John McGee Day Options

The John McGee Day Options offers a facility based day program for Adults with Developmental Disabilities who require support in understanding and developing habits they require to prepare for community integration in a variety of roles.

This is accomplished through facility-based work opportunities and classroom learning designed to support individuals in acquiring work experience and transferable skills appropriate for the workforce and/or community based outcomes, such as volunteerism.

Individuals learn the importance of transferable skills and attitudes that are necessary for successful participation in the community. A series of educational and work opportunities support each individual in successfully identifying and achieving community-based goals in a variety of social roles including competitive employment.

Skills may include but are not limited to:

Attendance
Punctuality
Teamwork
Communication Skills
Following instructions /Seeking Clarification
Health & Wellness Management
Work Safety
Productivity

By partnering with Excel's John McGee Day Options Program, businesses can become a Contract Supplier and contribute to training opportunities for individuals with disabilities who are preparing to enter the world of work.

Examples of contracts:

• Assemble flyers/ handbooks/packages/ and or envelopes
• Stuffing envelopes with various literature
• Clean parts, signs (e.g. WHMIS)
• Assemble hardware, or any product for packaging
• Put together first aid kits, or other similar kits
• Assemble displays for Marketing or Packaging
• Transfer Bulk Liquids or Solids to smaller containers, and apply labelling
• Assemble pre-packaged food or like packages for retail sale
• Do packaging of CD's or Tapes
• Sewing, or Mending of Clothing or Linens
• Placing / Removing price tags or stickers on products
• Put together Jewellery Items for Craft sales or Retail

Who Participates?

Adults with Developmental Disabilities who are seeking opportunities for Work Experience and /or Competitive Employment yet require minimal supports to be successful at work.

Employers from the Community who are seeking reliable, employees to complete tasks that benefit the overall business operations.

What is a Supported Employment Placement?

Supported Employment is an approach to assisting individuals with disabilities to prepare for, obtain and maintain integrated, community-based, and paid employment. A variety of supports are tailored to meet the needs of the individual and their employer to ensure a successful partnership. Employment is defined as an Employer- employee relationship or self-employment as per Alberta Labor Standards.

What are the Benefits of Becoming a Supportive Employer?

An Individual will have completed a 1-4 week assessment of their basic work skills and may have developed those skills and other occupational skills following the completion of this assessment and are ready to search for competitive employment in their communities.

A Community Support Worker is then assigned to assist the individual in determining how best to proceed with securing employment.

A Community Support Worker will:

• Ensure that the individual has an up to date resume
• Ensure that any barriers to employment are addressed prior to beginning an active job search / or placement
• Ensure that the Job Search Plan incorporates strategies to identify Job Compatibility in relation to skills offered / position sought
• Is available to schedule and attend potential Interviews if required
• Support the individual in seeking Job Shadow / Work Experience opportunities
• Will provide Training-on-Job and/or support both employer and individual in developing strategies for successful employment
• Will provide Follow-up supports for a period of 12 months to address any concerns or changes / related training requirements with job expectations