By Jim Nicholson
Individuals with disabilities are largely an untapped resource
for those recruiting in the job market,” says Jeff Allsman,
vice president of Communications at Challenge Unlimited Inc.
“It’s an injustice that currently more than 70 percent of individuals
with disabilities remain unemployed or underemployed in this
country. Consistently, we have seen that, when given the opportunity
and proper supports, individuals with disabilities are able
to perform competitive, quality services in a community setting
right alongside non-disabled individuals. Individuals with disabilities
are an underutilized employment resource and we set our sites
on providing better job opportunities and better pay for individuals
with disabilities.”
For almost 50 years, Challenge Unlimited and its affiliate companies,
Alpha Industries and Residential Options have been doing just
that. With administrative offices in Alton, training programs
in both Alton and Swansea, and satellite presence in Collinsville,
Edwardsville, Godfrey, Pontoon Beach, Granite City and St. Louis,
Challenge Unlimited has established Metro-East as a leader in
inclusive programs and a model for success.
Founded as a nonprofit organization in 1960, Challenge Unlimited
is committed to the inclusion of individuals with disabilities
into mainstream society. It assists individuals with disabilities
obtain independence by providing them educational opportunities,
vocational and personal adjustment training, community-integrated
housing and employment. “Our philosophy towards rehabilitation
at Challenge Unlimited Inc. is one of community-integration
and creating opportunities for greater independence,” says President
Tom Moehn. “We believe the value of independence is immeasurable
and that every individual deserves the right to have their personal
choice reflected in the life they lead. Personal choice is considered
in every aspect of the programs and services we provide.”
Just as with potential mainstream job applicants, individuals
with disabilities bring specific skills to be matched with employers’
needs. Challenge Unlimited’s Intake and Recruitment programs
both accept applications from people with disabilities and recruit
those who are seeking employment. Vocational Evaluation assesses
the potential of each individual. Progress is monitored through
evaluation, interpersonal observation and interviews. Supported
employment initially assists individuals in obtaining employment
in integrated community-based settings. Placement services are
then provided to assist them through job search and employer
contact. Once full employment is secured, placement staff is
in place for follow-up contact with both the employee and the
employer.
Challenge Unlimited’s Developmental Training Program is designed
to provide particularly challenged individuals with the means
of functioning independently. It serves those with developmental,
mental and physical disabilities unable to function in a typical
workshop setting, those functioning within a sheltered workshop
environment, but whose needs preclude higher-level programming
and those requiring either closely supervised training or a
closely monitored environment.
Individuals possessing the skills demanded of Challenge Unlimited’s
Operations personnel receive vocational training and are employed
at businesses throughout the community, at State and Federal
Government sites and at internal production facilities. This
Department provides service personnel for custodial, food service,
grounds and recycling operations at locations in Illinois, Missouri
and Wisconsin. These workers have received numerous regional,
state, national and international awards including the 1996
and 2004 Hennessy Award presented to the best United States
Air Force food service facility in the world.
Anyone who has ever known someone with a severe disability or
witnessed the plight of aging parents with a child with a severe
disability living at home as an adult comprehends the vital
importance of providing that person the means of establishing
an independent lifestyle. Residential Options Inc., a subsidiary
of Challenge Unlimited was established in 1989 to provide housing
and support services for persons with disabilities. Eight to
sixteen bed group homes allow for a typical home environment
in which all residents engage in both the privileges and responsibilities
of a typical home including cooking, laundry, cleaning, gardening
and pet care. Pet care provides an exceptionally unique option.
“All of our housing is community-based,” says Residential Options
Inc. Vice President Diane Tebbe. “We encourage each individual
to become an involved participant in their community.”
Residential Options also provides residents employment and vocational
training, recreation, transportation, counseling, specialized
dietary planning, on-call medical staff and speech, physical
and occupational therapy. Residents are encouraged to become
active members of their communities and opportunities are provided
for field trips, vacations, shopping trips and indoor and outdoor
activities. Should a resident be athletically ambitious, Special
Olympics is an option.
Another Challenge Unlimited subsidiary, Alpha Industries, creates
jobs and career opportunities for individuals throughout the
community and at State and Federal sites for individuals with
and without disabilities.
For nearly five decades, Challenge Unlimited has provided individuals
with disabilities the opportunity to become contributing members
of their communities—and the opportunity to give back to that
community. “Working alongside non-disabled employees, individuals
with disabilities and the disadvantaged are afforded opportunities
with increased pay as well as self-confidence and self-esteem,”
Allsman says. “This also helps to boost the local and regional
economy by providing vocational training and employment opportunities
for persons with disabilities. This means of earning a livable
wage, decreases their dependence on government assistance and
enables them to become contributing, tax-paying members of society.”
