The VST program provides persons with disabilities with an opportunity to acquire marketable skills and gain real work experience while also providing businesses with a dependable, motivated worker. Following the training program, the business may hire the trainee as an employee. Areas which may be addressed include attendance, punctuality, work pace, quality of work, initiative, social and interpersonal skills and personal appearance. Individuals involved in the Community Based Work Adjustment program have the opportunity to improve or develop these work behaviors. Trainees are placed in a job at a local business in an area that is of interest to them.
Trainees receive support and feedback related to their work performance.
The length of each program is based on the individual's performance and objectives that have been established. Businesses which serve as training sites for the Community Based program receive motivated trainees whose wages are paid for by Crossroads, as well as assistance and ongoing support from Crossroads staff in helping the trainee learn and adjust to his or her position. The work experience also aids the individual in determining if the vocational goal selected is one that they will enjoy on a long-term basis. Today, technology can eliminate many of the barriers to the employment and education of people with disabilities. The needs of an employer often can be met by these individuals when they have access to such technology.