2025 marks the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark law that was designed to protect persons with disabilities from discrimination and ensure they have access to different areas of public life. One of those major areas is employment; before the ADA was signed into law in 1990, people with disabilities could be denied an opportunity to work.
Even now, people with disabilities have challenges finding employment. Per the latest data from the United States Department of Labor, persons of working age with disabilities have a 9.3% unemployment rate, which is almost double the unemployment rate of persons without disabilities.
Credit: ADA National Network (adata.org) 1-800-949-4232
At Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana, we pride ourselves in valuing each individual’s uniqueness and ability. This core tenet has led to Goodwill employing over 1,700 individuals with disabilities and becoming one of the largest employers of persons with disabilities in the state.
Our employees are encouraged to reach their full potential – and if they need accommodations to accomplish tasks, we’re eager to ensure they have what they need. For those with physical limitations, workspaces are adjusted to fit their needs. Often, employees connect with their Goodwill Mission Coach, a life and career coach, who can help create plans to hit their goals.
“As a mission coach who works with employees with disabilities, I see every day how the right accommodation can help someone succeed at work,” said Erin White, a Goodwill Mission Coach. “Whether it’s adjusting a workspace, providing adaptive tools or offering coaching on new tasks, these supports make it possible for employees to contribute their skills and reach their goals.”
Besides direct employment, Goodwill has other opportunities for those with disabilities to improve their hard and soft skills and secure purposeful employment, whether that purpose is providing for a family at home or pursuing a passion.
Goodwill is an implementing agency of AbilityOne, a federal program that provides employment opportunities to those who are blind or have other significant disabilities. Through AbilityOne, employees like Sonjaki Alvies, have been able to have a fulfilling role, as well as learn more about budgeting and paying rent.
Goodwill also offers the Janitorial Training Program (JTP), designed for individuals participating in Vocational Rehabilitation and who have barriers to employment – such as a disability – who may be interested in commercial janitorial work. The 480-hour training includes case management and the development of skills that are transferable and valuable in any service industry. Once participants complete the program, they have the opportunity to earn a janitorial certificate from the Cleaning Management Institute (CMI), which can expand their employment opportunities.
Ensuring people with disabilities work in a supportive environment and have the tools to grow, develop and reach their full potential is foundational to Goodwill. For more information on employment and training opportunities at Goodwill, please visit goodwillindy.org/employment.
