Programs

Center-Based Programs
The following programs are based in MVLE’s facilities, but include various community participation and integration activities. Each program area encourages individuals to engage in regular community outreach events, such as community exploration, visits to other MVLE work sites, and lunch outings.

The Center Based programs provide 1:1, 1:4, and 1:8 staff-to-individual support ratios. Individuals in each program area can receive any level of support according to their needs and team consensus but 1:1 support is provided with team and Community Services Board approval on a case by case basis.

Personal Support Services (Developmental)
This program area focuses on enabling the individual served to attain or maintain his or her maximum functional level, while experiencing a meaningful and productive day. In addition, skills or lessons taught in school, therapy sessions and other settings are reinforced. The Day Support Program is greatly enhanced by MVLE's Volunteer Program, which provides regular events such as reading groups, pet therapy, horticulture classes and musical programs.

The following programmatic activities are individualized to meet each person’s assistance, training and supervision needs:

  • Gross Motor/Positioning assistance
  • Communication
  • Socialization
  • Sensory stimulation
  • Horticultural therapy
  • Use of assistive technology
  • Community integration

Community Access
Community Access enables individuals served to complete paid work in the community five times per week for up to four hours per day while also receiving therapeutic support and training services at the centers. Ratios are generally higher in the community to provide additional support, training, and assistance. Jobs performed include flyer and newspaper delivery, grounds keeping and custodial work, and making Scented Floral Products.

Production
Individuals in Production complete contracted mailroom tasks in the centers and experience primarily work-oriented days. This program area also offers an array of support and training services based upon each individual's needs.

Community Based Programs
Everyone knows how challenging the task of finding the right job can be. MVLE considers each individual's strengths, weaknesses and preferences when securing him or her the best possible job match. In addition, we provide the necessary supports to both the individual and the employer to ensure the match continues to be successful.

Community Employment
This program area offers situational assessments, training and supported group employment at community-based work sites within local businesses. One full-time MVLE employee works alongside four to eight individuals at each job site. Support provided includes ongoing training to develop job, social, employability and mobility skills. Indirect assistance is also offered through transportation coordination, employer counseling and advocacy.

MVLE currently operates over 25 locations that focus on the following job opportunities:

  • Housekeeping
  • Janitorial & custodial
  • Property monitors/Grounds maintenance
  • General cleaning
  • Kitchen utility
  • Flyer and newspaper delivery
  • Fast food attendants

Individual Supported Employment
Individual Supported Employment (ISE) provides individuals with assistance in obtaining and retaining employment in the community. Upon acquisition of employment, the types and levels of support provided may be comparable to that of a group supported employment situation, but are decreased or discontinued as the individual becomes more secure in his/her placement. At this time, retention services are available on a periodic, as-needed basis to ensure ongoing successful employment and to nurture natural supports available in the working environment. Such services include on-site visits and phone calls, interviews with on-site personnel, new task or equipment training, and mobility training.

AbilityOne
MVLE provides services to the federal government through the AbilityOne program via supported employment for individuals with disabilities. MVLE was awarded a janitorial cleaning contract in 1993 and has since gained several additional federal contracts through AbilityOne. Each job location includes site supervisors who oversee the work of the individuals performing direct labor tasks for four to eight hours daily. The individuals employed through this program learn new work and socialization skills, gain more confidence and earn among the highest wages at MVLE.