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Vocational Partnerships

Welcome to The Gateways Vocational Training Program for Adults with Disabilities!

Program Structure:

Our program is all about community and peer support. You’ll be part of a friendly and welcoming community where everyone helps each other grow. With support from your peers*, you’ll feel right at home as you embark on your journey with us. 

We partner with community organizations and businesses to provide an inclusive, real life setting for adults with disabilities to train and hone important vocational skills. The program is open ended and allows trainees to train until they feel comfortable pursuing supported employment outside of Gateways. 

*Individualized Training/Peer Support:

We use the term “peer support” instead of “job coach” to reflect our unique training model. Peer support involves individuals who accompany trainees during all training tasks and at all training sites. These peer supporters are chosen and hired by the trainees’ parents or guardians, and they are thoroughly vetted by Sha’arim + Gateways before starting. Peer support is funded through the trainees’ waiver services fiscal agency, not by Sha’arim.

Training, Not Employment**:

Our program is all about training, not direct employment. We’re here to help you learn and develop new skills in a supportive environment. Whether you’re exploring new interests or honing existing talents, our program is designed to help you grow without the pressure of employment.

Partner Training Sites:

Why Community-Based Training Sites Are Important:

  • They provide trainees with real-life experiences, making the skills they learn more transferable to everyday situations. 
  • They promote inclusion, helping trainees feel like a valued part of the broader community
  • These partnerships offer businesses a fantastic opportunity to learn and implement inclusive practices in real-time, fostering a more inclusive environment for everyone.

Fee:

Worried about the cost? Don’t be! Our services can be built into existing CDCS waiver budgets or private pay, so you can participate without worrying about fees. We can help you navigate the waiver system to access funding for vocational training. It’s our way of making sure everyone has access to the support they need.

Ready to join us? We can’t wait to welcome you into our community and support you on your journey!

*Gateways Vocational Training, under the auspices of Sha’arim, is a vocational training program. All participation is voluntary and for training purposes

Click here to learn about becoming a Trainee