With more than 25 years experience, The Arc of Spokane is well-qualified to provide employment services for people with developmental disabilities through Washington's Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) and the Division of Vocational Rehablitation (DVR). Our programs develop employment opportunities for individuals or in a group setting. We also help people build marketable job skills. We provide:
• Skill and interest assessment
• Resume development
• Interview preparation
• Job placement
• Job coaching
• Training and support for employers
• Career development planning
Our Supported Employment program offers three levels of support:
INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYMENT
Hundreds of people with developmental disabilities go to work every day in offices, stores and restaraunts throughtout Spokane. They're capable, hardworking employees who take pride in their abilities. Our Individual Employment program matches people with developmental disabilities to jobs in the communty that fit their needs and abilities, ensuring the success of both employee and employer by providing close support and training when necessary.
To participate in Individual Employment, candidates must be approved for funding from Washington's Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) or the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). Contact your DDD or DVR case manager for more information about the approval process.
If you have been approved for funding through either DDD or DVR and would like to participate in our Individual Employment program, contact Les Nipp at (509) 328-6326 or lnipp@arc-spokane.org.
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GROUP SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT
Group Supported Employment (GSE) provides employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities who are more comfortable working in a group setting. Local businesses provide the opportunity, and The Arc provides on-site managers who ensure productivity and safety while encouraging skill development. Our group enclaves have been an important part of the success of 
numerous local businesses, including Avista Utilities, Johanna Beverage and Mirabeau Park Hotel.
To participate in GSE, candidates must be approved for funding from Washington's Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). Contact your DDD case manager for more information about the approval process.
To learn more about The Arc's GSE program, contact Scott Malone at (509) 328-6326 or smalone@arc-spokane.org.
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PERSON TO PERSON
This program provides meaningful work experience for adults with developmental disabilities who may not yet have the skills necessary for a full or part-time job. Person to Person matches an individuals interests, needs and abilities to task-specific activities in the community that help build marketable job skills.
To participate in Person to Person, candidates must be approved for funding from Washington's Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). Contact your DDD case manager about the approval process. To learn more about Person to Person, contact Les Nipp at (509) 328-6326 or lnipp@arc-spokane.org.
Because of program changes, Person to Person will not be enrolling new clients after July 1, 2011. After that date, job skills enhancement activities will be offered through out Individual Employment program.
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SUCCESS STORIES
Group Employment
In 1989 The Arc of Spokane began working with Avista Utilities to identify employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. A few year later this collaborative effort created Investment Recovery, a group enclave that employs people with developmental disabilities on the Avista Utilities property in Spokane. For many years Avista simply discarded electrical components once they became worn out or damaged. Now, however, 17 employees of The Arc's Investment Recovery program dismantle them, processing their valuable metals for recycling. Each year about 500 tons of metal and wire, and 100,000 tons of paper are processed for recycling by these workers, generating well over $1 million annually in realized savings and revenue for Avista Utilities.
Person to Person
Carmen is a constituent of The Arc's Person to Person program. She loves her job as a noon aide at Hamblen Elementary, where she helps students resolve conflicts in the school's "Solutions Room." When an in-home accident left Carmen severely injured, she refused to let the enormous challenge of recovery get the best of her. Through multiple reconstructive surgeries and months of painful convalescence, Carmen's determination and unfailing positive attitude never faltered. Today, she's back at Hamblen Elementary, helping students overcome life's challenges. There isn't anyone better suited for the job.
