Providing employment guidance, training
and placement services to Illinois job seekers.
The center provides a variety of services for job seekers, including: career counseling, education and job-training guidance, financial aid for education and training, personalized career plans, unemployment insurance services, America's Job Bank, and other Internet job listings, and referrals to partner organizations. In addition, our staff can help you develop your resume, write a cover letter to an employer and sharpen your interviewing skills.
You can also use the Crossroads Workforce Centers as you look for a job. We provide computers, printers, fax machines and copiers to help you communicate your interest to potential employers.
Our Assistive Technology Center provides access to equipment and software for individuals with special needs including:
Computers and Peripherals
Monitors are large monitors to aid users with visual impairments
Keyboards are fitted with large key, brailed overlays.
A specialized Intellekeys keyboard is available for users who cannot operate a standard keyboard
Standard and Trackball mice are available for users who may have hand/finger dexterity or mobility difficulties.
Headsets equipped with microphones are available for users with both hearing and visual impairments.
A scanner equipped with a multi document feeder is available for users with hearing and visual impairments. This allows users to scan documents into the computer and access the appropriate software to either enlarge the text or read the text for them.
Software Applications
Jaws is a software that reads the contents of the screen to the user.
Dragon Dictate allows the user with visual and physical impairments to speak to the computer to complete multiple tasks including: screen navigation, typing and editing text, printing, moving between applications and windows, and many other tasks.
Zoom Text enlarges the images and text on the screen to assist users with visual impairments
WYNN Wizard assists users with learning disabilities.
Open Book program that can read printed materials aloud
Home Page Reader software that reads most Web pages aloud
Additional Equipment
A TTY machine is available for users to make and receive calls.
Optelec ClearView magnifies documents.
Closed-Captioned Large Screen Television
Braille Embosser
Braille Labeler
PockeTalker Pro Pocket Amplifier
Tape Recorders
Magnification Devices
Crossroads Workforce Centers staff members are trained on the equipment and software, and are available to assist all individuals. In addition, we can arrange for other accommodations such as interpreters and large print materials upon request.
Job Search Assistance and Job Development
One on one job search assistance provides an opportunity for clients to develop a job search strategy that is customized to meet their needs.
Specialized Adaptive Technology Training
Provides the opportunity for clients to learn skills that will help them to be successful in the workplace.
Referral Services
Crossroads Workforce Centers staff can refer clients to other partner agencies such as the Illinois Department of Human Services, Office of Rehabilitation Services for more comprehensive services based on need.
Electronic Resume Preparation
Trained Crossroads Workforce Centers staff is available to assist clients with developing a professional, up to date, accurate, and organized resume that can be distributed to potential employers.
Skills Assessment
Assessment services are available to all Crossroads Workforce Centers clients. These tests are used to determine both the types of jobs that are best suited for the clients as well as to identify any training or educational needs.
LaKeisha Adams, disabilityworks Resource Coordinator, (618) 271-7750
Misti Neal, disabiltyworks Resource Coordinator, (217) 235-2222, ext. 8237