What can Living Unlimited do for YOU? Learn more about Vocational Rehabilitation services.

Vocational Evaluations

Living Unlimited provides two formats for our vocational evaluation.  The McCarron-Dial evaluation is standardized and allows for the exploration of vocational potential, strengths and aptitude.  Community Based Work Assessments are individualized and allow for real work experiences that will provide insight into interests and potential for specific positions.  If interested, you can chose which one is best for you.

McCarron-Dial Evaluation

This evaluation helps to predict a person's skills for work,  school and community integration.  Based upon standardized scores a person has various vocational programming options identified and can use the results to determine which vocational field is best suited to their abilities.  The evaluation can be done in a variety of settings including schools, community office and residential facilities.  Evaluations are administered, scored and interpreted by certified vocational evaluators.

Community Based Work Assessment

A Community Based Work Assessment is a trial work experience for individuals who are unsure about their vocational interests and skills.  Individuals complete assessments in real work settings with employers in their community.  Rehabilitation Specialists from Living Unlimited provide constant on-site support.  The assessment includes evaluation of work behaviors, interpersonal skills, work site integration, work skills, and necessary support for work.

Employers do not pay for any work performed by the individual or the employment specialist.

On-site Support is provided...
Rehabilitation Specialists are present during the entire assessment.  They are usually completed in two to three half days and require minimal time from the employer.  The Specialist also assures the completion of job duties in the time allotted and at the level of quality required by the employer.

Evaluation to Placement...
If a job opening exists, Community Based Work Assessments provide an opportunity for employers to evaluate worker potential before making a commitment to hire.  There is also an opportunity for the candidate to determine if the work is appropriate for him or her.  The assessments provide a no-risk trial for both the candidate and the employer to make a good hiring decision.

Job Development and Placement

Each person who comes to Living Unlimited for employment assistance will work with a Rehabilitation Specialist in a 1:1 situation.

Together, appropriate employers will be identified and contacted to identify potential positions and opportunities.   When opportunities are present, the Rehabilitation Specialist will assist with application completion, interview preparation and identification of job requirements and how the person skills will meet those requirements.  Once offered employment, the Specialist will assist the client with initial employment paperwork, identification of the work schedule and will assist the employer with tax credit information.

Job Training/Coaching

From the first day of work, the Rehabilitation Specialists from Living Unlimited provide on-site training for the new employee.  The training and coaching assures that the work is completed to the satisfaction of the employer.  We assure that tasks are completed at an acceptable level of productivity.  Training will continue until the new employee is able to independently complete all duties to company standards.  We provide information to the employers about the special needs of the new employee.

In addition to learning new tasks, it is important the employee feel accepted in the new workplace.  Specialists help the new employee by introducing the individual to work peers, helping them with time cards, locating break and lunch facilities and helping them to learn their way around the work site.

Continued Support

After on-site training is complete, Living Unlimited will continue to offer on-going support to the employer and employee to ensure continued job performance and success.

VCAP is the Vocational and Community Adjustment Program.  It is a structured treatment program.  The purpose of VCAP is to help participants recognize, accept, and adapt to challenges, and achieve vocational and life skills goals.  It includes activities using music, peer support,  work related strategies, and skill training and development.

VCAP Schedule
Sessions are held once a week and are structured similar to a workday.  Transportation is provided in efforts to prepare for and review the weekly topics and activities.  The schedule includes:

Teaching/Therapy Sessions
    To develop strategies to maximize skills
Vocational Skills/Applications
    To apply strategies to the work and community environment
Structured Lunch/Breaks
    To practice social and related skills

The VCAP Team...

The staff of Living Unlimited take a team approach to the group day program, working together to ensure high quality services.
The team consists of:

Participants attend and participate in weekly sessions to work toward goals, as well as provide input and feedback for individual programming.

Music Therapists plan and lead therapy activities to guide participant's progress toward individuals goals.  Music therapists are used to help promote the music activities and to ensure understanding of how activities relate to vocational skills.

Rehabilitation Specialists facilitate participant's work toward goals through individualized support, encouragement, and feedback.

Case Managers ensure overall administration of the VCAP day.

VCAP is for...

• Persons with mental health issues
• Persons with acquired disabilities: Traumatic Brain Injury, Anoxic Brain Injury, Stroke, Spinal Cord Injury, etc. 
•  Persons with developmental disabilities: Mental Retardation, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Learning Disabilities, Attention Deficit Disorder, Sensory Impairments, Spina Bifida, etc.

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Contact the Living Unlimited Regional/Program Managers

If you have any questions or are interested in services, please contact:

Zinah Husam                                             Alison McClure                                           Matt Dewey
North Regional Manager                          South Regional Manager                           Program Manager   
(570) 601-1630                                           (717) 526-2111                                             (570)709-7310
zhusam@living-unlimitedinc.com               amcclure@living-unlimitedinc.com               mdewey@living-unlimitedinc.com