The center services those who have varying degrees of visual impairment, but clients have at least one additional disability, such as deafness, brain injury or cerebral palsy. About 75 people are served each year, all by referral, and there is a year's waiting list for services, which may last for a few weeks or several years. First, clients are first evaluated for skills and interest, and then receive instruction that may include preparation for employment and apartment living. Mobility and learning to use public transportation safely to get to work, is a critical part of learning. At the Conklin Center, they have choices - including the choice to be there.
Some jobs are seasonal, companies experience changes in management and layoffs.
When this happens, the support team is there to help clients find new jobs and maintain their independence. Others from the center work in the service industry as housekeepers, dishwashers, cooks and custodians. They'll work with counselors to determine where they are and where they want to go. Often, companies will make reasonable accommodations to make employment possible. At Pizza Hut, for instance, computer keys most frequently used are covered with Velcro tabs, so that the person taking phone orders can do so by touch.