Internship Program Leads to Employment

Transcription

1 Massachusetts Commission For The Blind (MCB) Internship Program Leads to Employment Presented by: Joe Buizon and Kamilia Drogosz, Employment Services Specialists

2 Agency and Internship Program Overview and History Mission: The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) provides the highest quality rehabilitation and social services to individuals who are legally blind, leading to independence and full community participation. Overview of MCB history, services and programs Internship program conceptualized in 2003, interns were placed at MCB in 2004 and the program expanded into the community in 2005 with interns placed across the state

3 Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) Internship Program Early work experience leads to future vocational success Individuals with disabilities often face greater challenges getting that first employment opportunity MCB made it a mission to change that with the internship program

4 The Goal The goal of the MCB internship program is to provide consumers who are legally blind with the opportunity to experience the world of work Employment Services Specialists (internship coordinators) and MCB vocational rehabilitation (VR) counselors collaborate with business partners and MCB consumers Learn by Doing!

5 Key Program Elements Individualized Placement Based on the Needs of the Intern and the Employer Diverse Employer Participants Diverse Intern Participants Entire MCB Team Involvement Public/Private Partnership

6 Internship Program Services Match appropriate and pre-screened interns with employers to meet the employer s needs and to build on the intern s skills and interests Provide the employer and intern with access to qualified MCB staff to maximize the opportunity for a mutually successful endeavor Provide the employer and intern with all necessary support services including education about MCB services and supports, technology evaluations, adaptive equipment, and orientation and mobility training

7 Internship Program Services Provide the employer and employees with in-service trainings Provide the intern with a $1000 stipend Provide follow-up consultation to the employer to address any concerns or employment-related issues Honor the employer and intern with a recognition ceremony

8 The Journey Begins Prior to placing interns with business partners, a kick-off ceremony is coordinated to show support and encouragement for the interns At the opening ceremony, successfully employed consumers present their personal and professional experiences with entering and maintaining their employment in the workforce Business associates, including human resource (HR) representatives, speak about their expectations and give recommendations from an HR and/or employer perspective Disclosure, accommodation requests, travel skills, understanding the work culture, technology and conflict resolution are examples of topics discussed by presenters

9 The Journey Continued Throughout the internship placement, Employment Services Specialists and MCB vocational rehabilitation (VR) counselors monitor the progress of interns via scheduled appointments, telephone calls to the interns and business partners, weekly time logs, and intern performance reviews MCB celebrates the conclusion of the internship program by organizing a closing ceremony, celebrating and acknowledging the involvement of business partners, consumers and staff

10 Celebrating Partnerships Community partners throughout the Commonwealth include: Spaulding Rehabilitation Network Secretary of the Commonwealth State Street Harvard University Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination University of Massachusetts Boston Leaf Employment Services Specialists serve as the main points of contact with internship program business partners and foster the business relationships year-round

11 Everyone Benefits! Employers get enthusiastic, eager, and talented interns Interns have the opportunity to build skills and to explore careers Supervisors and co-workers learn about the abilities of individuals who are legally blind We are developing and diversifying our future workforce!

12 Destiny Abrew My internship has made me grow and gain knowledge in a career that will become my future. It was a gift to work with children! SQUARE 1 DAY CARE

13 Raymond Gay Fun Time, Yet Challenging. Valley Radio Reading

14 Thank you! Q & A