6 Huntsville-area resources for inclusive hiring initiatives

Patterson Place Christmas Decorations 13 edited — Check out our recs for spots that help with inclusive hiring efforts. (Patterson Place)

Disability Employment Awareness Month may be wrapping up at the end of October, but there are countless HSV-area organizations that promote inclusive hiring specifically for those with disabilities.

Check out these six incredible local resources that are helping all members of our community find jobs.

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Resources for employment

Ability Plus, Inc.

Ability Plus, Inc. is a Huntsville-area nonprofit that seeks to support adults with both intellectual and developmental disabilities through group housing, job coaching, mentor programs and more.

The organization has been led by Dr. Karockas Watkins (also known as Doc Rock!) for the last 11 years, and under his leadership, the org has grown their operations beyond simple job coaching. They offer community partnerships with local employers for those with disabilities, family-style homes for adults to live in and meaningful contributions to the community at large.

Currently, they offer:

⏰ 24-hour residential care
🤝 Vocational training and employment support
🧠 Behavioral health support
🚗 Transportation services

Through partnerships with local businesses, healthcare providers and educational institutions, we help create pathways to employment, skill development and community participation. Inclusion means belonging, contribution and connection.

_{Ability Plus}

🔗 Website | Facebook
🤲 Their story
☎️ 256-489-4696
📍 100 Jetplex Blvd, Huntsville

Phoenix Huntsville

Phoenix Huntsville is an established Huntsville-based nonprofit that was originally founded in 1973 as the Huntsville Rehabilitation Center, Inc.

They provide services for those with qualified disabilities to receive equal employment opportunities at local employers in fields of vocational, manufacturing and government-sector work. They provide opportunity in the following nine counties:

📍 Madison County
📍 Jackson County
📍 Limestone County
📍 Morgan County
📍 Marshall County
📍 Marion County
📍 Winston County
📍 Cullman County
📍 Walker County

Through their contributions, they currently provide jobs to over 800 Alabamians with disabilities and have circulated benefits totaling $39 million.

🔗 Website | Facebook
🤲 Their story
☎️ 256-880-0671
📍 2939 Johnson Rd, Huntsville

Patterson Place

Patterson Place is a Huntsville group that gives those with disabilities a place to express themselves creatively. Through events and work opportunities for “citizens,” as they call members of Patterson Place, the organization fosters an environment of inclusion and connection, allowing adults with disabilities to build real-world skills while working towards a common goal.

Here is just a taste of some items you can buy from the Patterson Place citizens. (Warning—the fudge is highly addictive 😍) 👇

🍫 Fudge
🚿 Shower steamers
🕯️ Candles
😋 Granola
🐶 Dog treats
+ countless others!

“We provide adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities a place for meaningful days — where they can do purposeful work, build friendships and grow in confidence within a safe, structured and supportive environment.”

_{Emma Little, Founder & Executive Director, Patterson Place}

🔗 Website | Facebook
🤲 Their story
☎️ 256-212-0164
📍 4217 9th Ave SW Suite 25, Huntsville

The Arc of Madison County

The Arc of Madison County is one of the most wide-reaching organizations for disabled individuals in Huntsville. The organization was founded in the 1950s by a group of parents who sought community and connection through other families with disabled individuals. Through their efforts, they were able to fundraise and place the very first Special Education teacher in Huntsville City Schools.

🏡 Residential services
🤝 Employment services
🧑‍🧒 Early intervention services + pediatric outpatient care
🎗️ Autism clinic

“Together we can give loving care and guidance to those with intellectual disabilities as they find their place in the world at large. Here at The Arc, opportunity abounds at all levels of interaction, for those needing nursing care to those looking to make a difference through gainful employment.”

_{The Arc Madison County}

🔗 Website | Facebook
🤲 Their story
☎️ Work programs: 256-382-4478
📍 Check website for specific locations

Open Door

Open Door is a South Huntsville resource for individuals with autism to learn valuable skills regarding how they promote themselves and become a lasting member of the workforce. By building real-life skills in these individuals, the folks at Open Door aim to assist clients in their careers long beyond their initial consultation.

Here are some of the services they offer:

⚔️ Dungeons & Dragons skill-building group
📋 Career prep sessions
🤝 Social skills training

“We use a one-on-one ratio training method in conjunction with live work environments to acutely train our clients on workplace assimilation, workplace socialization and proactive, sustainable strategies for navigating both.”

_{Open Door Huntsville}

Sofia’s Roadside Cantina

Sofia’s is a beloved Mexican restaurant in South Huntsville. (Hville Blast)

Sofia’s Roadside Cantina opened in South Huntsville earlier this year, and they are already making waves in the inclusive hiring space.

The restaurant came about as a partnership between Kelly Villarreal, her father and her uncle, who have 30+ years of HSV restaurant experience. Kelly has a son with autism, and came to the conclusion that the options for inclusive hiring in Huntsville could be extended even further through restaurant work at Sofia’s. Their mission is simple: Great food, with even better opportunities.

“We believe in providing opportunities for individuals from all walks of life, including those with disabilities and unique circumstances. By fostering an inclusive workplace, we celebrate everyone’s contributions.”

_{Sofia’s Roadside Cantina}