AccessAbility’s mission is to provide opportunities for self-sufficiency for people with barriers to employment and community inclusion.
The Extended Employment Program offers supported employment for individuals with severe mental health conditions, physical disabilities, or significant economic, academic, or social barriers.
To qualify, individuals must face challenges in at least 3 of the following 7 areas: communication, self-care, interpersonal relationships, work tolerance, self-direction, work skills, and mobility.
Career Planning, Job Placement, and Long Term Support
Extended Employment helps individuals find and maintain competitive, community-based jobs that align with their skills and interests. Using person-centered planning, we create a personalized Employment Support Plan that includes training and support for long-term job success. Ongoing follow-up services are provided after training to promote independence, with case managers offering continued support based on each person’s needs and preferences.
Employment Related Services
AccessAbility’s job development and support services are accredited by the International Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Click below to learn more about each of our services.
Employment Planning Services (EPS)
An individualized service designed to assist persons served in seeking employment, learning about employment opportunities within the community, and identifying their work interests and skills to make informed decisions.
Employee Development Services (EDS)
This service uses real or simulated work situations to assist in understanding the meaning, value, and demands of work, learning or reestablishing skills, attitudes, and work behaviors, and developing physical or mental capacities to achieve positive employment outcomes.
Job Development & Placement Services
Placement staff assists persons served in the development and implementation of an individualized employment plan. The plan includes job interest development, creating or updating a resume, job search skills, interviewing skills, employer interactions, job placement, job training, and follow-up services for the first 90 days to ensure success on the job.
Job Coaching
When employment is secured, job coaching is offered to assist individuals receiving services with short-term on the job training to monitor progress and ensure success in the workplace. Job analysis, consultation, and work-site recommendations are provided by the job coach as necessary.
Follow-Up Support Services
Upon completion of job coaching services, ongoing follow-up services may continue to be provided by a case manager from AccessAbility for as long as the employer and the individual receiving services desires.
Extended Employment Success Story
Sean began services with AccessAbility in 2014 as he started a new job at Maplewood Best Buy in the television department. Sean moved a few times throughout the store in different positions, in each gaining new strengths for later use.
During this time Sean needed a few accommodations such as limited customer service contact and answering phones. Sean cashiered, worked in the gaming department, and worked in the warehouse loading and unloading product from trucks.
Over the last 5 years Sean was transferred from Maplewood to the Eden Prairie Outlet, to the North Town Outlet, and now to the Maple Grove Store. He is now in a SWAT (Sell Whats Available Now) Specialist position.
Sean continues to strive towards a corporate position within Best Buy down the road, but for now, he knows he is headed in the right direction.
