Program Descriptions

Peer Mentoring / Work Readiness Program

ATI began its Peer Mentoring Program (PMP) in 2006 using grant resources secured from the NYS Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC). The PMP aims to provide persons with disabilities (PWD) access to the skills and resources necessary to gain and retain community employment. PMP seeks to train participants on how to improve their independent living skills, such as problem solving techniques, self-determination, and self-advocacy.  The six-month program offers a variety of workshop styles, ranging from peer support sessions, to interactive assessments on attitude and barriers to employment, to co-sponsored community events.

The key component of the PMP is the peer mentoring aspect. Each participant is matched with a Mentor, who provides one-on-one feedback opportunities on a regular basis. Mentees and Mentors meet for at least six hours each month to discuss topics relating to each person’s life experiences or personal goals.  The program also provides insight to overcoming barriers by way of guest speakers who share their own success stories. PMP features local agencies such as VESID, Employment Connection, and Cortland Works Career Center that highlight the various services they can provide to consumers.  The Program currently has more than 20 Mentees and 15 Mentors enrolled. Since the start of the program, six individuals have gained employment, and another has begun school at TC3.

The PMP facilitates two employment conferences each year, as well. The three module conference features managers of local businesses, service providers from local human service agencies, ATI staff and other guest speakers who offer participants insight into the world of employment. ATI holds the conference in the spring and again in the fall; content is always unique.

Every October, ATI partners with Employment Connection, the J M Murray Center, Cortland Works Career Center, VESID, and the New York State Education Department to recognize the abilities of individuals with disabilities. Each year the month of October is declared as National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).

For more information on this service, contact:

info@aticortland.org