Agency Specializes in Finding Jobs For People With Disabilities, Despite Economy

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Agency Specializes in Finding Jobs For People With Disabilities,

Despite Economy

http://www.wsaw.com/home/headlines/38032619.html

The current state of the economy doesn't make it easy for people to

find work.

It can be even more difficult for people with disabilities.

But Opportunity Development Centers, or ODC is doing something to

help. ODC specializes in creating job opportunites for adults with

disabilities.

" We really work with people of all ranges of disabilities from

somebody who might have a very serious disability who needs

significant help all the way to somebody who may need just a little

bit of help on the front end, " said Pam Ross, president of ODC.

ODC, based in Marshfield and Wisconsin Rapids, trains and outsources

employees to local businesses.

" We really depend heavily on, from a revenue perspective, the type of

work we do within our facilities, contracting with businesses doing

assembly packaging, " she said.

On-site workers cross train on a variety of jobs, learn different

skills and get a pay check.

" I like getting the chance to do different kinds of jobs, and this

one I like working with tools and stuff, " said Ben Schlinsog, who

assembles parts.

Some of the products workers put together could end up directly in

your hands, like the 'Cover Your Cough' kit, which you could see next

time you go to the doctor.

The poor economy hasn't made it easy on ODC, like other businesses.

But the non-profit never lays off workers with disabilities, and

still manages to find jobs and create niches.

Like their growing textile business. Workers sort used clothes and

rags, which would have gone into land fills, and sell them to pet

companies. They in turn use them for pet bedding and piddle pads.

Ross says one of ODC's core values is believing that if people have a

desire to work, and if they're able to give them opportunites, they

can succeed.

" Work is really a central part of our lives and it's really no

different for people with disabilities who want to work, work is a

big part of their day. "

She says they've seen a tremendous growth in demand, and are working

to expand their services.