Vocational Services

My son can’t wait to get there; we love all the people who work. We appreciate the outstanding efforts made by the staff every day.

The Vocational Services Department of BARC Developmental Services provides vocational assessment, training, work experience, habilitative supports, job placement, and retirement activities for nearly 250 adults with intellectual disabilities and Autism, age 21 and older, in two modern industrial employment training centers in Warminster and Quakertown, Pennsylvania.

An initial assessment is completed for each worker upon their admission to the program that identifies interests, abilities, and skills.  The assessment is the cornerstone of an Individual Worker Program Plan/Individual Support Plan (IWPP/ISP) that is developed by each worker and their team based on the principles of Self-Determination and Person Centered Planning.  The IWPP includes goals and objectives the worker wishes to achieve during the following year, and is updated quarterly.  Workers receive training to perform a variety of jobs, outsourced from local businesses, including simple assembly, packaging, light manufacturing, collating, mailings, and shrink wrapping.  Workers are paid for all work performed on a piece rate basis, in compliance with the US Department of Labor standards.  Competitive employment is also available for workers who wish to secure a job in the community through the JOBS Program – Joint Opportunities for Business and Society – a branch of the Vocational Services Department.

In addition to the employment training programs, the Vocational Services Department, also operates an Adult Training Facility (ATF) and Disabled Senior Retirement Program (DSRP) at both the Quakertown and Warminster facilities, providing social and recreational activities for individuals who are unable, or no longer want to work, but wish to remain active in a therapeutic day program.

The department has also opened a program at the Warminster facility for adults with a diagnosis of Autism.  This program provides an array of activities and work opportunities in a setting designed to meet the unique and individual needs associated with ASD.

Finally, a newer initiative,  the Community Participation Supports (CPS) Program, provides opportunities for our folks to become involved in community inclusive activities of their choice rather than spending the entire day at BPSQ or BPSW. Some of the activities folks enjoyed this past year included attending weekly exercise programs, visiting museums, going bowling, to the zoo, to baseball games, to the SPCA, the movies, and playing penny BINGO at a local senior citizens center, just to name a few.  Even more exciting is one of our folks recently becoming a volunteer at the Bucks County Playhouse, and another individual volunteering at the Quakertown branch of the SPCA helping care for cats!

All programs are open year round, Monday – Friday, 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.

*!!!Advocacy Alert!!!*
On December 3, 2024, we received correspondence from the Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division in the form of a public announcement of proposed rulemaking that would phase out the issuance of 14(c) certificates. The 14(c) certificate is what gives BARC Developmental Services the ability to operate our vocational training workshops that provide job support, training, and education to people with Intellectual Disabilities and/or Autism, paid at a commensurate wage. If these certificates go away, BARC Developmental Services would be required to change the way we conduct business, most likely, by ceasing all paid work and/or transitioning into alternate forms of services like day programs (ie – ATF) or competitive community integrated employment opportunities out in the job market. In short, it will mean that the individuals supported in our workshop facilities will no longer be able to work at BPSQ and BPSW.

From now until January 17, 2025, this proposed rule is open for public comment. We urge you to make your voice heard in opposition of this decision. Removal of the 14(c) program would take work opportunities away from people who rely on these services and training opportunities to learn and grow. We feel this action disrespects choices and individual rights to engage in meaningful work. With respect to individuals’ rights, and honoring choice, BARC Developmental Services provides an array of work opportunities for all people of varying skill levels to succeed and reach their highest level of independence. We fully embrace the employment narrative which is why we provide supported employment services to find individuals jobs in the competitive community marketplace. We provide multiple layers of support because of the large diversity in peoples abilities and desires. We are a proven example of how both programs can coexist without the need to remove opportunities. Closing 14 (c) programs removes the ability of our individuals to have a choice in where they want to work.

We ask that you take the time to submit commentary in opposition of this decision at the by clicking here!