Low unemployment creates job opportunities for those with disabilities

July 15--SOUTH BEND -- Andy Bennett doesn't know what he'd do without his job at the Target store in Erskine Village.

A couple of days each week, the 28-year-old Mishawaka resident is dropped off at the store by a family member to begin a half-day shift stocking shelves and helping customers locate whatever they're looking for.

"I love retail because I like helping the guests and talking to people," said Bennett, who has been a part-time employee at the store for seven years. "I don't know what I'd do with myself if I didn't have a job."

Bennett landed his position after getting through a job-training program. He's among the growing number of people with disabilities who have found success finding work, thanks in part to a shrinking pool of available workers.

With unemployment rates hovering near historic lows, businesses have been more willing than ever to reach out to Goodwill, Logan, Corvilla, ADEC and other nonprofit agencies in the region that train and place individuals with disabilities to work in businesses.

Some clients prefer to remain in agency-operated workshops that perform assembly, packaging, shipping and other tasks for area businesses. Others want to try their hand at other jobs that might be available in the community.

"That kind of work isn't everyone's cup of tea," said Holly Lederer, director of employment services for Logan, referring to the assembly and packaging work that's often found in the workshops. As a result, the agency will work to find a position that is meaningful for a client after they learn some soft skills -- such as the importance of showing up to work on time -- as well as some job skills.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for those with a disability has been steadily declining over the past few years. In May, the non-adjusted unemployment rate for those with a disability dropped down to 7 percent compared to 9.5 percent the previous year; at the same time, the unemployment rate for those without a disability dropped to 3.4 percent from 3.9 percent in May 2017.

Employers might be more willing to hire a person with a disability because of the difficulty of filling open positions, but Lederer and others believe some of the barriers that might have once existed are evaporating now that businesses have firsthand experience.

"Employers are realizing that it isn't how a person looks or speaks but how they work," she said.

Sara Howard, senior manager of community employment for ADEC, said the low unemployment rate initially forced businesses to look beyond their old comfort zone in order to fill positions. At the same time, ADEC and other agencies have done a lot of outreach to the business community to educate them about the services available.

"Initially, the low unemployment rate forced employers to think outside the box," Howard explained. "But what's happening now is they're coming back to us looking for more job candidates because they see the quality and value."

Howard is hopeful that what might have started as employers trying to solve an immediate problem could lead to long-term improvements for those with a disability who are seeking employment. "I'm hopeful it has broken down barriers," she said.

At the South Bend Target store there are no barriers.

"We don't view Andy as a person with a disability," said Dawn Hanley, who is Bennett's immediate supervisor at the store. "He's an amazing employee who always goes above and beyond. I would duplicate him if I could."

Bennett gets regular visits from Matt Dembinski, a job coach from ADEC, who drops by to ensure that he's doing fine and help him out in whatever way possible. Though some clients might always require the oversight of a job coach, it sometimes is phased out for others.

That all depends upon the needs of the client.ADEC is currently working with 250 to 300 clients and about 55 have been placed at roughly 40 different employers in St. Joseph and Elkhart counties, an increase compared with only a couple of years ago, said Howard, adding that there are very few jobs that cannot be successfully performed by a person with a disability.

Bennett is just happy to have a job he enjoys and co-workers who have become friends on and off the job.

It's also nice to have money to support his dog, Max, and pay for some of his hobbies -- such as attending concerts with his sister.

That's what it is all about.

"There's a place for everyone," said Howard.

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