BLOGS

The Business Advisory Council (BAC) was formed in 2021, with the primary goal to expand and enhance employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. Staff from the Allen County Board of Developmental Disabilities (ACBDD), local employment partners, and family members of individuals served were the original members. During the first several meetings, the group discussed the biggest needs and barriers for individuals seeking employment. Some of those co

The Allen County Board of Developmental Disabilities has been celebrating Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month all of March. To finish off the month, March’s Employee of the Month is Brianna! Brianna has been successful at her first job because of having a supportive employer who saw her potential. One who was willing to give her an opportunity to work & most of all was willing to learn how to best support Brianna. Without a willingness to learn about Brianna’s skills a

Trenton has been employed at Mercy Health St. Rita’s for more than six years now. Trenton works in Nutritional Services, where he rinses dishes, loads and unloads dishwashers, takes out trash, and more. He loves the job because it’s never dull. He’s always moving and working, and his days are never the same. He’s glad to have good co-workers and the best boss, Jeff Shockey. Like most essential workers, Trenton’s hours increased during the pandemic. His responsibilities also

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month . Its purpose is twofold: to recognize people with disabilities as part of a team in their workplaces and to educate the public about employing people with disabilities. ACBDD is proud of the many individuals we serve who have found employment in the community. One such employee, Dennis Cook, works at Sam’s Club as a merchandise and stock associate. Dennis has been employed at Sam’s Club for over a year. He stocks shel

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month , an annual campaign that challenges us to talk about and celebrate the many and varied contributions of our country’s workers with disabilities. The 2019 theme is “The Right Talent, Right Now.” The history of National Disability Employment Month dates back to 1945, when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week of October “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” In 1962, the word “physically” was remov

From assistive technology to a new club and more, here is what’s happening at Allen County Board of Developmental Disabilities. If you’d like to receive a print version of The Community Connection, email bwerling@acbdd.org.

The ACBDD is proud to observe October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). This year’s theme “America’s Workforce: Empowering All” celebrates the diverse and valuable contributions people with disabilities bring to the work environment. Embracing the talents and skills of individuals with disabilities allows employers to tap into a wider pool of potential workers. These workers help to keep our nation’s economy strong and are representative of the overal

The job market has evolved in many ways over the last few years. Employers are looking for individuals who are able to learn quickly, have work experience and, most importantly, demonstrate the capacity to become dependable and reliable employees. At the Allen County Board of Developmental Disabilities, any individual who wishes to pursue community employment is assigned an Employment Navigator. An Employment Navigator meets the individual wherever he or she is on the path to

One of the Project SEARCH Interns got to experience what it’s like to be high in the air, while decorating the Christmas tree at Mercy Health/St. Rita’s Medical Center . Justin Rader has been an intern in the Grounds Department for the past 10 weeks. When his work mentor first asked Justin if he wanted to get in the lift, he quickly said “No!” He was scared. The next day, I received a text from one of his mentors, telling me to get out front quickly! Justin had put his courag