PROVIDING PURPOSE
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
From group and individual employment to specialized training in culinary arts, retail, landscaping, and more, we empower people with IDD to thrive in the workforce. Through partnerships with local businesses, we create meaningful opportunities that benefit both employees and employers.
OUR PROGRAMS
Did you know... It’s estimated that as many as 8 million Americans — approximately 3% of the population — have Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). People with IDD are eager to find jobs and be supporting members of their communities, yet nine out of ten adults with IDD remain unemployed.
The Arc ECT offers a wide range of employment programming, training and job placement services for people with IDD. We work with dozens of local businesses to provide them with the perfect job candidate, tailoring the opportunities to address each person’s needs and goals with the needs of the employer. Our programs include:
• Individual and group employment placement and worksite support.
• Life skills, job readiness and self-advocacy trainings, and more.
• Career-specific programs in culinary arts, retail, landscaping, and hospitality/cleaning.
• Micro-enterprises that offer real-world experience that translates to competitive employment with area businesses.
Our employees learn specialized skills that make them stand out from the average worker and increase their marketability.
• 35 Group Supported Employment (GSE) Participants are employed at an average of 15-20 hours per week.
• 10 Individual Supported Employment (ISE) Participants are employed at an average of 20 hours per week.
• 2 Participants in the School to Work Transition (SWT) Program and 9 Participants in the Pre-vocational/Transitional Employment Program are employed at an average of 15-20 hours per week.
• All employed participants earn at least the Connecticut minimum hourly wage.
OUR EMPLOYMENT PARTNERS
The Arc ECT is proud to partner with employers committed to Real Work for Real Pay, providing the minimum hourly wage or higher.
• Mohegan Sun
• Walmart Putnam
• Stop & Shop Groton
• Stop & Shop Waterford
• State of Connecticut (Camp Harkness)
• Flander's Fish Market
• CW Resources
• FLEET Reserve Association
MICRO-ENTERPRISES
Paying jobs help empower people with IDD to live independently and equally in our communities. In addition to the job training at our facilities and employers, we also offer unique employment opportunities and training through our three micro-enterprises: The Cookie Factory, The Emporium Thrift Store, and Donation Station bottle-and-can redemption center (all located at 22 CT-171, Woodstock, CT 06281).
BECOME AN EMPLOYER
Hiring a person with IDD could be the best decision any employer makes. Employers gain highly motivated employees, build a diverse culture that attracts/welcomes other employees and customers, and perhaps best of all, they earn customer respect and satisfaction.
HOW WE SUPPORT YOU
The Arc ECT provides a team of employment specialists to assist companies in eastern Connecticut recruit, hire, and retain quality people for full- and part-time employment. As a supported employment provider with a full-time job-development component, we have a proven approach, specializing in matching employers with qualified individuals.
Employers who hire people with IDD can take advantage of a variety of tax credits and incentives; consult with your accountant or financial advisor.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
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Inclusion in the Workplace: Employing People with Disabilities
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EARN: Employer Assistance and Resource Network
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CT Department of Labor: Disability Resources for Employers
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Job Accommodation Network: Guidance on Workplace Accommodations