Greater Boston Community Network

Commonwealth Business Associates (CBA) is a small community based organization in Boston that supports adults with disabilities to find and maintain meaningful and valued work roles in the community. CBA provides individualized supports that are effective in assisting individuals to secure employment and to build their careers. CBA is committed to building relationships and providing education in the community to develop opportunities that support these objectives.

Career Planning and Job Development

CBA encourages individuals to think beyond the goal of job placement and to develop career goals through a process of person-centered career planning. Friends, family, and co-workers participate in identifying a persons interests and developing a comprehensive vision of their goals for work and the ways in which these goals can be achieved. Once the goals have been identified an employment specialist works with the individual to pursue employment opportunities that uphold these goals. All efforts are made to find or create a position that matches the interests of the job seeker and that will offer a supportive environment to nurture their pursuits.

Job Coaching and Natural Supports

Once an individual secures a new position an employment specialist will work with the individual and the employer to determine what type of support is needed to promote success. This includes evaluating the need for, and implementing the use of, any necessary accommodations or adaptations. The employment specialist then provides on site support and training while the employee learns their new responsibilities and routine. A key component of the initial job-coaching period is the development of natural supports within the workplace. The use of natural supports promotes the inclusion of the individual into all aspects of the work culture and contributes to long-term stability.

Ongoing Support and Training

Our commitment is to the development of a mutually beneficial relationship between the employee and employer. We provide ongoing support and consultation to foster the success and satisfaction of both parties. This ongoing support varies for each situation and is intended to promote independence while maintaining high standards. Ongoing support also enables CBA to advocate for opportunities of advancement or growth within a given position that uphold the individual’s goals.

Contact

Althea Henderson
Greater Boston Community Network
240A Elm Street, Somerville, MA 02144 USA
Phone: 617-591-1274 | Fax: 617-591-1278 | ahenderson@poluscenter.org