Supported Employment

The agency provides employment services for people with disabilities, including people who are deaf or hard of hearing or have deaf-blindness in Los Angeles County. Services include prejob guidance and job placement for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing; supported employment; and a work activity center for people with physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. There are no geographic restrictions.

The prejob guidance program focuses on literacy and life skills. Participants learn about the importance of timeliness, self-responsibility, and general work ethics. Discussion topics include deaf and hearing culture; workplace conduct, interactions, and attire; time management; creative problem solving; decision-making strategies; and stress management. Classroom instruction is supplemented with field trips and work experience.

Job placement services include networking assistance, job resources, and employer-provided workshops. A job developer assists participants with job search skills, teaches them how to investigate desirable jobs, and how to secure positions. They also work with individuals who have not completed high school as well as those who have Master's degrees.