DTAC
is a work-oriented program with a focus on preparing
program participants to enter into the workforce and
to thrive in a workplace. LARC
Industries starts the training process from
the ground up.
Preparing
for the Workday
Program participants learn to pack their lunches and prepare their clothing for work the night before. Setting the alarm clock and getting up in time to commute to work is an important part of the process.
These steps encourage responsible behavior and set deadlines to be met; a critical skill to learn in the workplace.
Commuting
to Work
Most of America's work force has to commute to work. The same is true for our program participants. In a typical week, our people take the city bus to program at least once or twice per week with the assistance of our employee job coaches. The goal is to prepare and train the individual to independently commute to work without assistance.
Appropriate
Work Place Behavior
Our program trains participants to stay on tasks at the appropriate times, including when to take breaks, and when to warm up lunch in the microwave. We also teach our participants how to operate a time clock, including the appropriate times to punch in and punch out during the workday. Sound a lot like developing concentration skills? That's precisely the focus. This segues well into our next training segment that also helps develop concentration skills.
Computer
Training
LARC
Industries has developed a step-by-step process,
which introduces program participants to working with
computers. We start with dexterity training on how
to manipulate the mouse or track ball, and move on
to keyboard training, including typing by touch. From
there, the training focuses on getting into and around
the software. Our training program utilizes the Microsoft
Word software as its training base. Program participants
learn the program from the most basic level of getting
into the program to more advanced features of keyboarding
and printing the resulting work.
The Work
Itself
LARC
Industries distributes a brochure entitled "Choose
Your Future". Our program stresses the fact that
participants choose how they fill in their workday.
Among work choices is contract work. Participants engage
in projects, such as packaging, light assembly, mailing,
and door-to-door flyer distribution. Another work aspect
is the aforementioned computer training.
Some of our program participants
"move on" and land jobs with outside businesses
and supported employment programs, when they develop
the skills they need. Still other program participants
enjoy spending part of their workday engaging in arts
and crafts projects. Arts and crafts help develop fine
motor skills and concentration, and helps to release
stress.
Play
We don't want to give the
impression that LARC
Industries is all work and no play. All program
participants go on a community outing at least once
per week. They enjoy such diverse activities as bowling,
touring museums, swimming, and miniature golf. Program
participants also dine out at least twice per month.
At our program site, our people enjoy board games,
computer games, and other fun activities.
As a final note, there is
more method to community outings than just an opportunity
to play. Our job coaches utilize community outings
to teach socialization skills, such as reading a menu
and ordering at a restaurant, in addition to teaching
appropriate behavior in public places.
We urge you to
come in and take a tour of our DTAC
program. LARC Industries
just may be the right choice for you.