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Employment Eight Keys to Employability Personal Values: honesty, positive self-image, motivation, good attitude, goal-oriented Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Skills: flexibility, creativity, organized Relationships with Co-Workers: team players, friendly, cooperative, tactful, respect property rights of others, respect authority, accept constructive criticism Communication Skills: Ask questions when unsure, listen, keep supervisor informed, seek help when needed, express self clearly Task-Related Skills: Complete work on time and correctly, care for tools of the job, follow directions, work to improve skills Maturity: reliable, dependable, show pride in their work, accept responsibility, show initiative, self-confidence, willing to work a little extra Health and Safety Habits: Observe rules, practice good hygiene, dress appropriately Commitment to the Job: want to learn more, enthusiasm, punctuality, loyalty to company, put forth best effort Resources: “Creating a Path to Employment: Tips for Parents with Children with Disabilities": Work in the 21st century is more team-based than ever. Start by exploring the world of work together. Click here for the publication "Essential Skills to Getting a Job: What Young People with Disabilities Need to Know": Often referred to as "soft skills", work ethic, communication, teamwork and critical thinking are all “must have's” for youth in today's job market. Click here for the publication Sheltered Workshops The St. Louis area has several workshops that employ only persons with disabilities. They are designed as training facilities whereby the workers are paid based on how much work they complete per day. Some workshops do issue hourly wages, though these are generally also based on productivity. Talk to your St. Louis Regional Center (DMH) case manager for options. Boone Center Inc 200 Trade Center Dr. West St Peters, MO 63376 PHONE 636-978-4300 Canterbury Enterprises 7228 Weil Ave Shrewsbury, MO 63119 PHONE 314-781-3999 Industrial Aid Inc 4417 OLeatha St Louis, MO 63116 PHONE 314-773-3200 Lafayette Industries 4621 World Parkway Circle, St. Louis, MO 63134 179 Gaywood Dr., Manchester, MO 63021 PHONE: 636-227-5666 Project Workshop Inc 6301 Manchester St Louis, MO 63139 PHONE 314-647-3300 Valley Industries Inc 143B Mc Donnell Blvd Hazelwood, MO 63042 PHONE 314-731-1771 W.A.C. Industries Inc 8520 Mackenzie Rd St Louis, MO 63123 PHONE 314-631-8300 Worth Industries Inc 4124 N Broadway St Louis, MO 63147 PHONE 314-231-6600 Supported Employment Many adult service agencies provide support for persons who wish to work in the competitive employment arena. Examples of these employers include restaurants, grocery stores, department and specialty stores, businesses that need office workers or maintenance crews, schools, or public service companies. The adult service agency helps you contact employers, go on interviews, fill out job applications, and can sometimes provide a supported employment coach who will help you out on the job. St Louis ARC Employment Services 314-569-2211 Life Skills Foundation 314-567-7705 Jobs and Employment Support Services - JESS 314-644-1913 MERS-Goodwill 314-241-3464 Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR or VR) This is a government agency that is designed to help persons with disabilities get trained for and secure employment. They will assess your skills, interests, and needs and get you connected with the right employment opportunities for you. In some cases, they may help pay for job or career training. Vocational Rehabilitation St. Louis Downtown VR 220 South Jefferson Street, Suite 110 St. Louis, MO 63103 Ph: 314-877-2940 ~ Fax: 314-877-2959 Jeather Smith, District Supervisor St. Louis North VR 4040 Seven Hills Road Florissant MO 63033 Ph: 314-877-3200; Fax: 314-877-3201 Samuel Townsend, District Supervisor St. Louis South VR 3248 Laclede Station Road St. Louis MO 63143 Ph: 314-877-1900; 877-222-8968 Fax: 314-877-1920 Karen Klenke / Toby Eckert, District Supervisors St. Louis West VR 9900 Page Ave – Suite 104 St. Louis MO 63132 Ph: 314-877-1500 TDD: 314-877-1524; Fax: 314-877-1530 St. Charles VR 3737 Harry S. Truman Blvd., Ste 400 St. Charles, MO  63301-4052 Phone: (636) 940-3300 Fax: (636) 940-3313 Janis Miller, Supervisor