CookAbles Class
DisAbility Solutions has a fully accessible kitchen that is used for the CookAbles Independent Living Skills Class. Individuals with disabilities are taught to modify the cooking environment to best fit their needs to complete essential tasks. Each class uses variously modified cooking utensils, as well as standard utensils Each student in the class is given individualized attention to assess their needs. The class also teaches such skills as nutrition, budgeting, food sensitivity awareness, shopping, organizational and cleaning skills.
Employment Services
DSIL contracts with Florida’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to assist persons with disabilities in finding and retaining gainful employment. Our Employment Specialists work one-on-one with consumers to create a customized employment plan. This process ensures each job placement is aligned with the goals and abilities of our consumers.
James Patrick Personal Assistant Services (JPPAS)
The James Patrick Memorial Work Incentive Personal Attendant Services and Employment Assistance (JP-PAS) Program was created by the Florida Legislature in 2002 as a pilot project. The pilot was a success – and in 2008, JP-PAS was established as a permanent, statewide program in Chapter 413.402, Florida Statutes.
JP-PAS provides monthly stipends to adult Floridians with significant disabilities who require personal assistance services to attain and maintain competitive and integrated employment.
To be eligible for the JP-PAS program, participants must earn an income that is at least 100 percent of the Federal Poverty Level and no more than $150,000 per year. Participants may not receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and they cannot be receiving Medicaid Home and Community-based Services while they are enrolled in the program.
The Florida Association of Centers for Independent Living (FACIL) receives its authority to administer the JP-PAS Program in chapter 413, F.S.
For more information about the JP-PAS Program, email [email protected]
Vocational Rehabilitation Career Camp
* Career Camps for Students ages 14 to 21
Job Exploration Counseling: Interest and ability surveys, review of career websites, high school based courses on career choices, or other similar activities.
Postsecondary Educational Counseling: Counseling on postsecondary educational institution options, counseling on the assistance available through Disability Services Offices and exploration of student financial aid options and supports.
Workplace Readiness Training: Soft-skills training, employability skills training, social/interpersonal skills (i.e. communication, problem solving, decision making, conflict resolution, empathy, professionalism, etc.) and independent living skills training related to employment (i.e. good hygiene, money management, time management, using technology and assistive technology, appropriate dress, appropriate behavior, etc.).
Work-based Learning Experiences: Work-based learning experiences in the community including field trips, job shadowing, informational interviews and industry tours. Paid and unpaid work experiences are not available through Career Camps.
Self-Advocacy Training: Instruction in self-awareness, disability disclosure, requesting accommodations, understanding your rights and responsibilities, self-determination and mentoring including peer mentoring.