Adult Vocational Services

ASD’s Adult Vocational Services (AVS) provides assistance to deaf and hard of hearing adults with diverse backgrounds and a wide range of needs, some of who may have additional disabilities, in preparing for, finding and maintaining employment. The program also offers services assisting individuals in developing and maintaining appropriate supports for living and working independently.

Adult Vocational Services is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) for the following services: Community Transition Services, Supported Living, Job Development. Job Supports, Job-Site Training, Employment Planning Services, Employment Skills Training Services and Employment Transition Services. AVS is a regional program serving individuals throughout Connecticut , New England and beyond. In addition to the ASD campus in West Hartford, AVS has regional offices located in Norwich and Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Programs and Services Include:

Vocational Assessment Program

The Adult Vocational Services program offers comprehensive vocational evaluation services to deaf and hard of hearing adults. Evaluations may be conducted in the classroom or in the community for situational assessment which may lead to employment opportunities.

Occupational Skills Training

Training programs are customized to meet the individual needs of each participant. An individual may require anywhere from nine months to two years to complete their specific program. Housing assistance is available during this time. Many occupational skills training programs are available on campus including: Auto Body Repair/Painting, Office Skills, Computer Repair, Cyberlearn Computer Program Training, Desktop Publishing, Offset Printing/Bindery, Maintenance/Janitorial Service, Culinary Arts and Wood Design. Additionally, training in a variety of areas not listed above can be provided through special arrangements with employers or other training programs.

Employment Services

Employment Services are designed to assist deaf and hard-of-hearing adults and transitioning high school students in maintaining meaningful employment. They include job preparation, work adjustment training, on-site supervision and job training, task analysis and coaching job assistance in developing interpersonal and social skills, assistance in understanding company policies, rules, and benefits, transportation training for independent travel, and peer mentor services.

Employment Services for employers include orientation to deafness, assistance in screening and recruiting deaf and hard of hearing applicants, training, instructing, and supervising individuals on the job site, support and problem resolution, and communication facilitation between employer, employee and co-workers designed to develop natural supports in the workplace.

Supported Employment Services

Supported Employment Services assist deaf and hard-of-hearing adults who need long-term supports in order to choose, obtain and maintain meaningful employment. Services are identical to those listed above, the difference being that services have funding that permits ongoing, long-term assistance.

Independent Living Skills

Individuals are evaluated and needed skills are identified. Hands-on tutoring is then provided to develop the skills necessary to enable the individual to live independently in the community. This service is available on a time-limited basis and is intended to serve short-term, transitional needs.

Supported Living Arrangements (SLA)

This program provides a variety of independent living services as well as community inclusion activities. Through Supported Living, individuals are able to live in the community independently with appropriate support. Customized programs include help establishing a residence, developing daily schedules, setting up health-related appointments, making and coordinating transportation arrangements, and training in money management, including budgeting, bill paying and banking. Daily living skills such as cleaning, cooking, personal grooming and hygiene are also evaluated and addressed.

Community inclusion is encouraged through a variety of activities which SLA staff develop with those who participate in the program. The purpose is to enable individuals to develop the skills needed to successfully integrate themselves into the community on an independent basis.

Support Services

Personal or family counseling and support in basic educational skills, including tutoring in American Sign Language, English, math, driver education, independent living and citizenship, are also available through AVS. All such services are designed to enhance and enrich each individual service plan. AVS works closely with a statewide network of rehabilitation and human service agencies, as well as other ASD on-campus support service centers.

Information

For information or to schedule an appointment, please contact: 860-570-2383 (V/TTY)