We have a 4-hour pre-vocational program for teens and adults, where individuals can join for the length of time that is the best fit for them. Our current schedule consists of 3 hours of supported work engagement within authentic roles at our office setting, guided by speech language pathologists and peer mentors, and 1-hour of social connection over lunch.

Our goals and vision for this program include:

1. Supporting the development of independent work/life skills.

Examples include:

• trash and recycling

• vacuuming

• shredding

• organizing cabinets and shelves

• refilling supplies

• planning for lunch - deciding ahead of time to bring or buy lunch; when buying lunch, managing all aspects of the process such as ordering (on-line, by phone, in person) and paying with preferred mode of payment

2. Fostering executive functioning skills.

Examples include:

• task initiation

• persisting with effortful tasks

• appraisal and decision making regarding various job tasks (e.g., how can I tell when I am finished vacuuming, how do I know when a trash can is “full enough” to take out?)

• sustaining attention to tasks through completion

• managing internal/external distractions so that tasks are completed in an efficient manner

• using episodic memory to build upon learned routines, increase independence, and assume more responsibility over time

3. Communication

Examples include:

• supporting individuals to clearly communicate their needs and preferences to familiar and less familiar communication partners in our setting and the community (e.g., restaurants)

• supporting individuals to share their ideas and opinions

• supporting individuals to hear and comprehend the verbal and nonverbal communication of others, and respond as needed

• supporting individuals to seek help/self-advocate when needed

• supporting individuals to notice and repair communication breakdowns

• supporting individuals to take the perspective of others

4. Fostering meaningful relationships.

Examples include:

• developing reciprocal, connecting client/peer and client/mentor relationships

• supporting clients/peers who get along and have the potential for friendship to make connections and plans outside of this setting

Any teen or adult who may be looking for meaningful hands-on work experience along with social connection.

Fridays from 9:30am – 1:30pm.

We know 4-hours may be too long for some individuals, and therefore there can be flexibility around the length of time an individual joins.

The cost is $75/hr, and we are open to difference sources of funding such as DDS or school district funding.

Some clients also receive a speech/langauge therapy session targeting social pragmatics and/or executive functioning during part of the time they are here.

Please contact us to discuss!

You can contact Linda Murphy MS, CCC-SLP

• by email linda@pptfth.com

• or call 978-712-0003 and ask to set up a phone time with Linda