SEEC: History & Facts
A new program initiated at OWL, Inc. in 1992 originally was aimed toward helping adolescents and adults with learning difficulties. Specifically it targets individuals with learning disabilities (LD), attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADHD), or any other emotional or neurological disorder. Through the last decade SEEC's focus has been to provide each consumer an individualized plan culminating in successful employment or academic training with accommodations. To better accomplish its goals SEEC moved off site to the present West Jefferson Place location. Since then it has more than doubled in space, staff and community project offerings.
SEEC provides a variety of services to consumers who are referred from third party payers, the Workforce Development Cabinet (Department of Vocational Rehabilitation), or those consumers who pay privately. These services include an evaluation of cognitive and performance areas, learning strategy classes as well as employment services.
In 1998, SEEC initiated a collaborative effort with the Cabinet for Families & Children to provide assessments for individuals enrolled in the Kentucky Works Program. The assessment screens for indications of depression, drug dependence, learning difficulties, domestic violence, and scales for independent behavior based on age and education level. Appropriate referrals for additional services are made including those for supportive services, training and employment.
SEEC met with The Center for Women, Children & Families in an attempt to address those barriers to employment as indicated by the individual assessments. As a result of that team effort, a job readiness component, known as "Ready, Set, Go" was established in December 1999. In addition to the Ready, Set, Go Classes, job training, placement and retention services are also offered by SEEC to individuals enrolled in the Kentucky Works Program.
In June of 2001 SEEC developed a partnership with the Lexington-Fayette Urban League through its Construction Grant. This partnership consists of performing assessments on individuals with a criminal background. Similar assessments to screen for indications of disabilities are also performed for the Community Action Council through a subcontract on a federal grant for non-custodial parents.
SEEC was selected by the National Rehabilitation Association as the recipient of the 2001 NRA Organizational Award. This was in recognition of "...an outstanding record of services and major contributions to the employment of persons with disabilities."
