Visit the Bobby Dodd Center - Empowering people. Changing lives. It's what we're all about. People with disabilities have consistently faced an approximately 65% rate of unemployment despite the ability and willingness to work.
Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI) is committed to reducing that unemployment rate by helping people with disabilities and disadvantages overcome barriers to work.
We provide a variety of high-quality job training programs at our facility. Our lines of business also allow us to provide meaningful full or part-time employment. As a result of BDI's work over the years, thousands of people with disabilities and disadvantages have transitioned from being a welfare recipient to becoming a proud wage earner.
Our Programs
Work and Vocational Evaluation: An accurate evaluation is the first step toward meaningful employment. BDI's certified team of evaluation specialists assesses participant needs, abilities and habits, and develops a customized training plan that serves as a blueprint for success for each client served.
Services include College and University Instruction, On-the-Job Training, Vocational and Technical Training, Supported Employment, School to Work Transition, Job Coaching, Physical and Mental Restoration Services, Assistive Technology, and Referral to Other Agencies As Needed.
Job Placement
When you need to find your new entry-level employee, BDI can help. When you need someone trained for your industry, BDI can help. When you need to ensure regular job attendance, BDI can help. When you need reliable, worry-free job performance, BDI can help. In industries with high turnover, it's difficult to find capable, loyal employees. For over 40 years, BDI Job Solutions has specialized in connecting qualified individuals with entry-level jobs for employers just like you. We have placed qualified individuals in a range of jobs. However, we particularly specialize in finding qualified, loyal employees for the following high-turnover industries:
- Grocery: store baggers, restockers, counter workers, ....checkout clerks
- Hospitality: commercial or hotel custodial work, banquet staff, concierge, reception
- Food service: dishwasher, food prep worker, etc.
- Administrative: data entry, mail rooms, reception, etc.
We are proud of our 80-percent retention rate, which is far above the industry average. This is due in part to our ongoing job coaching with individuals we place. We want them to be happy and productive on the job and we want you to be pleased with your new hire.
Work Adjustment:
Many people with disabilities and disadvantages arrive at the doors of our facility with little or no work experience. But by the time they leave our facility that fact will have changed with the help of our work adjustment program. The name implies the purpose -- getting adjusted to the demands of the workplace. Fundamental work habits like arriving on time, following directions, and participating in a work team are stressed. These are more than just idle exercises in a mock workplace. The participants in our work adjustment program are responsible for fulfilling real orders, and doing it well. Because this is a training program, participants earn a stipend for their work. This stipend is based on a per-piece rate that encourages people with disabilities and disadvantages to work at their own rate to turn out a quality product. For many participants, the stipend is the closest thing to a paycheck they've ever earned. As their work skills grow, so does their pride in becoming a true wage earner.
Activities in Daily Living
This valuable program teaches our clients proper hygiene, budgeting, interpersonal communication etiquette, and gender-specific issues. These basic life skills are critical to living safely and independently in the community.
Office Essentials:
BDI's Office Essentials vocational training program teaches participants the skills necessary to survive and succeed in the modern office environment. With the essentials in hand, participants experience the pride and confidence that comes with knowledge. This innovative five-week program prepares participants for clerical and secretarial work by offering customer service and computer training. Participants learn the importance of showing up to work, getting along with coworkers, and being responsive to supervision. In addition, they learn how to use Windows, the Internet, and a variety of computer applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
At the completion of this program students should have the ability to:
- Understand and employ basic Windows and Microsoft Office skills.
- Understand and employ basic keyboard technique.
- Understand and employ basic Microsoft Word skills.
- Use effective learning techniques to acquire and apply new office knowledge and skills.
- Take initiative to accomplish tasks in a timely manner.
- Demonstrate dependability and responsibility in an office environment.
- Work to satisfy customer or client expectations.
- Operate and maintain office equipment safely.
More Services
Bobby Dodd Center offers more services. They include the Tech Shop, Food Services hands on experience, building trade skills and much more. See more Bobby Dodd Center services here.
D.O.L. General Info
