Developing The Tools For Success

The act of working gives the people we work with a profound sense of accomplishment, pride, and the joy that comes from being part of a team. The money they earn gives them the freedom to make choices - whether it's as simple as buying a cup of cappuccino or paying bills, rent, etc. What they earn pays them tenfold in dignity and self-respect.

The Deaf program at Goodwill of Orange County is a full-service program designed to meet the needs of the clients referred for Assessment, Training, or Job Placement. The staff is comprised of Deaf and hearing employees who are knowledgable in the culture and language of deaf and hard-of-hearing people. This provides each client with role models as well as instruction and assistance so they can achieve their goals.

The programs below assess the individual's needs and abilities in order to ensure their job success.

Assessing Needs

External Situational Assessment

At actual employment sites, Goodwill Employment Training Specialists (ETS) evaluate worker's skills, work-related behaviors, and productivity.

Job Exploration

Goodwill determines realistic occupational choices by assessing the worker's interests and abilities. Workers then utilize the computer, newspapers, and other resources to become aware of the many career opportunities that are available.

Bilingual Services

Full accessibility provided to deaf/hard-of-hearing clients by provision of whatever mode of communication client is most comfortable using including but not limited to American Sign Language

Goodwill can accommodate adults who communicate using Spanish, Vietnamese, American Sign Language, Chinese, Cambodian, and Tagalog.

Preparing For Work And Independence

Job-Seeking Skills Training

Clients learn how to create a resume, search for a job, and fill out a job application. Clients also learn interviewing and job retention skills. After enrollment in the program they work as a team with the Job Developer who specializes with this population, the classroom instructor, job coaches and interpreters to attain their "dream" job.

Mobility Training

Goodwill's Employment Training Specialists provide workers with personalized instruction on how to ride public transportation.

Personal Development and Grooming

Workers interact with instructors and peers to develop grooming and interpersonal skills.

Personal Social Adjustment

The adults we help develop critical skills needed to successfully interact with co-workers and supervisors on the job. 

Vocational English

Prospective workers learn to master the specific vocabulary that will help them in their job.