COMMUNITY VOCATIONAL SERVICES (CVS)

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Community Vocational Services is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation located in Rhode Island doing business in Connecticut. Started in 1991, Community Vocational Services receives all of its funding from the State of Connecticut, specifically the Department of Mental Retardation (DMR).

An average of thirty (30) people with developmental disabilities are supported in one of three focus programs.

• Individual Placement (IP) – This program offers Supportive Employment. Supportive Employment is a service that offers on the job training (job coaching). Training requirements vary with each individual and their needs. Job Training Specialists will remain at the job site for as long as necessary. Job Training Specialists also conduct job development, follow up, and support coordination. They work closely with employers, families and/or residential staff to coordinate the vocational developments of each person served.

• Enclave (DSO) – Another day service option is to work at a local company. An enclave is a group of people, usually (5-7), who work at an industry site with a full time supervisor from Community Vocational Services. Individuals in this service model receive regular paychecks. The only difference between the Enclave and IP is that, in Enclave, the company bills Community Vocational Services for payroll while, in IP, the individuals are on the payroll of the company that they work for.

• Community Experience Program (CEP) – CEP is a program option that allows people with disabilities to choose a wide variety of community-based experiences. Individuals in this program have decided that a regular job is not in their best interest. CEP services include volunteerism at local schools, libraries, and senior housing. Meals on Wheels is another option along with friendly visits, programs assisting people with grocery shopping, and many other community-based activities.

• Specialized Supports – There are individuals who require more intensive supports not allowed under the three regular models. For these people DMR refers them to one of our Rhode Island programs that offers such a model. Typically, these services involve nursing, physical or occupational therapy, speech therapy, assistive technology and specialized transportation. All services are individually tailored for each person’s needs, and staffing can be offered as part of a small group or even as one-to-one support.

Currently, Community Vocational Services, Inc., is structuring its own board of directors representing the needs of people from Connecticut.