People who have a disability are often at a disadvantage at finding meaningful work. Their disability may require that an employer would need to make workplace accommodations to allow them to work, and quite frankly, that bothers a lot of employers. These employers need to watch their “bottom line,” and they may feel that this individual, with limitations of mind and/or body, may be less productive than another applicant. So often the person with the disability will not receive a second look, and that is the way things are. That is not to say that employers who think this way are “bad.” Perhaps, these employers have simply not had an opportunity to realize a great human resource that they are missing.
ProWorks serves many people who are looking for a chance to work. Often the people we serve do not seek employment through the “help wanted” column. The people served, by ProWorks, may lack some of the skills required to hold the “advertised” jobs; they may be able to acquire some of these skills, but some may simply be beyond their ability. For many people with disabilities, ProWorks is able to help them discover what type of work they might like to do or even whether they want to work. This discovery process will include an assessment of their skills and abilities as these relate to a paid work opportunity. We will evaluate whether they will reliably show up for work, and whether their “attitude” towards work will be an asset or a deterrent for them.
Next, we seek businesses that are interested in working with us to provide employment opportunities to persons with disabilities. We sometimes make the initial contact with a business to discuss how we may help them, and sometimes the business will make the initial contact – often to inquire about a specific job that we might be able to do for them. When we work with a company, we ensure that the job will be done correctly. It is a true “business” relationship. ProWorks is the “mortar” that can bond individuals with disabilities and businesses within their community.
ProWorks offers several avenues to meet the “work” needs of our business partners. We are able to complete their project at one of our work sites, or at a site owned by the company. Within their company we can do an individual placement, or if needed, we can develop a “work enclave.” We are always looking to better serve those that seek our assistance; whether that be persons with disabilities or our business partners.
If we can help, please give us a call at (320) 593-6257
