Supported Employment (SEMP)
Supported Employment (SEMP) supports people with developmental disabilities find and sustain competitive (paid) employment. We offer a range of services, including Job Development, Job Placement, and Job Coaching, all tailored to match each person’s unique interests and abilities. Our goal is to empower a person to gain independence in the workplace.
Additionally, our SEMP program offers the Employment Training Program (ETP).
The Employment Training Program (ETP) offers a comprehensive pathway to competitive employment for people with developmental disabilities. ETP provides full employment discovery, targeted job development, employment readiness classes, and individualized coaching, ensuring each person receives the support needed to succeed. As an entry point into Supported Employment (SEMP), ETP is ideal for people seeking an intensive discovery phase to identify their desired job roles and build valuable employment history. Internships through ETP are paid at minimum wage, reinforcing our commitment to fair and meaningful work experiences that foster confidence, skill-building, and career readiness.
Eligibility for Supported Employment (SEMP)
Supported Employment (SEMP) services assist people with developmental disabilities in achieving and maintaining competitive employment. These services are available to those enrolled in the Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver, as well as those who are not enrolled.
To qualify for SEMP services, a person must demonstrate a clear interest in competitive employment or self-employment. Additionally, their Individualized Service Plans (ISPs) must identify competitive employment or self-employment as a primary goal. This personalized approach ensures that each person’s career goals are recognized and actively supported.
Pre-Vocational Services
AHRC Nassau’s Pre-Vocational Services are designed for people with developmental disabilities to build the skills necessary for competitive employment. These services act as a steppingstone within the employment continuum, tailored for people who are job-able but not yet fully job-ready.
Through Community Based Pre-Vocational Services, people gain skills for paid employment and meaningful community activities, such as volunteering and integration. A variety of unpaid work experiences, both within the broader community and in AHRC Nassau’s social enterprises, allows a person to explore a range of jobs and environments, building soft and hard skills essential for workforce success.
Jobs and settings can include Retail, Food Service, Cleaning Services, Farm Work and Animal Care, Sales, and Plant Care/Gardening. These person-centered experiences aim to foster confidence, capability, and a clear path toward long-term employment.
ACCES-VR Partnership
Through a dedicated contract with Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR), AHRC Nassau empowers people with disabilities to achieve and maintain competitive employment and foster independent living. Serving both students and adults, our partnership with ACCES-VR provides a wide range of supportive services tailored to individual needs, including Job Readiness Training, Self-Advocacy Training, Diagnostic Vocational Evaluations, Job Development, Job Placement, Post-Secondary Counseling, and Work-Based Learning Experiences. Our goal is to create personalized pathways that support meaningful employment and sustainable career development through specialized training, education, and rehabilitation.
Eligibility for ACCES-VR
Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR) provides vocational rehabilitation services for people who have a disability, or disabilities, that impact their ability to secure, retain, advance in, or regain employment.
To apply or be referred for ACCES-VR services you must be:
- A person with a disability or disabilities;
- At least 14 years old; AND
- Available and willing to actively participate in the vocational rehabilitation process.
Let Us Be Your Guide
Whether you’re exploring options for yourself, a loved one, or a transitioning young adult, our team is here to support you every step of the way. We’ll help you understand service options, OPWDD eligibility, Care Coordination, employment pathways, and more—all designed to meet your unique needs and goals.
Please call or connect with us at (516) 644-4800 or centralenrollment@ahrc.org.