Illinois Growth Enterprises Admission Criteria

In order for the consumer to be considered eligible for program services at Illinois Growth Enterprises, the applicant must meet the following criteria. Consider IGE a work environment that meets their desires and needs.

    1. Be able to take care of the following personal needs*:
      1. toileting
      2. monthly feminine care
      3. feeding
      4. independence in moving about work environment
      5. *A personal care attendant may assist in meeting these needs.
    2. Have a documented disability that constitutes a barrier to employment.
    3. Must be a resident of Winnebago or Boone counties unless special circumstances exist.
    4. Must be at least 18 years of age.
    5. In the opinion of a qualified professional, the prospective consumer must not present a danger to themselves or others.
    6. Must have transportation resources to get to and from work.
    7. We will consider making reasonable accommodations as needed.

To be eligible for the Work Adjustment Training program, the individual must meet the above criteria plus the following:

  1. Must not require supervision at less than a 1:20 ratio.
  2. Must have the potential to display compliance with the Consumer Attendance Policy.
  3. Must have the potential to demonstrate acceptable workplace safety skills.
  4. Must have the potential to demonstrate acceptable grooming and hygiene.
  5. Must have the potential to demonstrate acceptable social skills, including; respecting the rights of others and respecting workplace rules.
  6. Must have the potential to willingly accept all job assignments and work for a variety of supervisors.
  7. Must have the potential to demonstrate acceptable quality and quantity of work.
  8. Must be willing to participate in recommended Career Enrichment Classes.

To be eligible for the Day Shift Extended Employment program the individual must meet the general criteria plus the following:

  1. Must have completed a work adjustment training or have worked in a community job within the last year.
  2. Must demonstrate compliance with the Consumer Attendance Policy.
  3. Must demonstrate acceptable workplace safety skills.
  4. Must demonstrate acceptable social skills, including; respecting the rights of others and respecting workplace rules.
  5. Must willingly accept all job assignments and work for a variety of supervisors.
  6. Must have acceptable quality and quantity of work.
  7. Must have completed recommended Career Enrichment Classes.

***Please note that after entering Extended Employment, if an individual is failing to meet any of the criteria listed above they may move back to Work Adjustment Training.

To be eligible for the Night Shift Extended Employment program the individual must meet the general criteria plus the following:

  1. Desire to work nights at IGE.
  2. Must have completed a work adjustment training or have been working in a community job within the last year.
  3. Must have appropriate and dependable transportation.
  4. Must demonstrate compliance with the Consumer Attendance Policy.
  5. Must demonstrate acceptable workplace safety skills.
  6. Must demonstrate acceptable social skills, including; respecting the rights of others and respecting workplace rules.
  7. Must willingly accept all job assignments and work for a variety of supervisors.
  8. Must have acceptable quality and quantity of work. 
  9. Must have completed recommended Career Enrichment Classes.

***Please note that after entering Extended Employment, if an individual is failing to meet any of the criteria above they may move back to Work Adjustment Training.

To be eligible for the placement program, including the Community Employment Program, the individual must meet the general criteria plus the following:

  1. Must express a general interest or motivation toward community employment.
  2. Must have demonstrated acceptable basic work habits, either in a previous work experience or in work training.
  3. Must by agreement of the referral source and/or the Department of Rehabilitation Services counselor and an ESP staff member possess or show potential in the following work habits areas: attendance, productivity, quality, social skills, grooming and hygiene, and attitude. (These areas continue to be assessed throughout participation in the ESP program.)

Additional criteria for Supported Employment Services are the following:

  1. The individual has a severe disability that constitutes a barrier to employment.
  2. The individual has not worked or has a history of interrupted/intermittent competitive employment.
  3. The individual desires to be employed in an integrated community full-time or part-time work setting.
  4. Vocational goal and hourly goal for weekly employment can be identified for the individual.
  5. The individual will need appropriate "ongoing support services" at the employment site.
  6. An Extended Service Provider or natural support can be identified prior to the individual entering Supported Employment Services or there is reasonable expectation that it can be identified and established within 18 months after the start of employment.

Revised 11/07