NEWS
100 Jobs Campaign Celebrating Employment for People with Disabilities Across Indiana
100 Jobs In Indiana Employment First 2010 
Sit back and enjoy this feature presentation of 100 jobs celebrating employment for people with disabilities in Indiana! Developed by IN-APSE in conjunction with the Organizational Change Forum and Indiana AFP!
Look for additional Indiana Success Stories in the Coming Weeks and Months!
Meet Diane Hodgkin
‎Diane Hodgkin has received services and support from Achieva Resources Corporation, Inc. since 1972. In 2000, Diane received assistance from an Employment Consultant through Employment Services to secure a job a Morrison Reeves Library... in Richmond. Today, Diane works five days a week in the library’s audio/visual department.
Diane has served as Vice President of Achieva’s Consumer Advisory Committee and was Vice President of People First of Wayne Count for over 10 years. She is currently a member of Achieva’s Human Rights Committee.
Achieva (http://www.achievaresources.org/) is the local chapter of The Arc of Indiana in Fayette, Franklin, Union and Wayne Counties.
Meet Joe Kelly
Joe Kelley has worked at Krogers of Lebanon since July 2003. Joe’s Arc Rehab Services Job Coach helped Joe learn how to bag groceries, stock shelves and bring in carts from the parking lot. Today, state funding allows Arc Rehab staff to only occasionally check on Joe to make sure all is going well with his job.
Having a steady job has allowed Joe to become increasingly independent. He is particularly proud that his paycheck recently helped him pay off his truck. When he is not working Joe enjoys sports and is active in Special Olympics softball and baseball. Arc Rehab Services in the local chapter of The Arc of Indiana in Boone County.
Having a steady job has allowed Joe to become increasingly independent. He is particularly proud that his paycheck recently helped him pay off his truck. When he is not working Joe enjoys sports and is active in Special Olympics softball and baseball. Arc Rehab Services in the local chapter of The Arc of Indiana in Boone County.
Meet Ryan Davidson
Ryan Davidson is one of 35 staff members at Carson Manufacturing Company, a maker of emergency sirens. Ryan has worked at Carson Manufacturing for over three years, thanks to the job training and support he received from Noble/The Arc of Greater Indianapolis. Ryan keeps the floors shining, maintains machines, moves equipment, sorts items for recycling, landscapes, and helps with electrical and plumbing.
Operations Manager Jorge Reyes says of Ryan, “Ryan is very independent, professional and competent. I don’t have to provide much direct supervision. He knows what he needs to do and when. There’s not much here that he doesn’t do.
Meet Lisa Harter
Lisa Harter has worked at Dollar General in LaGrange, Indiana for over three years, making her the most reliable and senior employee at that store.
Lisa secured her job with the assistance of Arc Opportunities’ Community Employment Program. Her responsibilities include stocking shelves and running the cash register. Arc Opportunities is the local chapter of The Arc of Indiana in LaGrange County.
Several years ago Lisa and her husband were able to realize their dream of buying a house. Her job became even more important when she became the sole bread winner of the family when her husband was laid off from his job.
Lisa’s store manager appreciates her work ethic and says Lisa is an asset to the team. “She’s very conscientious and punctual and you can always count on her.”
Lisa secured her job with the assistance of Arc Opportunities’ Community Employment Program. Her responsibilities include stocking shelves and running the cash register. Arc Opportunities is the local chapter of The Arc of Indiana in LaGrange County.
Several years ago Lisa and her husband were able to realize their dream of buying a house. Her job became even more important when she became the sole bread winner of the family when her husband was laid off from his job.
Lisa’s store manager appreciates her work ethic and says Lisa is an asset to the team. “She’s very conscientious and punctual and you can always count on her.”
Meet Ieasha Thomas
With the help and support of Easter Seals Arc of Northeast Indiana and the Support Services Medicaid Waiver, Ieasha Thomas has worked at O’Charley’s Restaurant in Fort Wayne since May 2002.
In October 2008 the downturn in the economy threatened Ieasha’s job, as was the case for so many Hoosiers. With the support of her Easter Seals Arc job coach, and the commitment of her manager to keep her employed, Ieasha received job training to take on more tasks at O’Charley’s. Ieasha enjoys her work preparing food, preparing table settings and cleaning tables and booths. Ieasha’s manager appreciates her dedication to the job and her good work ethic. Easter Seals Arc of Northeast Indiana is the local chapter of The Arc of Indiana serving Allen, Dekalb, Huntington and Steuben Counties.
Meet Zach Cearbaugh
After receiving job placement and training for his job at Port Side Pizza in Columbia City, Indiana, Zach Cearbaugh was referred to Passages, local chapter of The Arc of Indiana in Whitley County, for continued job supports.
Zach’s job at Port Side Pizza has helped Zach become increasingly independent and proud of his work. Through his job, he has become part of the Port Side Pizza family and has become friends with co-workers, both on and off the job.
Meet Mark Price
Mark Price is a hard worker who takes pride in his work – at all three of his jobs. Whether it is keeping Kelsey’s Steak House clean, cooking at Lincoln’s Carry Out, or helping others as a Self-Advocate for The Arc of Indiana’s The Arc Network, Mark strives for perfection. Mark receives employment supports funded by the Developmental Disabilities Medicaid waiver through Arc BRIDGES, local chapter of The Arc of Indiana in Lake, Porter and LaPorte Counties. Those who know Mark say he has achieved success for himself through hard work and a tremendously positive attitude.
Meet Patrick Starnes
Thanks to Indiana’s priority to allow graduates of special education program receive the Support Services Medicaid waiver without having to be on a waiting list, Patrick Starnes received supports from the Medicaid waiver and KCARC, local chapter of The Arc of Indiana in Knox County, following his graduation. This led Patrick to secure a job at McDonald’s. He loves his new job, independence, and new friends.
Meet Cora Slater
For most people, a dream job remains only a dream, but for Cora Slater, her dream job is now a reality. As a cat-lover, Cora found the perfect job when she began working at the City of Bloomington Animal Shelter in July 2005. Cora received help and support in securing her job through Stone Belt Arc and the Support Services Medicaid Waiver.
Cora is proud of the work that she does at the shelter – maintaining a clean, healthy environment for orphan cats that, with luck, will someday find a permanent home. Co-workers and management have been quick to recognize and praise Cora for her hard work and dedication. In return, the City of Bloomington Animal Care and Control has been a dedicated and supportive employer – earning them the “Outstanding Employer Award” at Stone Belt Arc’s 2007 Employer Recognition Ceremony.
Meet Michelle Fischer
Michelle Fischer, who was born with cerebral palsy, received critical early intervention services at Wabash Center in Lafayette, Indiana as an infant and toddler.
After graduating from high school, Michelle once again found support at Wabash Center through their EmployAbilities program. EmployAbilities helped Michelle secure a job with First Steps of Mid North Indiana, a program that provides early intervention services to infants and toddlers with or at risk of disabilities. Now, Michelle is giving back to those who face challenges just as she did when she first came to Wabash Center.
Michelle dreams of becoming a TV News Anchor. She is getting a start in achieving this dream by working with The Arc of Indiana to produce and record audiocasts on issues facing people with developmental disabilities and their families.
You can learn more about Michelle by watching “Michelle’s Story,” on Wabash Center’s YouTube channel. Listen to Michelle’s podcasts on The Arc of Indiana web site and follow her on Facebook at A View from My Window with Michelle Fischer.
After graduating from high school, Michelle once again found support at Wabash Center through their EmployAbilities program. EmployAbilities helped Michelle secure a job with First Steps of Mid North Indiana, a program that provides early intervention services to infants and toddlers with or at risk of disabilities. Now, Michelle is giving back to those who face challenges just as she did when she first came to Wabash Center.
Michelle dreams of becoming a TV News Anchor. She is getting a start in achieving this dream by working with The Arc of Indiana to produce and record audiocasts on issues facing people with developmental disabilities and their families.
You can learn more about Michelle by watching “Michelle’s Story,” on Wabash Center’s YouTube channel. Listen to Michelle’s podcasts on The Arc of Indiana web site and follow her on Facebook at A View from My Window with Michelle Fischer.