Every October, ADEC joins the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy in recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October. The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to raise awareness about disability employment and celebrate the many contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Value and Talent.”
Established in 1945, NDEAM began as “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week” and has since evolved into a month-long campaign recognizing all people with disabilities and their contributions to strengthening the American workforce. Today, it is both a celebration of progress and a call to action for creating inclusive workplaces where everyone has the chance to succeed.
At ADEC, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a fulfilled life in their community — and employment is a key part of that. Work provides more than just a paycheck; it offers purpose, a sense of belonging, and independence. Each year, we join in NDEAM to highlight the talents of people with disabilities and to challenge our community to see ability, not limitation.
People with disabilities bring unique strengths, problem-solving skills, and dedication to their jobs. They improve workplace culture by fostering empathy, collaboration, and innovation. Research indicates that inclusive companies experience higher retention rates, improved morale, and stronger reputations within their communities. When businesses embrace disability inclusion, they are not only doing the right thing — they are making a smart investment in their workforce.
ADEC’s Employment Services
ADEC’s employment programs empower individuals with disabilities to pursue meaningful careers.
Community Employment
Through our Community Employment Services, ADEC’s community employment consultants work with individuals to understand their skills and preferences by using hands-on assessments, job shadowing, and interviews. In cooperation with vocational rehabilitation and local businesses, ADEC supports individuals in Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties, providing job matching, coaching, and support at no cost to employers. Once employed, consultants offer individualized levels of support to aid the success of both participants and employers.
Skills & Training Program
ADEC’s Skills & Training Center is dedicated to assisting participants in discovering and utilizing their individual abilities in the workplace, at home, and within the community through interactive classroom instruction and activity. The program is open to all individuals 18 or older with intellectual and developmental disabilities interested in developing personal independence for living and working in the community. It is not a one-size-fits-all program but is instead catered to each participant’s diverse needs and individual goals with the intention of promoting personal growth in maximizing functional ability, independence, and exposure to daily life activities.
Project SEARCH
Project SEARCH is a transition-to-work program for individuals with disabilities. The one-year employment preparation program takes place entirely within Beacon Memorial Hospital in partnership with ADEC, the South Bend Community School Corporation, and Vocational Rehabilitation. Total workplace immersion facilitates a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on training through worksite rotations. At the end of the program, participants are celebrated with a graduation for their individualized job development.
Pre-Employment Transition Services
Pre-Employment Transition Services are designed for students with disabilities between the ages of 14 and 22. These services aim to assist them in transitioning from school to work by providing essential skills and experiences for successful employment. The Pre-ETS Program comprises five key service areas: job exploration and counseling, work-based learning experiences, counseling on post-secondary education, workplace readiness training, and self-advocacy instruction.
Connecting Businesses with Qualified Candidates
ADEC takes pride in providing choice and possibility for the individuals we serve. However, we are equally committed to extending these choices and opportunities to businesses, employers, and community partners through our Community Employment Services program.
Over the years, we have helped employers in Elkhart and St. Joseph counties fill vacant positions with pre-screened, skilled, qualified, and job-ready candidates. Our community employment program collaborates with employers and businesses across various industries, including, but not limited to, environmental services, food service, healthcare, hospitality, human services, manufacturing, non-profit organizations, office/clerical services, production, and retail.
Hiring individuals with disabilities not only enriches the diversity of your workforce but also provides avenues for professional and personal growth among your current employees. Additionally, it contributes to the overall prosperity of your community and promotes greater societal awareness.
If you’re a business leader, community member, or advocate who wants to learn more about partnering with ADEC, click here.
