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Epilepsy
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Multiple Sclerosis
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Cerebral Palsy
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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
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Learning Disabilities
Who is eligible for EPIC services?
Any individual who has a neurological disability and whose neurological disability hinders them from obtaining employment.
How do I get services?
An individual seeking services should call Mandy Johnson, Operations Manager, 859-233-1900. She will set up an initial meeting between the potential client and Ms. Barbie Slevin, MS CRC EdS , the Director of EPIC. At that meeting Ms. Slevin will go over the referral information brought by the individual or sent by the referral source: that is, medical information stating diagnosis, and/or IEP,etc. which verify the person is eligible for EPIC services. At that point Ms. Slevin decides whether the client needs immediate job placement services or needs training services then placement services and appointments will be made with the appropriate EPIC staff.
What should I expect?
The expectation of learning about ones strengths and building on those, learning strategies in how to organize, communicate and problem solve efficiently and effectively in the workplace, while advocating for self, constructively, are just some of the things a person will learn in the EPIC program. An individual will learn how to write a resume, submit an application, do a mock interview with an employer with the goal of obtaining a job.
The EPIC Project allows SEEC to provide the following services to individuals in the EPIC Program:
Keep in mind that not everyone entering the program will need each service. THE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED ABSOLUTELY FREE OF CHARGE.
Evaluation
Your rehabilitation counselor may ask you to participate in our vocational evaluation services. Vocational testing is provided on an as-needed basis to explore a person's vocational strengths and limitations, interests, and the need for work-related accommodations. The evaluation helps us to make recommendations about appropriate areas of employment and the types of accommodations a person may need to improve success in a work/training environment. Assessments are conducted over an 8-hour period, usually over the course of one or two days, with breaks between tests as needed. Clients unique needs are accommodated in the assessment process, in order to maximize the individual's abilities.
Site-Based Assessment
Site-based assessments allow clients to explore their job interests by participating in a short-term working/shadowing experience in a position in which they have an interest. This allows the evaluator to identify clients' abilities, as well as any barriers the client may come across in a work environment. The evaluator will discuss their recommendations about the client's job choice, helpful modifications or accommodations, including adaptive equipment, as well as strategies to make sure the client is successful in future jobs. Clients will participate for a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 30 hours (amount of time differs depending on outcomes of previous assessments and needs of the client).
Job Readiness Classes
Our Job Readiness Classes provide clients with the chance to develop and enhance interviewing skills, create and/or improve resumes, and increase confidence in the job application process. The classes will also assist the client in determining their job goal, so they may obtain employment that fits their unique strengths. Classes may be taught on an individual or group- basis.
Skill Enhancement & Strategy Classes
Our Skill Enhancement & Strategy Classes is a short-term class designed for persons with learning, attention, and neurological disorders. The goal is to build a healthy understanding of themselves and increase skills for employment. Our Classes have been carefully developed over several years to meet the specific needs of persons with neurological disabilities, and are based on a best-practices approach. Topics include, but are not limited to:
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Your Learning Styles and Strengths
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Dispelling Myths & Introducing Facts About (Dis)abilities - Truth and Myth about neurological disabilities.
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Your Brain and Memory Skills
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Setting Priorities and Goals
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Getting Organized and Managing Time Well
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Disclosing your Disability - How and when to tell an employer about your disability
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Nutrition and Physical Fitness - It's importance in staying healthy and happy
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Coping and Communication - How to deal with problems and tell people about them
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Technological Accommodations - Equipment to make it easier to learn or do a job
Job Placement Services*
EPIC will provide services to help people get and keep a job. These services are designed to meet the individual abilities, needs, and interests of each person, Services may include:
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Job Application Assistance
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Interviewing Skills/Practice
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Problem Solving & Coping Skills
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Starting & Organizing Job Searches
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Job Placement
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Work Accommodations/Job Modifications
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Employer/Employee Communication
* SEEC provides a $100 bonus to any EPIC client who stays on-the-job for a period of 90-days.
Job Coaching
A job coach is provided when an individual requires more involved training at the job site than the employer would typically provide. The job coach is there to help the client effectively learn the new tasks associated with the job, and to make sure the job is done right and as fast as possible. As the client is able to succeed on his or her own, and everybody involved is happy with the work that is being done, the job coach moves out of the employment situation.
Follow-Up Support
SEEC will continue to contact you for the first year after successful employment, to see if you need any further supportive services after you have completed the EPIC Program
Please keep in mind that not everyone will need every service listed above. THERE IS NO CHARGE FOR ANY SERVICE, EVERYTHING IS PROVIDED AT ABSOLUTELY NO COST.