Entry: Job Training for Adults With Disabilities

You or your loved one will undergo training and gain valuable work experience in a real business within our local community.

The program uses on-site experience and classroom instruction to build knowledge, skills, experience and confidence. And it’s really fun. Participation in this hands-on program will move you or your loved one closer to independent employment.

This isn’t just any old job training for adults with disabilities — we used our 70 years of experience to make the program engaging, enjoyable and highly effective.

Program participants take on paid work in a local business for six to twelve months. Working under experienced mentors and trainers, you will learn more than just the nuts and bolts of your chosen workplace and profession.

The program teaches you lifelong skills that will help you live a more empowered, independent and enjoyable life.

You will gain experience working in a team, using your colleagues to help you solve problems if you can’t find the solution by yourself. You’ll learn how to communicate effectively, manage your time and resolve conflicts. You will be taught the skills and strategies to become organized, dependable, patient and flexible. You’ll become adaptable, adjusting to unplanned changes when required.

You’ll finish up as a model employee — and a self-starting community member.

By the end of the program, we will have determined the next steps towards independent community employment.

Success story: Xavier

Xavier started training with the Entry program at Fletcher Jones Imports in November. He primarily works in the car wash area, where he dries cars exiting the wash tunnel, cleans door jambs, and vacuums the interiors. He is also responsible for folding towels for the car wash attendants.

Going above and beyond, Xavier takes the initiative to sweep the car wash areas and empty the trash. He has shown great enthusiasm, quickly learned his tasks, and is always willing to take on any assigned duties.

Welcome to the Entry program, Xavier!

While training at the community partner’s workplace, program participants receive individualized instruction, job coaching, and paid work experience. We support participants in becoming effective and successful team members.

At the end of the program, participants will:

• Be more adaptable, patient and flexible
• Know how to be organized and dependable
• Be able to work well within a team.

And they will gain experience in:

• Problem solving
• Effective communication
• Time management
• Conflict resolution.

Entry is highly effective on-the-job training for adults with disabilities that is also engaging and enjoyable. Have a fantastic time while you gain valuable real-world experience and learn with personalized training. Become confident, skilled, and more independent.

Entry is only possible with collaboration between Opportunity Village, the Desert Regional Center, and our community business partners.

While every person’s situation is unique, there are some basic requirements to receive services at Opportunity Village.

1. You must have a Document of Disability (DOD) from a family physician.
2. You must be at least 21 years of age.

Each individual will undergo an intake assessment to determine the appropriate funding level and program placement. Financial obligation varies by program and available funding sources. All individuals seeking program placement will also be referred to the Desert Regional Center (DRC) or the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Would you like to enroll in the program or participate as an employer?

We’d love to hear from you. Please inquire below.