Vocational Support Program
General Approach • Range of Activities
General Approach
The Halcyon Center’s Vocational Supports Program is a community based, supported employment, vocational training program which focuses on independence and self-management for adults with disabilities. The Halcyon Center provides a secure and stable learning environment that promotes independent behavioral control, utilizing positive programming, informed choice making, and problem-solution oriented skills training.
The Center’s scheduled activities are designed to help individuals understand their own intrinsic value and abilities. This is accomplished by providing opportunities to practice the day-to-day skills necessary to enhance their independence. While Halcyon focuses on personal growth in the areas of employment and skill acquisition, it also promotes growth developing interpersonal communication, meaningful relationships and involvement in the everyday happenings of the community.
The Halcyon Center employs Positive Programming – we DO NOT use aversive therapy as part of an individual's training. Behavioral needs are addressed using the Relaxation and Imagery training methods developed by Drs. June and Gerry Groden, and the late Dr. Joseph Cautela. These methods focus on an individual's control of their physical and cognitive responses to their own personal stressors. These methods have been found to be effective for ANYONE, not just people with disabilities.
The Halcyon Center believes in promoting to the greatest extent possible, the utilization of natural reinforcement contingencies and incidental learning to help shape pro-social behavior. Each individual learns the skills needed to navigate through their day with as much support as necessary, but without promoting an over reliance on staff. The staff at the Halcyon Center realizes their job is to help people understand the intricacies of day-to-day life, not to be bogged down in incomprehensible programmatic interventions.
Range of Activities
Halcyon’s Vocational Programs are community based – There is no sheltered workshop to attend. The community based programs include part-time work in competitively employed positions, paid positions sponsored by the Halcyon Center, volunteer opportunities for community organizations, and recreational activities. Vocational supports include vocational skills assessment, job identification, job placement and training. Skills associated with successful vocational development are also provided, including social skills, communication, relaxation and imagery training.