AIM’s Employment Specialists help people with all types of disabilities develop the skills needed to succeed in the workplace and find job opportunities that align with their strengths and interests.
Our services include career exploration, work readiness training, community-based work assessments, résumé building, interview skills training, self-advocacy training, assistive technology, job placement services, and job coaching.
We also partner with local businesses to help them recruit, train and retain valuable employees.
AIM’s Employment Services are provided under contract with two state agencies, Adult Career and Continuing Education-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR) and the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).
The wide array of employment services offered by AIM are similar but vary slightly depending on whether a participant is referred by ACCES-VR or OPWDD.
For example, those who receive ACCES-VR services are also eligible for the Peer Services Program. AIM’s Peer Services Coordinator draws from both personal and professional experience to provide core independent living services and remove barriers to employment.
Individuals who receive OPWDD services are eligible for the Employment Training Program, which is a paid internship that can lead to regular employment. OPWDD pays the intern’s wages.
Businesses can benefit greatly from partnering with AIM.
Partnering with AIM makes recruiting easier. Employers gain access to a broader, more diverse talent pool. We work with employers to understand their staffing needs and match them with candidates well suited for the job. The job skills training and pre-screening by AIM makes hiring and onboarding easier. We provide guidance on reasonable accommodations needed for new hires to succeed in the workplace.
We can also improve retention. Our Employment Specialists provide on-the-job training at no cost to the employer. We offer guidance, on-the-job strategies and additional training as needed to workers. We also work with employers to address workplace needs, improve communication and create and environment for success.
Hiring people with disabilities can enhance businesses in many ways. Employers can demonstrate a commitment to equal opportunity hiring. They can build a more inclusive workplace which values different experiences and perspectives. Tax credits and incentives are available for employers who hire people with disabilities.
For more information about receiving employment services through AIM, or about partnering with AIM to hire people with disabilities, contact Taylor Tompkins, Director of Employment Services, at (607) 962-8225.
