JobSource, Opportunity Enterprises’ Community Employment Division, will host an Adaptive Technology Center Open House at its Porter County location, 56 Valparaiso Street in Valparaiso, on Tuesday, April 26 from 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm.
This event is free and open to the public, and will feature demonstrations of adaptations for computers for people with visual, physical and learning limitations, including screen reading, magnification, voice recognition, and head mouse. Other adaptive devices, including portable magnifiers for close up and distance viewing, a reading pen, an audio recording pen, and an IPod for use as a communication device or memory aid will also be demonstrated. For more information about the event, contact Pam White at JobSource – Porter County, 219-510-5330 ext 339.
JobSource recently relocated its Porter County office to the downtown Valparaiso area, which has accommodated agency growth and added to the agency’s visibility in the community.
"This move has put us in the heart of the community, and has positioned us to serve even more adults in our community with disabilities," shares Kathie Savich, Director of JobSource.
The new location on Valparaiso Street has also allowed the office to add The Adaptive Technology Center to its facility, which displays adaptive devices ranging from low-tech gadgets that assist individuals with daily living skills, to fully touch- and voice-activated computer equipment. An entire section of the office is devoted to adaptive technology training, complete with several fully accessibly computer work stations and a display of adaptive home care aids supplied by Walgreens Home Health.
Pam White, Assistive Technology Professional for JobSource, oversees the center and trains professionals who have experienced loss of function through injury or illness, including those who have had a change in vision or loss of limb that requires them to relearn how to perform their jobs, as well as Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury needing various devices to assist with daily living skills. “I can work with nearly anyone of any ability to achieve as much independence as is possible in their homes or workplace. This adds such a level of quality to their lives,” says White.
JobSource works with adults with physical, emotional, and/or developmental disabilities, assisting them with job development, placement, training, and retention, and has more than 20 years of experience placing and supporting qualified individuals with disabilities in community employment. Despite the downturn in the economy, JobSource has maintained a 95% job retention rate throughout the past year.
“Our team of Employment Consultants and Job Coaches are committed to working with both the employer and employee to ensure success,” says Savich. “We work closely with Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to provide men and women with disabilities employment placement services, as well as adaptive technology assessments and training.”
The entire program is focused around achieving independence and becoming a contributing member of society.
“When individuals with disabilities find meaningful employment, they discover a purpose in life, they pay taxes, they spend money in our local economy—everyone wins,” says Savich.
For additional information regarding Opportunity Enterprises’ JobSource Program, please visit www.oppent.org.
Since 1967, OE has been a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with disabilities by providing exceptional support and creating meaningful opportunities that allow its consumers to serve as an inspiration to the community. For more information, visit www.oppent.org.