Did you know that only 17 percent of people with disabilities are employed? At ADEC, we think that number is too low, and that is why we are so grateful that the city of Elkhart and Mayor Tim Neese for helping us try to change it.

A new job shadowing program unveiled by the the Mayor’s Office this week show that our neighbors in Elkhart recognize the value and talent that people with disabilities can bring to the workplace.

Once an ADEC client is placed with the city, the communications team at ADEC plans to give you a better idea of what the job shadowing program looks like and how it is a “win-win” for ADEC and Elkhart.

In the meantime, here is the release that was sent out Wednesday:

Mayor Tim Neese announced today that the city of Elkhart will begin providing job shadowing opportunities to ADEC clients.

ADEC serves people of all ages in Elkhart and St. Joseph counties who experience developmental disabilities and delays, as well as other specials needs. Their clients are interested in learning new skills such as planting flowers, custodial work, painting, etc. and have assisted other Elkhart city and county companies for several years. Last year, ADEC provided community employment services for over 300 individuals.

“When I took office, I encouraged residents and city employees to share any new and innovative ideas they had to make Elkhart the best it can possibly be,” Neese said. “This partnership is a great example of that, and I want to thank the city’s Human Resources Department for reaching out to the community and making this possible. This partnership will provide ADEC clients the opportunity to learn new skills and gain experience, but our city and city employees gain so much more. The way we see it, this is a win-win.”

Through this program, ADEC will assign an employment consultant to one of their clients, and they will both job shadow a city employee for a short period of time to learn or even help complete a particular job or assignment.

“ADEC is very excited about our partnership with the city of Elkhart,” said Sara Howard, Senior Manager. “We thank Mayor Neese and the city employees for embracing this opportunity to partner with ADEC and the clients we serve.”

The program comes at no cost or liability to the city, and work will be completed on an as needed basis.