Support services - T-V-S Overcoming Challenges

New, Temporary Community Inclusion Services in Response to COVID-19

Aug 4, 2020 | News

Transylvania Vocational Services (TVS) has partnered with the North Carolina Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (NCDVR) to offer a new service called Community Inclusion. This service was created by the NCDVR in May as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The purpose of the Community Inclusion Service is to provide current individuals whom are supported by Vocational Rehabilitation with a way to navigate new challenges within the community and local employment industry. Recipients are supported by a TVS Employment Specialist through individualized education that is customized to the needs of each individual.

“The biggest benefit of these services is that individuals are able to see how all aspects of life can and do affect employment,” said TVS Employment Specialist Megan Pilley.

The Community Inclusion Service focuses on four main categories, all designed to help an individual adapt to changes in their community or job. These categories include: 1) Job Preparation, 2) Disability Awareness, 3) Health, Safety and Wellness, and 4) Independent Living.

Individuals are able to choose from a wide variety of topics within each category, based on what is most useful to their personal lives. These subcategories cover topics highly relevant to issues surfaced by COVID-19 such as how to conduct a virtual or phone interview and how to access additional resources through telehealth services.

“By awareness being brought to these areas, we expect to see individuals becoming more involved in the community and have confidence regardless of the current lifestyle changes,” Pilley said.

To qualify for the service an individual must have an active case with NCDVR. A NCDVR counselor determines eligibility after a person applies for the service and approved individuals can receive up to 50 hours of inclusion service trainings.

This service is being offered for a limited time and is only expected to remain in effect until the end of the year.

For more information please call your local Vocational Rehabilitation office, Brevard: 828-883-2190 or Hendersonville 828-692-9184.

New TVS program for students with disabilities in full swing

Nov 2, 2019 | News

Brevard, NC (November 22, 2019) – Transylvania Vocational Services (TVS) has partnered with exceptional children’s programs in Transylvania and Henderson county high schools, along with the North Carolina Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) to supplement job readiness training and employment-related skills in their curriculums.

The TVS program, Preparation for Employment Success, is designed to provide Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) to students with disabilities between the ages of 14 and 21. Services are designed to assist students in identifying and exploring potential career interests, as well as develop an understanding of work readiness skills necessary to be successful in the working world, or continue into higher education.

Click here to read the full PDF or to view the Transylvania Times article.

TVS Honors National DSP Week

Sep 17, 2019 | News

Brevard, NC (September 17, 2019) – Transylvania Vocational Services (TVS) spent last week honoring and celebrating the almost 30 Direct Support Professionals (DSP) employed by the organization with a variety of themed activities, games and food.

DSPs work directly with individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities, with the aim of assisting individuals to lead self-determined lives and be involved in the community.

DSP Recognition Week is part of the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) National Advocacy Campaign, whose mission is to enhance the lives of all people with disabilities who rely on long-term supports and services by obtaining the resources to recruit, train and retain a highly qualified and sustainable workforce.

Click here for the full Press Release or link to the Transylvania Times article.