Supported Employment

With the support of staff, the participants in our supported employment program work at Wal-Mart, McDonald’s, Sears, the local landfill and recycling center, DSW, Linwood’s school cafeteria and as janitorial staff. Linwood operates a donated goods store where a number of the adults in our program work in a supported and competitive employment arena with their non-disabled peers. For those who are unable to work competitively, Linwood’s store provides a training site and a supportive environment where skill development and positive behavioral supports are the mainstay.

Our program participants, like all individuals with disabilities, deserve the opportunity and have the right to work in an integrated environment with their non-disabled peers. Due to the limits imposed by their disability, competitive employment is not currently an option for many of these individuals, however, we have demonstrated that by providing a structured and supportive work environment, they can engage in productive work. Furthermore, through their participation in this program, they are developing employment skills and social skills, hence competitive and cooperative opportunities are becoming a probable reality for them in the near future.