GWArc's Employment Services - Business and Industrial Services (BIS) - provide work training and employment for 75-85 people with developmental disabilities each year.  The goal is to maximize each person's independence and inclusion in the community by providing individualized employment training and work skill refinement at small, community-based work sites.
    
Agency-Owned Business

BIS Mailing Services, GWArc's agency owned business, operates from 31 Woodland Road, Waltham. The individuals served require full time staff support, but maintain strong work skills.  The business provides training in an industrial work environment for 15-20 full and part time individuals.  Development of good work habits, support services, and individual career planning are provided to consumers and family members.
    
Supported Employment

GWArc operates four Group Supported Employment sites; three at Brandeis University and one at Bentley College.  This program provides 26 trainees with a minimum wage, community based job that offers full time staff supervision and individual case management.  GWArc also serves participants in an Individual Supported Employment Program.   GWArc develops jobs, assists individuals in applying and interviewing.  After placement, GWArc provides individualized coaching, travel training, case management and a job club to discuss work-related issues.
   
MRC Vocational Services

The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) has chosen GWArc as a qualified agency to deliver a range of vocational services for which they provide funding.  These include: Vocational Evaluation; Work Adjustment Training; Skills Training; Job Support Services; and Supplemental Support Services.
    
Placement

GWArc provides competitive job placement services to approximately 13 adults with developmental disabilities, including assessment, on-the-job training, follow-up, and case management services.  Components are job development, which includes a job bank, job analysis and on-site assessment; job matching; individualized training strategies; job search training; on-going follow-up and supports; and performance evaluation.
    
School to Work Transitions

The Transitions program uses a whole life planning approach to help students aged 13 to 21 face the challenges of moving from school to work and adult life.  Students receive career counseling, vocational training and other support services including: job readiness training, career exploration, work experiences, training and placement, job coaching and travel training.  The program also aids students and their families with benefit eligibility and obtaining funding for adult services.
    
PLUS

The PLUS Program opened on July 1, 2003, at the Blanche I Battaglino Center, 31 Woodland Road, Waltham.  The Program currently serves 20-25 adults from 22 – 65 years, who have moderate to high developmental skills.  PLUS provides each person the opportunity to have a personalized and flexible schedule of work, education, community health and therapeutic services that address their unique needs, desires and circumstances within an appropriate peer group setting.