Vocational Programs

The agency offers vocational programs in sheltered workshops in Dubuque and Manchester, Iowa. Other options are also available throughout the community in Dubuque, Dyersville, and Manchester based on the needs and desires of every individual who accesses the agency’s services.

Sheltered Employment

Subcontract work is one of a number of training tools utilized in which workers with disabilities perform job tasks with assistance and supervision from agency staff.  Behavioral, social, and skill training are a significant part of the services offered in this setting and staff to individual ratios vary from 1:2 to 1:6.

Supported/Community Employment Enclaves

Enclaves are utilized as a training tool in which a group of workers with disabilities reports to a local community business and performs work at that site, alongside other employees of the business.  One or two staff members of Area Residential Care supervise each enclave during the entire shift. They serve as the liaison between the agency, the business owner and the workers.  Varied levels of independence are required depending on the type of enclave and number of workers employed.

Mobile Work Crews

Mobile work crews consist of 4 to 8 workers with disabilities and a staff member/crew foreman.  The crews work at a number of businesses each day.  Mobile crew tasks generally involve cleaning, janitorial, or grounds maintenance type of activities, but can be adapted to other business labor needs.  Crew members work semi-independently with the assistance of the crew foreman, building skills toward a more independent job in the future.

Individual Supported Employment

These employment opportunities are integrated within the community in a wide variety of work environments. Job coaches are assigned to each worker to provide one-on-one training on each job task.  As the worker increases his or her skill level, natural work environment supports are phased in and direct job coaching is phased out. 

Competitive Placement

Workers are assisted in obtaining jobs in the community with no job coaching required to maintain their position.