At AIS, we advocate for developing a strong, diverse workforce. We promote a culture in which our team members are accepted and their talents are nurtured. Each individual is just that, an individual with unique experiences, ideas, contributions, and approaches.
Acceptance and appreciation for those who think and process information differently provides unique perspectives. AIS mentors work with members of the Radiance program to reach their goals, and together make beautiful and functional products.
Watch the Radiance Program Video
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Together, our teams create the magic that is AIS.
AIS employs people who, together with their job coaches, are contributing team members. While some jobs have been modified to accommodate unique abilities, these are real jobs.
Traditional AIS staff embrace Radiance participants and integrate them into their teams exposing them to a variety of work experiences. This on-the-job training also provides opportunities for social interactions.
PROGRAM SNAPSHOT
150 INDIVIDUALS TRAINING EACH WEEK
- Ages 17 - 58
- Average number of weekly work shifts: 170
- Average number of hours worked weekly: 480
36 JOB COACHES
- Supplied by the various agencies, the ratio of coaches to team members varies from 1:1 to 1:6 depending on individual challenges, experience, and job task
- Coaches learn the task alongside the members providing assistance as needed
MULTIPLE TASKS IN MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS
- Making storage drawers
- Recycling waste / shredding
- Quality control and accountability of raw materials and inline production
- Hanging parts for the paint line
- Sorting raw materials
- Sanitizing touch spots
- Deep cleaning in the production area
- Interior and exterior tasks
GOALS AND OUTCOMES
Staffers work with Radiance members and coaches to:
- Develop and support job skills
- Increase their ability to focus and stay on task
- Build independence and self-confidence
- Improve social skills, enhance their ability to collaborate, and foster cooperation
- Understand and comply with safety protocols
- Design training to facilitate learning new tasks
- Daily discussion with job coaches to help strengthen individual educational plans (IEPs)
- Participate in mock interviews
16 PARTNER PROGRAMS AND GROWING
- ACE Program, Lunenburg High
- ASPiRE Devens, Seven Hills Foundation
- ASPiRE Hopedale, Seven Hills Foundation
- Assabet Valley Collaborative
- BORO Program, Westborough
- Groton-Dunstable High
- Keystone Educational Collaborative
- Life Skills Program,Fitchburg
- Life Skills Program, Leominster
- Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
- Montachusett Regional High School - STEP
- Mount Wachusett Community College
- Narragansett Regional High School
- Oakmont Regional High School
- Robert F. Kennedy Community Alliance
- Seven Hills Foundation, Self-Directed
- Valley Transitional High
Individuals transitioned to part-time AIS employment: 5