Deaf Employment Supports

WCI’s Deaf Employment/Communitiy Based Day program is a daily (Monday to Friday) service that supports Individuals with a full American Sign Language (ASL) environment, and placement opportunities, such as cleaning at the Newton Boys and Girls Club, cleaning horse stalls at Bear Spot Farm in Acton, shredding paper at law offices in Newton, landscaping and cleaning at various WCI homes. They also pick up donations from Bed, Bath & Beyond, William Sonoma and Talbots. The Deaf Employment Program also volunteers by doing food shopping for two people through the Springwell Program, feeding and cleaning cats homes with the Cat Connection, phone book deliveries and picking up cans and bottles to recycle from companies in Somerville and Waltham.

In conjunction with WCI’s Art Initiative Program, participants have the opportunity to learn the art of jewelry making, including sets of necklaces, earrings and bracelets. These items are sold in various locations in the local area.

The program’s staff, all of whom are fluent in ASL and trained to support Individuals with varying levels of disabilities and challenges provide Individuals with job training, and act as their employment coach, offering advice, support and encouragement. Given not everyone can work full-time, in their downtown, Individuals are afforded the alternative opportunities to have fun and integrate in the community, with WCI providing trips for swimming, visiting libraries, Internet surfing and time spent outdoors.

The Deaf Employment program also has a healthy volunteer component that teaches cooperation, public service and life skills. Some of those opportunities include food shopping through the Springwell program, cleaning and feeding cats through the Cat Connection and recycling discarded bottles and cans.

There are a variety of options for everyone in the program.