Community Building and Employment Opportunities

Authentic Experiences

Community members share their service and contributions. Carousel participants engage in several service and small business projects. These include baking biscuits for the local pet shelter, a Friday flower sale, pretzel sales at Friends School Haverford, as well as volunteer work at MANNA, Le Cat Café, Brandywine Senior Center, and other local service organizations. Our participants are proud of their accomplishments and recognize the many talents that they have to offer!

During the school year, Carousel “crews” volunteer and join together for Community Participation Support and In Home and Community Supports. Mentors promote skill development in the home and community while engaging in an asset and strengths-based approach, rather than a to do model. This growth mindset builds reciprocity and affirms that we all have a contributing role in the community. Using a skills inventory, scaffolding (natural supports, visual and auditory/verbal supports, assistive technology, side-by-side modeling, individualized coaching) and personalized goals, supports are in place to help an individual develop independence and understand the nature of interdependence. This skill development in the community can take place in a small group setting (1:3) and individualized programming. We are a service provider through the Office of Developmental Programs and local school districts.

Carousel Connections also hosts weekend Meet Up activities for friends to join together for a delicious meal, theatre or museum experience, and fun!

Community Participation

At Carousel Connections, we utilize the Haverford College community, as well as the surrounding neighborhoods to engage in our daily routines. We exercise in the GIAC fitness center and other local gyms. We utilize James House, an art studio, along with student artists. We play games and hang out in the community room in the Whitehead Campus Center with students who are also taking a break from their workday. We walk on the Haverford Nature Trail, along with other families walking their dogs who live in the neighborhood and local runners in training. We embrace sharing and being with others.

When we are off to Lancaster Avenue for our daily errands, we revisit our favorite grocery stores, shopping malls, and small businesses. This provides comfort as we shop and allows us to establish relationships and connections. Mentors encourage conversations with the local clerk at Trader Joe’s and we then return to this same checkout line during our next outing. Yes, we have many friends in the neighborhood that provide opportunities for social communication skill development, a comfort and familiarity level when seeking help or resources, and of course, potential connections or “warm leads” to employment.

Supported and Customized Employment

Vocational training is tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual. Job internships are made according to work history, job interest/talents, and capabilities. For those individuals who have not participated in previous vocational training, opportunities are offered to engage in career exploration and the Discovery process. Job coaches work closely and collaborate with the employment team to ensure success for each participant.

Employment preparation objectives include: the ability to ask/answer questions using appropriate language, complete tasks using verbal and visual prompts or a checklist format, identify the appropriate person to ask for assistance with a work task and request support when necessary, manage time and materials needed for a task, fill out appropriate applications and work related forms, adhere to a daily schedule/calendar, and to develop the “soft skills” of employment.

Social skills, executive functioning skills, self-advocacy, and self-determination are all critical in the work arena. Carousel Connections job coaches model effective practices and support individuals using a positive approach to learning. Coaches assist individuals during the workday and offer strategies (previewing, checklists, “friendly reminders,” etc.) to ensure success.