Vocational Training Center
The Vocational Training Center at Brian's House Enterprises is a moderate sized facility which assists adults with disabilities in developing skills needed to be placed in or stay in higher level vocational programs and eventually, competitive employment. Clients receive individualized support to ensure successful outcomes to vocational goals. The facility is licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a vocational facility and operates under a Department of Labor Certificate for sheltered shop and client workers.
Who receives services?
BHE serves adults with developmental disabilities, mental retardation, emotional disorders, cerebral palsy, neurological disorders, physical disabilities, and challenging behaviors.
What services do they receive?
The training center, located in Downingtown, PA, operates six hours per day, five days a week, twelve months per year with the exception of legal holidays and staff in-service days. An industrial setting provides individuals the opportunity to work in a supportive environment, earn wages based on productivity, and gain skill acquisition related to subcontracted work. Goals may focus on increasing work tolerance, work quality or quantity, or general work habits. Individuals can work up to 27 ½ hours per week and are paid wages based on Labor and Industry Standards.
What type of work do they do?
Subcontracted work is acquired through various community businesses. Each production task is broken down into simple steps. Based on the individual's ability, one or any number of steps is completed by the individual. Production tasks involve skills such as packaging, assembly, machine operation, counting, sorting, bagging, and clerical and mailing services.
What about funding?
Services are paid for by different sources. The most common is the county Mental Health/Mental Retardation agency. Other funding sources may include families or school districts. For Chester County information, click here.
What about lunches and transportation?
Individuals bring a packed lunch based on their specific dietary needs. A refrigerator and microwave are available to keep items cold or to heat them. Sodas, drinks and snacks are available in a vending machine at a cost of $.50 - $.75. Sharing of food is not permitted due to specific dietary restrictions.
Transportation is provided by residential staff, families, or, if available, Paratransit. Your county MH/MR Supports Coordinator may be of assistance in giving you transportation resources.
What other services are available?
A comprehensive vocational evaluation can be completed which assists each individual to learn about his or her vocational skills, abilities, and interests in order to formulate vocational goals and methods for achieving each goal. The process utilizes standardized lists, work samples, job tryouts in real work situations, and other clinical assessments.
The Job Development portion of the program has Placement Specialists who work in partnership with regional business leaders. A position is located that matches the job seeker's skills, interests and values.
Once a position is secured, the Placement Specialist assists the new employee with the initial stages of work. These stages can include public transportation routes, learning job tasks and routines, establishing natural support from managers and co-workers, and becoming comfortable in the work environment. As the new employee adapts to the job, the Placement Specialist's presence gradually fades. Additional job coaching is available if the need arises.
