Employment Readiness Programs

ACI provides services through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services. These services are provided through DVRS referral only. If you are interested, please contact your DVRS counselor.

For more information, please contact our office.

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PROGRAMS FOR TRANSITION AGE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS (AGES 14 TO 21)


Pre-Employment Transition Services (PRE-ETS)

ACI provides Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) under the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). ACI’s Pre-ETS program is provided on a one on one basis to transition age students as well as in a group setting. The main focus of the program is help the student identify career interests, while providing the opportunity to learn the necessary skills to be successful in competitive employment. The services offered are consistent with the 5 components outlined in WIOA.

WIOA Component 1: Job Exploration Counseling

  • Steps in Vocational Planning - Participants will explore career options based on their skills and interests, as well as develop an action plan to reach their employment goal.

  • Pre-Employment Instructional Support - This course assists participants with preparing for employment and exploring how their disability impacts their daily life, including their future career path.

  • Job Club (Group)


WIOA Component 2: Work-Based Learning Experience

  • Community Based Work Experience - Individuals participating in this service will have the opportunity to learn about a career of interest on-site in their community.

WOIA Component 3: Instruction in Self-Advocacy

  • Rights and Responsibilities - This course provides an overview of the rights and responsibilities of employees and employers under Title 1 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

  • Understanding Employee Benefit, Fiscal Compensation and Managing Finances - Participants will learn about common benefits to consider when seeking employment, as well as how to manage finances and understand a paycheck.

WOIA Component 4: Workplace Readiness

  • Employment Readiness Instructional Support - This course focuses on creating individualized tools necessary for applying for employment, including resumes and online job applications. Participants will also learn about interview skills, travel skills, and work incentives, if applicable.

  • How to Maintain Employment - Individuals participating in this course will learn skills necessary for keeping a job, including clear communication and flexibility.

  • Conflict Resolution in the Workplace - Participants will gain the skills necessary to identify and manage conflict situations in the workplace.

  • Time Management and Organization in the Workplace - This course will assist participants with basic time management/organization skills, as well as developing strategies for using these skills in the workplace.
    Assistive Technology - Tools to Employment - This course reviews various AT options to help identify individuals’ workplace needs and/or accommodations.

  • Keys to Obtaining and Retaining Jobs and Enriching the Quality of Adult Life - Participants will learn and practice social skills and workplace etiquette, including listening skills, appropriate workplace conduct, and teamwork.

  • Pre-Employment Instructional Support - (See WIOA Component 1)

  • Steps in Vocational Planning - (See WIOA Component 1)

Please note: ACI is also able to provide Pre-ETS Services in a group setting up to 12 students.

ACI works with the NJDVRS and school districts in Middlesex, Somerset and Union counties. If you represent a high school (teacher or child study member) or a counselor at NJDVRS and would like to know more information, contact 732-738-4388 or lkoppisch@adacil.org.

PROGRAMS FOR POST HIGH SCHOOL ADULTS (AGES 22 AND UP)


It’s All About Work (IAAW)

IAAW participants are referred to the program by their NJDVRS Counselor.

It’s All About Work is a statewide program provided by New Jersey’s Centers for Independent Living to assist adults with disabilities in preparing them for permanent, integrated and competitive employment. Instruction is provided on a one on one basis and in small groups. Program goals include:

  • To assist participants prepare for competitive employment.

  • To assist participants in becoming knowledgeable about their strengths, interests and accommodations as it relates to work and community living.

  • To assist participants connect with resources and services in the community.

  • To assist participants in achieving their employment goals.

ACI offers the following courses/topics under our IAAW program (unless otherwise noted, courses can be conducted through one on one instruction and in small group setting).

  • Pre-Employment Instructional Support

  • Key to Obtaining and Retaining Jobs - Social skills in the workplace

  • Working Well with a Disability (Conducted in a small group only)

  • Employment Readiness and Instructional Support

  • Understanding Employee Benefits, Fiscal Compensation and Managing Finances

  • How to Maintain Employment

  • Time Management and Organization in the Workplace

  • Conflict Resolution in the Workplace

  • Rights and Responsibilities of the Employee and the Employer: Title 1 of the Americans with Disabilities Act

  • Employment Job Club (Conducted in a small group only)

  • Community-Based Work Experience

  • Assistive Technology: Tools to Employment

Contact Info

For more information, including a description of each course, please see your NJDVRS counselor or contact Luke Koppisch, ACI Deputy Director, at lkoppisch@adacil.org or 732-738-4388.