapies’ therapists and associates provide a full range of vocational training, placement and reintegration services for individuals at all range of physical/cognitive ability. The process looks different for each individual, as programs are individually designed. However, the typical process follows these general guidelines:

Initial Intake Meeting

An initial meeting takes place where Vocational team meets with the individual, current therapy team and family members to determine level of needs, general abilities, and interests. At this time, it is determined if the services offered by Beacon Therapies and their affiliates appears to be a good fit for the individual and his or her team. General goals and statements of intent for therapy outcome can be discussed here.

Needs and Interest Assessments/Skills Building in Practical Setting

Beacon Therapies’ team will meet with the individual at our office in Waters, in their home, or an appropriate community setting. During this time, therapists will engage the individual to determine their current physical, cognitive, and emotional ability to function in a workplace setting.

Placement at Training Center

To move forward, an individual does not have to work through a program at the Beacon Center.

If it is determined that the individual is an appropriate fit for Center-based vocational training, a specific program will be developed to encompass level of need at that time. As a general overview, a client entering the Beacon Center’s vocational training system would have opportunities to practice skills in pet grooming, working in the small gift and coffee shop, running a table at the Farmers’ Market next door, custodial duties, and light office responsibilities. Assessments and interest inventories are conducted regularly to help the Client determine their best area of interest and current skillsets.

Once the client has determined a preference (kitchen, dog wash, market, etc) specific training is provided to cultivate those skills necessary to make the client successful and prepared for community placement.

These sessions are typically 2-hour or 4-hour programs. Some clients remain on long-term with the Beacon Center and enter compensated vocational programs. Most clients remain for a few months, develop marketable skills, and move to community placements within their home community.

Community Placement

The core of Beacon Therapies mission is meaningful involvement in one’s home community. Everyone has a place where they belong and feel appreciated. It is our ultimate goal to place each and every individual within their home community with necessary supports to be happy and successful. If it is determined that community placement is right for the individual, Beacon Therapies will work with local business owners to find a placement opportunity that works for them and the local community. Beacon Therapies has specialized programs available to help facilitate this placement. Community placement could be paid employment, but it also could look like volunteer work at the humane society or local library, or local parks.

Follow-Up Support

Once an individual is placed, either in a community placement or within the Beacon Center, follow up mentoring and/or job coaching remains in place for as long as the individual demonstrates need for those services.

Beacon Center Programs

Beacon Therapies offers some programs that are based in our Beacon Center. Click here to learn about our programs hosted at the Beacon Center