Pathways to Independence of Central Ohio

Our path to independence has six stops along the way. Our hope is for all individuals with disabilities to feel successful, self-sufficient, and in control of their future. Let us create your pathway to independence.
1. Application
•Intern Application/Questionnaire
•Parent Application/Questionnaire
•Review by Directors

2. Interview
•In-depth meet and greet to get to know client
•10 minutes-2 hours, depending on individual
•Parent/Caregiver present for additional information
•Private ‘interview’/work session
•Tour of facility
•Questions

3. Assessment and Review
•Determine current skills set
•Strengths and Weaknesses
•Identify interests of individual
•Target future employment setting based on interests of individual

4. Training and Internship
•Will train in all aspects of facility to develop a well-rounded employee
•Determine skills needed for job of choice and develop goals
•Obtainable and measureable goals
•3 Leveled Internship

5. Job Placement
•Within the community, with and without support
•Based on interests and skills
•Support based on need
•Full/part time support and fade support when able

6. Reviews and Reports
•Daily, weekly, monthly
•Will be determined by job performance
•Frequent check-in’s to determine independency level and ability to move up in job.
•Will assist in training for new positions or if certain skills have diminished.


Training/ Internship Process
• Weekly rotation through job responsibilities (Bakery, dog center, classroom centered training)
•Internship length will be determined by needs, desires, and skills of individual. Ideal range would be 9-12 months
• Three levels of Internship

Entry Level Intern: Our newest clients will be trained, coached, and taught by a staff member or mentor. They will work closely with another individual to monitor their work and to provide immediate feedback. Entry Level Interns will receive daily reviews (orally with staff member) following their shift and will receive weekly written reports. Clients will move to the next level when ready, on an individual basis.

Senior Level Intern: At this level, Interns will be independent in their job responsibilities but will be in close contact with staff members or with mentors. They will be assigned a mentor that will give them jobs to do within the facility and they will need to check in with them periodically throughout the day on their progress. Senior Level Interns will receive weekly, oral reviews from a staff member on their progress and monthly written reports.

Mentor/Graduate Level Intern: This is the highest level of Intern and will be necessary for individuals to gain the most independence and develop initiative before going out into the job force. During this phase, they will have one or more Entry Level Interns assigned to them who they will mentor with their job functions. They will be in charge of teaching skills and providing feedback to the Entry Level Interns.