EMPLOYMENT FIRST
Employment First is the new emphasis for individuals with disabilities served by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities. While there has been some controversy and discussion about their stance that “all people are presumed able to work,” there has also been some positive momentum in our communities to recognize the contribution of people with disabilities who can contribute both in a job and in other ways.
Downsize Farm has always been a positive culture for people to be the best that they can be, taking as much responsibility for themselves as they possibly can. Downsize programs and staff focus on relationship skills, which transfer to any venue. DF has always been an active program, offering a variety of skill-building activities that encourage participation in the community. This emphasis on community has included a focus on employment, which has evolved to paid job opportunities for our people.
As many clients at DF sought jobs in the community, DF realized that this is a great service we have provided to our people – helping them develop the attitudes and soft skills required to be valued employees in the community. DF began to create an employment focus that starts at the Farm and in many cases, leads to integrated community employment. The Just Right Jobs program was born as we developed a process and pathway to help individuals ‘learn to earn.’
The Farm is the first step in the process, where individuals practice self-determination, explore and make their life desires known, and practice soft-skills in an enthusiastic, affirming environment. Some people have retired or do not choose to work and they also benefit from this robust and active program which ensures that all clients are in community activities multiple times weekly.
But DF has a whole-life viewpoint – an individual’s personal satisfaction and value includes more than just his job. Our Live, Love, Laugh, Learn and Leave a Legacy philosophy applies to all our individuals. To us, Employment First is not an ‘either or’ proposition, but a ‘both/ and’ – Employment First does not mean employment only. We will help people find community jobs and life-building activities in all our locations!
Downsize Farm has always been a positive culture for people to be the best that they can be, taking as much responsibility for themselves as they possibly can. Downsize programs and staff focus on relationship skills, which transfer to any venue. DF has always been an active program, offering a variety of skill-building activities that encourage participation in the community. This emphasis on community has included a focus on employment, which has evolved to paid job opportunities for our people.
As many clients at DF sought jobs in the community, DF realized that this is a great service we have provided to our people – helping them develop the attitudes and soft skills required to be valued employees in the community. DF began to create an employment focus that starts at the Farm and in many cases, leads to integrated community employment. The Just Right Jobs program was born as we developed a process and pathway to help individuals ‘learn to earn.’
The Farm is the first step in the process, where individuals practice self-determination, explore and make their life desires known, and practice soft-skills in an enthusiastic, affirming environment. Some people have retired or do not choose to work and they also benefit from this robust and active program which ensures that all clients are in community activities multiple times weekly.
But DF has a whole-life viewpoint – an individual’s personal satisfaction and value includes more than just his job. Our Live, Love, Laugh, Learn and Leave a Legacy philosophy applies to all our individuals. To us, Employment First is not an ‘either or’ proposition, but a ‘both/ and’ – Employment First does not mean employment only. We will help people find community jobs and life-building activities in all our locations!
