Pilot project for people with disabilities expands in Hamilton County
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Hamilton County’s economic development corporation is expanding a pilot program that aims to help people with disabilities find work.
Called InvestAbility, the initiative of Invest Hamilton County provides training and job experience to students and adults with disabilities. Whereas the pilot project involved the Hampton Inn in Fishers, the expanded effort will encompass three hotels, a senior living facility and fifth site yet to be determined.
Participants in the pilot project performed cleaning duties and other tasks, a welcome source of labor for an industry often struggling to fill positions.
“The careers a person is exposed to should not be dependent on their ZIP code or family connections,” Mike Thibideau, president & CEO of Invest Hamilton County, said in a news release. “Our community thrives because of the collaboration shown in initiatives like InvestAbility, and we are excited to help people build a more solid foundation for their dreams and aspirations. Dreams should not be limited by disabilities, and every person in our community is a great fit for the right role—we just need to help them discover it.”
The paid training opportunities will be managed by Janus Developmental Services and supported through a partnership between the Hamilton County Commissioners and the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, the news release said. Invest Hamilton County, Hamilton County Tourism, the Hamilton County Community Foundation, OneZone, Noblesville, the Westfield Chamber of Commerce and Hamilton County Leadership Academy also are providing support.
“The Bureau of Rehabilitation Services is pleased to collaborate with Hamilton County to connect job seekers with disabilities with career exploration and employment opportunities,” said Theresa Koleszar, director of the Indiana Bureau of Rehabilitation Services. “This partnership has excellent potential to become a model for increasing workforce participation of individuals with disabilities, while meeting business needs.”
The program’s goal is to provide training to more than 130 people per year. InvestAbility also will facilitate one-on-one career discovery meetings for students and adults with disabilities who are looking to learn more about a career or occupation.