DESCRIPTORS: people with developmental disabilities, COARC, transition into adult life, individualized plan, internship, counselor.
SYNOPSIS: The authors describe transitional services for people with developmental disabilities provided by a non-profit organization COARC in Columbia County, New York, USA.

Coarc is nonprofit agency in Columbia County, New York, that provides programs and services to over 500 individuals with developmental disabilities, intellectual or physical impairments manifested prior to age 22. A group of concerned parents of children with developmental disabilities established Coarc in 1965, believing that every child deserved a healthy, happy, productive life. The parents worked together to develop services and opportunities for their children to grow into full contributing members of their community.

Beginning with a preschool and summer day camp, Coarc programs expanded as those children became teenagers, then adults. Coarc services now include vocational training, employment and residential options. These services focus on developing individuals’ independence, empowerment and choice in determining the direction of their own lives, with the mission to expand abilities, one person at a time, so individuals experiencing disabilities can achieve their individual goals.

The Coarc School to Work program assists high school students and their families to prepare for the students’ transition into adult life. Professional Coarc Transition Counselors use student participation and feedback to develop community internship placements at local businesses that match the students’ interests and provide experience in different work atmospheres. The counselors mentor and supervise the students one-to-one at the work sites. School to Work student internships and the Transition Counselor supervision are free to community businesses.

The internships are coordinated with each high school’s Committee of Special Education and are scheduled during school hours following the school calendar year. School to Work meets New York State Education Department Learning Standards and the “Coordinated Set of Activities and Measurable Post-Secondary Goals” requirements in each student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Worksite evaluations provide valuable feedback to the schools for Transition Planning in the IEP process. The program is priced within the acceptable prevailing New York State Education rate, providing a cost-effective option for high schools to provide vocational education in the community to students with disabilities for transitioning into competitive employment.

“My experience with the Coarc counselors has been amazing,” stated Steve Everett of Mario’s Home Center, a lumber, hardware and equipment rental center in Valatie, NY. “They take the time to help set up a schedule that works with the student’s skill set and the needs of the business. They work with the student to make sure he or she knows what is asked of them and helps them achieve their job goal with satisfaction!”

Other participating Coarc School to Work businesses include Amanda’s Fireplace, BAC Sales Incorporated, Bean’s Place restaurant, Germantown Highway Department, Germantown Library, Guy’s Automotive, RMG Metalworks, Little Wonders Early Childhood Enrichment Center, NAPA Auto Parts and Pattison, Koskey, Howe & Bucci, CPAs, P.C. The Transition Counselors use an individualized approach to meet employers’ School to Work goals, as well as those of the students, parents and schools, for mutually satisfying internship placements and continued professional relationships with Coarc staff, programs and services.

Coarc is a Columbia County nonprofit organization that expands abilities, one person at a time, so individuals experiencing disabilities can meet their individual goals. Coarc has three different programs dedicated to providing job placements and onsite skills trainings to meet.

Columbia Work Link is a Coarc program that meets area employers’ job needs with qualified workers with disabilities.  Employers pay the workers competitive wages in accordance with the N.Y.S. Department of Labor regulations.  Employers pay no fee to Columbia Work and receive support and services from professional Coarc Employment Trainers who provide the workers with on-site job trainings and skills development. The trainings are individualized to meet the unique needs and goals of each participating worker and employer for mutual employment satisfaction. Additional benefits for employers may include tax and training incentives.
Bill Schwaikert of First Preference Products Corp. stated, “We have enjoyed a long term association with Coarc and value their commitment to supporting persons in their employment with dignity and respect.”

Some other businesses that employ Columbia Work Link workers are Chatham Bowl, Hudson Chatham Winery and Pine Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

The Coarc Work Readiness Initiative places adult workers with disabilities at Columbia County businesses for one or two hours of work each week. The workers are supervised at the work-site by Coarc Direct Support Professionals. Employers pay Coarc $7.25 per hour for a worker and receive the services of the Direct Support Professional supervisor at no added cost, getting two workers for the price of one. Coarc manages payroll and all applicable taxes and insurances. Some examples of job opportunities are farming, data entry, cleaning, retail or office assistant.    

“The program is a wonderful opportunity and is beneficial to the individual, Coarc and the College,” stated Melissa S. Fandozzi, Director of Human Resources at Columbia-Greene Community College, a participating employer who describes the individual as “an absolute delight to have on C-GCC campus!  Her personality radiates the office and she is admired by the campus community. Her goal has been to gain work experience in a community setting. She has done that with so much pride and dedication. What I have enjoyed most is how much she has taught me during her time here. I look forward to working with her again in the fall.”

Coarc Contract Manufacturing offers a full range of services to businesses,  including contracted labour service,  product design and development, assembly and packaging, and fulfillment. Individuals with disabilities work side-by-side with other employees in two air conditioned facilities with a combined space of 62,000 square feet. They are fully equipped with computerized molding equipment and closed loop processing. There are also clean room assembly areas.

Workers with disabilities receive on-the-job training for equipment operation, assembly work and packaging for shipment. Individuals are paid competitive wages and they are matched to jobs that meet their personal interests and goals. Individualized service is also key to Coarc Contract Manufacturing business-to-business customer satisfaction.