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Frequently Asked
Questions
Looking through frequently asked questions is a good way
to gain an understanding of the services that we deliver
and also the philosophy and values that guide our
activities. The questions below address some of
inquiries on our training and overall activities.
Pathfinder Associate's also now provide independent living and assistive technology services in South Carolina and Georgia for veterans served by the Department of Veteran's Affairs. Frequently asked questions give an overview of these services.
- Do the TeleSeminars require video
or high speed broadband connections?
No. The TeleSeminars use a standard audio-conference telephone line for the audio connection. The "visual" component, which is built around PowerPoint slides and handout materials, is created by downloading these prior to the TeleSeminar through almost any Internet connection. Once downloaded, the PowerPoint slides can be viewed offline from almost any computer. We do recommend that sites have an internet connection however so that you are able to communicate via email with presenters during the TeleSeminar. - Do you design training so that we can provide
our own
local follow-up?
Yes. We realize that follow-up to training can be equally as important as the initial training itself. Follow-up is very important to reinforce patterns of behavior and implementation the training. We can do follow-up but we offer suggestions that you can do to periodically monitor and reinforce training. - How well do employers usually respond to the Windmills
training?
Employers respond very positively to the the Windmills sessions. Typical response from participants include "I never really thought about that" "I was impressed with the capabilities that individuals with disabilities bring to the workplace". Experience has shown that once an employer or business has completed Windmills training sessions they are much more likely to actually hire and/or promote person’s with disabilities into their workplace. -
Do you provide ethics training that could be tailored
for our business or agency’s work setting?
Pathfinder Associates ethics training can be focused in several different ways. We can present a more legalistic perspective, one which affords participants an in-depth review of the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (C.R.C.C.) ‘Code of Ethics’, or provide a program which probes your particular workplace’s everyday ethical decisions which require participants to deal with issues not always predicted by codes and laws. - Can the Tech Point materials be adapted for
use in One-Stop Centers?
Yes. Tech Points were initially designed for vocational rehabilitation programs and many of the same reminders and decision points can be used to help staff in One-Stop Centers consider how workplace accommodations and technology-related services can help both job seekers and employers. Tech Points helps to promote "what if" thinking that can lead to greater choices for the job seekers and better solutions and options for employers. -
Is there a limit to where Pathfinder Associates will
travel?
The answer is probably no, but with everything that is happening we do need to be careful with the commitments that we make. We also realize that travel is expensive so we do our best to combine travel to reduce costs whenever possible. -
Do you help with non-discrimination issues?
Yes. Pathfinder Associates has presented dozens of sessions focused on both the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) and on the subject of disability awareness. Our presentation on the ADA - often termed the ‘civil rights act for person’s with disabilities’, is combined with WINDMILLS training - which focuses on disability awareness, to deliver non-discrimination information from both a legal and personal perspective. -
How can Pathfinder Associates help my company?
When we develop a relationship with a company, our first priority is to learn as much about the company as possible and listen carefully to specific issues and challenges. We have a good understanding of operating a business and the importance of capable, reliable employees to help employers be successful. Productivity, safety and co-worker relationships are common questions that we can help employers answer as they look to hire persons with disabilities or retain injured workers. -
Does Pathfinder Associates offer workplace accommodation technical assistance?
Workplace accommodation options and the creative thinking needed to solve common challenges are an important component of almost all of our services. We are available to work directly with staffs in programs and agencies to offer training as well as technical assistance to enhance accommodation capabilities. -
What types of teaching or training methods are utilized?
Classroom, face-to-face, on-line and/or audio instruction can be used, depending upon the program, agency or employer preferences and resources. We frequently use case study examples and small group activities to increase the relevance for training participants. -
Can services be customized to meet the specific needs of our staff?
Pathfinder Associates feel this probably best defines how we deliver services. Our training and consultation services focus specifically on your needs. Services are designed to fit the background and experience levels of staff as well as their work schedule and preferred training methods. -
Are follow-up services available after technical assistance has been provided?
Yes. In fact, Pathfinder Associates training, workshops and consultation services include regular follow-up to determine how effective these services have been in meeting specific goals and objectives. Online discussion groups and audio conference meetings can be scheduled to monitor progress and better assure your satisfaction. -
Do you offer American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance assistance?
We do. Employers can contact us to discuss any existing or anticipated ADA compliance issues with any of the five Titles of the ADA. We work closely with regional ADA Technical Assistance Centers and may refer employers to these resources or work directly with you to help address problems or concerns. -
What kinds of experience does Pathfinder Associates represent?
Graduate level rehabilitation training is the foundation which began each of our more than 30 year careers in the fields of rehabilitation. From specific knowledge and application of technical worksite accommodation to three decades in all levels of the state-federal vocational rehabilitation program to ownership of a private disability case management company, we have covered a wide spectrum of agency and company issues and challenges. -
Would Pathfinder Associates provide vocational evaluation or placement services for our agency?
No. Pathfinder Associates doesn’t offer direct services. However, we would be happy to work with programs and agencies to provide training and consultation support that will strengthen and enhance existing services to expand choices or opportunities to lead to successful employment outcomes. -
Does Pathfinder Associates provide audio conference training?
Pathfinder Associates is in the early stages of looking into audio conference training. We like this format as it is reasonable from a cost standpoint and also very convenient for staff to fit into their work schedules. At this point we are looking into a 90 minute format that would include PowerPoint slides and handout and materials that can be downloaded from our website. Training topics and schedules are being discussed so we welcome requests and suggestions.
Please contact us with other questions or to discuss any of these questions in more detail.
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This page was last updated Wednesday, August 18, 2010