Easter Seals West Central Alabama Rehabilitation Center

The following are the programs and services currently provided by West Central Alabama Rehabilitation Center. 

Service List

Over the past 25 years, the program has adjusted to meet changing needs of the population served.  While the program has historically served predominantly children with significant physical disabilities (e.g., cerebral palsy, spina bifida, congenital brain injuries and severe mental retardation), over the past few years the trend has been towards many more children being diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorders, most commonly referred to as Autistic disorders. 

For more information about this service:

E-mail: syoungblood@eswcarc.us

Special Preschool Education Center

Vocational Evaluation Services provided by WCARC are designed to be a comprehensive assessment of a person’s vocational aptitudes.  Assessments may vary from one to five days, and may include a day or two gap between testing sessions, depending on individual factors. The individual referred for testing and the Evaluator work together to develop an Evaluation Plan, which outlines methods and equipment that will be utilized in answering referral questions. A written report is prepared following the actual testing. This report is directed to the referring counselor, and provides detail on functional limitations, vocational strengths and potential job families to be considered in employment planning.

For more information about this service:

E-mail:  wolfvanzandt@eswcarc.us

Vocational Evaluation

The Work Adjustment Laboratory at WCARC was developed to address individual’s needs in regards to adjustment to the work environment. An adjustment plan is developed with the participation of the person served. This plan addresses individual goals and objectives, as well as those directed by the referring counselor.  Activities in the Work Adjustment area typically center around job readiness activities, adult instruction classes to improve academic functioning and personal adjustment activities.  Several paid work projects are also maintained. An individual’s participation in paid work activities is determined by the individual’s goals and objectives and performance towards achieving those goals. At present, this program is only available In-Center.

Transportation may be provided to residents of Dallas County on authorization of their referring counselor; residents of others counties may be served if transportation to the Center can be arranged by their referring Counselor.

For more information about this service:

E-mail:  rratcliff@eswcarc.us

Work Adjustment

For nearly all individuals referred to WCARC for services, the ultimate goal of their program will be placement into competitive employment.  Placement services delivered through the CBR program (Community Based Rehabilitation) assist the person served in in the development of a job search plan and in the development of job leads. Staff work in the counties and communities served to develop job opportunities, assist persons served to prepare for job interviews and complete applications for employment, and conduct follow-up on jobs applied for. 

These services are all delivered, to the fullest extent possible, in the home community of the person  served. When there is a lack of employment opportunity in the person’s home area, encouragement and assistance will be provided in accessing natural supports to be able to search for employment in other communities.

For more information about this service:

Community Based Employment

E-mail:  rratcliff@eswcarc.us