from RRTC Newsletter, Fall 1994

Natural Supports and the Job Coach: An Unnecessary Dichotomy

Natural Support Resources

The first step in utilizing support options is finding out what type of assistance is available in the community and employment settings. This can be accomplished by becoming familiar with the local community.

Five general types of support option categories have been identified. These include: 1) employer supports, 2) transportation supports, 3) community supports, 4) personal and independent living supports, and 5) recreation and social integration supports. Several examples of different kinds of support options identified within each of these categories are listed below.

1. Employer Supports:

Coworker Mentor

Company Videotape Training

Coworker Training or Monitoring

Company Sponsored Computer Accommodation Program

Employee Assistance Program

Restructurirlg Duties

Scheduling Flexibility

Supervisor Prompting or Monitoring

Job Duty Checklist Provided by Employer

Supervisor and Coworker Advocacy

Employer Counseling

2. Transportation Supports:

Taxi

Riding with a Coworker

Walking

Riding a Bicycle

Driven by Parents

Bus/Public Transportation

3. Community Support:

Cooperative Extension Service (Financial Management)

Independent Living Center

College Students as Peer Mentors/Tutors

State Assistive Technology Systems

Planned Parenthood Courses

Red Cross Safety Courses

YWCA Safety Prevention Courses

Social Security Work Incentive Specialist/Consultant

Auto Club Driving School

Virginia Employment Commission

Community Sponsored Child Care Course

Neighbors

4. Personal and Independent Living Supports:

Counseling (e.g. private counselor)

Purchased Digital Watch, Alarm Clock, etc.

Advocate for Assisting with Housing

Housemates

Community Residential Workers

Purchased Items for Security (e.g. keys, flashlight, reflective

5. Recreation and Social Integration Supports:

Jaycees

YMCA

Neighborhood Community Association

After Work Social Activities with Coworkers

Parks and Recreation Programs

Volunteer at the Local Rescue Squad

Company Sponsored Activities (e.g. bowling)

Linking up with a Friend (e.g., skating, lunch, etc.)

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