Our Programs

Great programs for the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) community, such as those offered by Ability Counts, are crucial in fostering independence, self-worth, and social inclusion. Employment programs provided by Ability Counts create meaningful work opportunities, enabling individuals to contribute to society, gain financial independence, and develop a sense of purpose. Their community integration training helps individuals with IDD navigate and participate in their communities more effectively, promoting social connections, reducing isolation, and enhancing overall quality of life. Together, these programs support the empowerment and inclusion of individuals with IDD, allowing them to lead fulfilling and integrated lives.

“Empowering yourself with the skills and support you need to succeed here at Ability Counts. Join our program and discover your potential.”

-Amanda Rivera, Community Employment Program Manager

“Being a part of the Ability Counts team has been an incredible experience for me and making a positive impact on the lives of others is truly rewarding. Inclusion is the key to unlocking potential, transforming lives, and building stronger communities.”

-LaRae Cupp, Community Integration Training Program Manager

Community Integration Program (CIT)

Our CIT Program is designed to empower participants with the skills they need to thrive in the workplace and engage meaningfully with their communities.

Participants will receive hands-on training in various vocational skills, tailored to their interests and abilities, helping them gain confidence and competence in a supportive environment. We also emphasize the importance of social skills, providing opportunities for participants to interact with peers, mentors, and community members, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion.

Our dedicated team is committed to creating a positive and enriching experience for all participants. We believe that everyone has unique strengths and potential, and our goal is to help each individual achieve their personal and professional aspirations. Through a combination of classroom instruction, practical experience, and community engagement, we aim to build a foundation for lifelong learning and growth.

- Community-based recreation and social opportunities: Trips to museums, local shopping centers, libraries, community events, and use of public transportation.
- Recreational and leisure skills: Arts and crafts, music, and field trips.
- Basic nutrition training: Menu planning, meal preparation, and reading and understanding nutrition labels.
- Exploring and participating in self-care and self-advocacy activities and interests of their own choosing: Personal hygiene, grooming, researching advocacy agencies, and advocating for oneself.
- Learning to gain greater independence in activities of daily living: Money management, using public transportation, personal care, shopping, and technology use.
Ongoing participation. ➢ Ongoing assessments. ➢ Ongoing training. ➢ Ongoing exploration of community services and community‐based recreational activities. ➢ Practical demonstrations. ➢ Individualized training techniques and individualized assessments ➢ Coaching/Mentoring ➢ Group instructions, demonstration, discussions, and tutorials.
Each program participant will learn the following:
➢ Employment training ➢ Community Integration ➢ Self-advocacy ➢ Self-sufficiency and Self-Care➢ Achieve IPP objectives ➢ Communicate effectively ➢ Health and safety

Group Supported Employment (GSE)

Our Group Supported Employment Program is dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) by providing meaningful employment opportunities. Our mission is to create an inclusive workforce where every individual can thrive, contribute, and grow.

For group placement, we create supported work environments where participants can work together as a team, fostering camaraderie and mutual support while gaining valuable work experience.

We are committed to providing comprehensive support throughout the employment journey. This includes job coaching, skills training, and on-the-job support to help participants succeed and excel in their roles. Our goal is not only to secure employment but also to ensure long-term job retention and career development.

- Job training: GSE programs provide training for competitive employment, focusing on job-specific skills and readiness.
- Onsite support: GSE participants receive continuous support from a dedicated Job Coach at the community-based job site.
- Work environment: GSE participants work in a structured work environment designed to support success and growth.
- Career development: GSE programs use assessments to determine the individual's work abilities, interests, and stamina, helping shape career pathways.
- Workplace behavior coaching: Helping individuals understand and follow workplace norms and communication protocols.
- Skill development: Focusing on both job-specific and general workplace skills to foster long-term success.
- Regular progress evaluations: Monitoring individual progress and setting improvement goals.
- Advocacy and liaison services: Acting as a liaison between employees and employers to ensure appropriate accommodations and support.
Custodial ➢ Landscape ➢Packaging and Assembly ➢ Food Service ➢ Retail ➢ Clerical➢ Warehouse Operations
- Increased Employment Rates: Consumers are likely to secure and maintain competitive employment in community settings.
- Skill Development: Consumers will acquire both job-specific and transferable skills that enhance their employability and performance.
- Improved Job Retention: With ongoing support and training, consumers are expected to demonstrate higher rates of job retention.
- Enhanced Independence: Consumers will gain greater independence in their daily lives, leading to improved self-sufficiency.
- Positive Work Habits: Individuals will develop essential work habits, such as punctuality, responsibility, and effective teamwork.
- Increased Confidence: Consumers may experience boosted self-esteem and confidence through successful work experiences.
- Career Advancement Opportunities: Individuals will identify pathways for career advancement and professional growth based on their interests and abilities.
- Community Integration: Consumers will become more integrated into their communities, fostering social connections and networks.
- Advocacy Skills: Individuals will learn to advocate for their needs and rights in the workplace and beyond.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Improved economic stability and social engagement will contribute to a better overall quality of life for consumers.

Individual Placement and Support (IPS)

In our IP program, Ability Counts works closely with each participant to identify their unique skills, interests, and career goals. Our team then collaborates with local businesses to find suitable job opportunities, ensuring that each position aligns with the participant's strengths and aspirations.

The goal of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is to help people find and keep competitive employment.

- Personalized Job Matching: Identifying job opportunities that align with the consumer’s skills, interests, and career goals.
- Job Readiness Training: Providing training on resume writing, interview preparation, and job search strategies to enhance employability.
- On-the-Job Training: Offering direct support and guidance during the initial phase of employment to help consumers learn their job responsibilities.
- Individualized Support: Tailoring assistance to meet the unique needs of each consumer, ensuring a personalized approach to their employment journey.
- Ongoing Coaching and Feedback: Providing continuous feedback and encouragement to help consumers develop their skills and confidence in the workplace.
- Workplace Behavior Guidance: Educating consumers on workplace etiquette, communication skills, and how to interact effectively with colleagues and supervisors.
- Job Task Modifications: Collaborating with employers to make necessary adjustments to job tasks or environments to accommodate individual needs.
- Increased Employment Opportunities: Access to a wider range of job opportunities tailored to their skills and interests.
- Enhanced Independence: Development of greater independence and self-sufficiency, leading to improved confidence in daily life.
- Increased Income: Employment provides a steady income, reducing reliance on government assistance and enhancing financial stability.
- Improved Self-Esteem and Worth: Securing and maintaining a job boosts self-esteem and sense of self-worth.
- Improved Job Retention: Dedicated support and coaching increase the likelihood of maintaining jobs and succeeding in roles over time.
- Skill Development: Acquisition of both job-specific and transferable skills that enhance employability and adaptability.
- Better Quality of Life: Increased financial stability, social engagement, and sense of purpose contribute to an overall improved quality of life.
- Increased Social Connections: Fostering of social connections through community work, helping consumers build relationships.
- Long-term Career Growth: Identification of pathways for career advancement and professional development, leading to greater job satisfaction.
- The Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach positions obtaining a job as the beginning of the process rather than the final goal. Individuals receive support tailored to their specific job needs, abilities, and interests. ACI Employment Specialists offers assistance to employers in alignment with the individual’s preferences.
  As soon as participants express a desire to work, an ACI Employment Specialist collaborates with the Consumer to identify their strengths, preferences, and abilities. The key factor is the individual’s motivation to work. Anyone with IDD or a disability who is eager to work can benefit from this approach. Whether seeking part-time or full-time employment, the objective is to secure a job that pays at least minimum wage and is competitive.
  Another essential aspect of the IPS model is the integration of the employment services team with the individual’s support team. Relevant information is incorporated into the employment plan, and employment goals are integrated into the individual’s overall support plans.

Adult Work Experience

Our Adult Work Experience Program is a trans-formative initiative designed to empower individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) through hands-on vocational training. Over the course of 100 hours, participants engage in meaningful tasks that not only enhance their skill sets but also build confidence and independence. Our program is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where each participant can thrive, develop professionally, and prepare for future employment opportunities. Join us on this journey towards personal and professional growth, where every effort is valued, and every achievement is celebrated.

The goal of adult work experience is to help participants develop skills and gain work readiness, while also providing real-world experience in a field of interest

- Program Offering: Offers participants the opportunity to explore competitive integrated work experiences in a variety of real time work settings.
- Purpose: Develop and enhance work skills and orientation to work environments.
- Outcome: Intends to provide transferrable skills learned from the experience of working.
- Preparation to Enter the Workforce: Gain exposure to and understanding of the work environment, job responsibilities, and employer expectations to better prepare for future permanent employment.
- Financial Management Skills: Experience receiving pay and managing personal finances.
- Transportation Skills: Experience getting to work through public or private transportation.
- Documentation Support: Assisting with completing necessary employment documents.
- Job Matching: Identifying job opportunities that align with the consumer’s skills, interests, and career goals.
- Job Seeking Skills: Providing training on resume writing, interview preparation, and job search strategies to enhance employability.
- Direct Support: Offering direct support and guidance during the initial phase of employment to help consumers learn their job responsibilities.
- Individualized Support: Tailoring assistance to meet the unique needs of each consumer, ensuring a personalized approach to their employment journey.
- Skill Development: Participants can learn job-related skills and behavioral competencies.
- Career Exploration: Participants can explore potential career options and understand what employers expect.
- Networking: Participants can meet people in their desired industry and build a professional network.
- Real-World Experience: Participants can gain hands-on experience in a workplace setting.
- Confidence: Participants can increase their self-confidence, maturity, and independence.
- Motivation: Participants can become more motivated to continue learning and training.
- Department of Rehabilitation will send Ability Counts, Inc. a referral packet that includes the information needed to address the DOR consumer’s individualized service needs. The packet will include at a minimum: Authorization document, AWE Referral, Cost Worksheet, I-9, Reasonable Accommodation needed, Evaluation Information, PIE or IPP.
- During the Intake meeting, ACI Community Employment Specialist will meet with the Consumer and DOR staff to develop the Individual Service Plan Report.
- DOR staff will provide Ability Counts the authorization for DOR AWE for each work experience that the DOR consumer will participate in. The DOR Consumer can only participate in one work experience at a time.
- The CES will work with AES on completing the appropriate documents for employment and will ensure proper placement.

Consumer Entrance Criteria

Ability Counts maintains an OPEN entrance enrollment format with the following trainee entrance criteria into the Ability Counts employment and training program:

Consumers must be 18 years or older.
Consumers must have a primary diagnosis of developmental disabilities.
Consumers must be able to adequately deal with their own personal needs.
Consumers must have an active interest and motivation to work at ACI.
Consumer’s health must allow involvement of an eight (8) hours work day.
Consumers must be eligible for Regional Center or DOR Services.
Exceptions will be considered on an individual basis.

Exit Criteria

Ability Counts, maintains an OPEN program exit format. Exit from the program may occur when the consumer:

Is not receiving benefit from the program.
Desires to change employment options in a direction which is not offered by ACI.
Displays behaviors that are dangerous to staff or others or which substantially disrupt the program.
Has uncontrolled medical conditions.
Has poor attendance.
Is referred to another agency or program.