ADRS, ACCS streamline access to credentials for in-demand jobs

The Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services and the Alabama Community College System are streamlining access to in-demand credentials and jobs for residents with disabilities. Gadsden State Community College is a part of ACCS.

“People with disabilities remain disproportionately unemployed or underemployed in comparison to the general population,” said ADRS Commissioner Jane Elizabeth Burdeshaw. “The goal of the vocational rehabilitation program is to support the business community and the individuals we serve by reducing barriers that keep otherwise qualified candidates on the sideline.

“ADRS helps people in this special population obtain employment while also helping Alabama businesses fill needed vacancies by hiring and retaining highly skilled and highly motivated employees who come through the VRS program,” she said.

The department’s Vocational Rehabilitation Service college training policy has eliminated most income-based eligibility requirements for individuals participating in the VRS programs and who are eligible through ADRS to access educational services at Alabama’s public community and technical colleges. Services include financial assistance with tuition, fees, books and supplies for training in associate degree programs as well as technical, certificate or short-term certificate programs.

Residents with disabilities train often at Alabama’s two-year colleges for in-demand careers such as truck driving, healthcare and business management. In addition to training in college programs, the ACCS Innovation Center’s no-cost, rapid Skills for Success training programs are also available.

Gadsden State student Dawson Gladden was among the first to train through this program. He earned a certificate in Automotive Collision Repair in 2022 and is employed by Nissan of Gadsden.

“The education I received at Gadsden State and the guidance I had through the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services allowed me to find full-time employment with good pay,” he said. “I couldn’t have reached my goals if it had not been for the training and services I received.”

Tony Phillips, the manager of the body shop at Nissan of Gadsden, values programs and services offered by the College and ADRS.

“The opportunity to partner with Gadsden State and ADRS is essential to keeping well-trained, competent certified automotive collision repairmen, which is an important component of Nissan’s commitment to best serve our customers in the Gadsden area,” he said.

In addition to financial assistance for qualifying VRS participants who attend Alabama’s two-year colleges, ADRS assists colleges with much-needed accommodations to help ADRS participants successfully achieve in the classroom.

“Programs like this are integral to changing the lives of students and helping grow Alabama’s labor force,” said Pam Clough, ADA director at Gadsden State. “Together, ADRS, Gadsden State and our sister colleges are paving the way for individuals to realize their potential by breaking down barriers and building bridges to success.”

Alabama residents interested in learning more about services through the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services can call 1-800-441-7607 or visit www.rehab.alabama.gov. TTY users can dial 711 or visit alabamarelay.com for more information.

For more information about Gadsden State and the programs it offers, visit www.gadsdenstate.edu.