Individualized hands-on programming for employment & independence.

An individual on the computer in a Day Program computer lab
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Work gives us meaning. The intellectual and developmental disability community deserves to have this sense of meaning and purpose as well. Employment programming helps make it possible.

WHAT WE DO

Employment provides adults with a reason to get up in the morning, interact with others, and contribute to their community in a meaningful way. Within Heartshare Developmental Disability Services, people receive individualized, hands-on support so that they can develop the skills needed to find and thrive in a job. Through community exposure and diverse communication experiences, we empower individuals to build confidence, feel successful, and engage fully in the world around them.

WHO WE SUPPORT

This program supports adults 18+ with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have OPWDD eligibility and are looking to be employed, or are already employed and need further support.

WHY WE ARE HERE

Employment plays a crucial role in fostering independence, confidence, and a sense of purpose for neurodiverse New Yorkers. It provides opportunities for continuous socialization and community engagement, helping people build meaningful relationships and develop essential life skills.

Our program supports adults in gaining job readiness skills, including travel training to navigate transportation independently, exposure to different workplace environments, and learning various forms of communication. By empowering people to secure and maintain employment, we help them achieve greater self-sufficiency and become active, valued members of their communities.

An individual with a job coach at Trader Joe's.
Our Employment Programs

We offer both Pre-Vocational support for people looking to get more support before joining the workforce, along with Supportive Employment programs for those who are already employed. These programs assist people in travel training and on-site training with a job coach.

Without Walls (WOW)

Build Social Skills Through Volunteering

This program is designed to accommodate people who do not want a traditional site-based program, as well as those who are becoming interested in employment. Program participants meet at a specific location, but then spend the day in the community volunteering, practicing social skills, and taking in the energy of New York City. Individuals from this program can move into our Pre-Vocational program or remain in the program to access the community. 

LOCATION

All corners of New York City

Pre-Vocational

Community-based Job Training‍

Pre-Vocational training is a hands-on and individualized support program to prepare someone for employment. It is designed for people who wish to work and need assistance in determining what they wish to do. Once they've identified a goal job, we work with them to develop the necessary skills to obtain — and then maintain — employment. These programs are entirely community-based and require that the individuals be willing to learn to travel independently in some capacity (walk, access-a-ride, bus, or subway).

LOCATIONS

177 Livingston Street
Brooklyn, New York 11201

Harry Hoffman Day Program
62-12 Northern Blvd.
Woodside, NY 11377(718) 899-2752

Supportive Employment

Individualized Support While on the Job

This sub-program of Employment provides one-on-one job placement skills based on the discovery process, during which we learn a person's strengths, interests, and gifts, as well as their preferred environment to work. We work with employers to customize the position so that it works for both the individual and the business. Once the person is working, we offer continued one-on-one job coaching, so that skills continue to develop and grow.

LOCATIONS

177 Livingston Street
Brooklyn, New York 11201

61-58 Springfield Blvd
Bayside, New York 11364

Harry Hoffman Day Program
62-12 Northern Blvd.
Woodside, NY 11377(718) 899-2752

Relevant Programs

Employment is just one type of program we offer to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Day Programming

Day Programming

Arts & Creativity

Arts & Creativity

Residential, Supportive Apartments

Residential, Supportive Apartments

Get in touch!

You can also reach out to us directly at:
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