Skills Training Services
HELPING INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO ACHIEVE independence
Challenge Unlimited provides skills training services to individuals with developmental disabilities. Each individual, through their person-centered plan, receives training and support to help them achieve their career goals and personal aspirations. The Skills Training Program provides Community Day Services at our program sites and in the community.
Chris refurbishes a computer to be used by students at Alton High School.
Areas of Specialization
Employment
Skills Training believes that the pathway to meaningful work for all abilities starts with us. As individuals determine a career path, Skills Training provides training and support to develop individuals’ skill sets, prepare for job expectations and connect with the Department of Rehabilitation Services as they take the next step to competitive integrated employment.Skills Training also offers Group Supported Employment, in partnership with local businesses, so that individuals can build confidence and refine skills needed to be successful.
Community Inclusion
Skills Training supports individuals in their community in a variety of ways. Our program works with individuals to explore careers in order to find the one that is right for them. This is done through training sessions, virtual job shadowing, visiting local employers and internship opportunities. Skills Training partners with many local community organizations to ensure that individuals can participate in community service and volunteer opportunities that match their areas of interest. The program also believes that individuals should have fun in their community, so we support individuals to get engaged with their local community through leisure and social activities as well.
Personal Development
The Skills Training program believes that a person becomes most successful by improving themselves in all areas. We provide training in a variety of ways that help the individual become all they aspire to be including health and wellness, skills building training sessions in financial literacy, healthy relationships, communication and much more. We focus on developing individual’s self-advocacy skills focusing on self, others, system change and legislative issues.
“Being a part of Challenge Unlimited has been a blessing for our family. We have worked with other workshop facilities in the area, and Challenge Unlimited is by far the best experience we have had. The staff are respectful and responsive to our needs, and provide a variety of opportunities for my son to participate.”
“Our partnership with Challenge Unlimited is wonderful. I enjoy when CU participants come and do the task for the day because they are so happy and alive. It is contagious, I get as much out of the time as they do I think.”
“All of us here at the Caseyville Senior Center absolutely love the staff from Swansea. They go above and beyond for all of the amazing young adults they bring to visit each week. Our seniors love having them here every week as well. Their staff are true professionals when it comes to serving their clients. Awesome job Swansea!”
“I would like to express my gratitude for the dedicated work you do every day at Challenge Unlimited with special needs individuals. My son is so excited every morning to be picked up for a day with you. Never doubt the difference you make in their lives! He comes home happy because he’s had a productive, activity-filled day.”
Licensed, Certified & Accredited
Skills Training is licensed and certified as a provider through the Illinois Department of Human Services. The Skills Training program consistently receives excellent ratings from the Bureau of Licensure and Certification.
Skills Training is accredited through Commission on Accreditation for Rehabilitation (CARF) under Community Integration. The accreditation ensures that we provide excellent quality services to individuals participating in our program.
