Employment Services

The Arc Quinebaug Valley contracts with the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) and the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to provide employment services to individuals with disabilities. DDS provides services to individuals with developmental disabilities. BRS provides services to individuals with a variety of disabilities, such as physical (except for blindness), cognitive, and psychological.

The Employment Services Department works closely with BRS and DDS individuals to assist them in preparing, finding and maintaining employment that is best suited for their skills, experience, and desires. This is accomplished by providing several different employment services. The services provided are determined by the needs of the individual.  

The services offered by The Arc Quinebaug Valley Employment Services Department are: Job readiness/interview preparedness class, Situational assessment or internship, Job developing/placement, and Job coaching.

The Employment Services Department currently works with DDS participants referred by the Northern Region Dempsey Center and BRS participants referred by vocational rehabilitation counselors from the Danielson, Norwich and Manchester offices. The Arc has recently become an Employment Network (EN) for the SSA Ticket to Work.

Companies that have assessed or hired:

Wal-Mart, Target, Price Chopper, Big Y, McDonald’s, Burger King, Holiday Inn Express, Community Cleaners, Cargill Dealership, Quick Lube Car Wash, River Wash Laundromat, Kohl’s, Line Master Switch, Aubuchon Hardware, Rite Aid, Quality Homemakers, Quinebaug Valley Community College, The Rectory School, NECCOG, and Dunkin Donuts.

The Lowe's Outreach Program

The Arc has been working in conjunction with Lowe's Distribution Center in Plainfield in the development and growth of The Outreach Program. This program provides education and training to individuals with disabilities in the distribution center to assist them in becoming permanent Lowe's Employees.  New Classes begin Quarterly.