The Iroquois Supported Employment Program (ISEP) began in 1985 with the goal of moving people with disabilities from unemployment or segregated employment to employment in the community at competitive wages.  The Director of Supported Employment, Job Developer, and Job Coaches help people find and keep community jobs. 

 

People receive job development, placement, work setting training, advocacy, ongoing assessment, and follow-up support services based on their individual needs, abilities, and interests.  The support of an on site job coach is provided, as needed, to assist the employee in attaining success at the community integrated work site.  Economic independence and social inclusion are primary results attained from this program.

 

The Workers Unlimited Club meets on the 3^rd Wednesday of each month from 7 – 8:30 p.m.  The goals of the Workers Unlimited Club include:  increasing the awareness of employment options and the community integrated employment skills of members; increasing leadership and self advocacy skills of its members; increasing job experiences and employment opportunities of its members; and, increasing the awareness of potential employers of the benefits of hiring people with disabilities.

 

The program not only has obvious benefits for the people it supports but also provides numerous benefits to employers and local communities.  Employer benefits are:  pre-screened applicants; less employee turnover and absenteeism; systematic evaluation of employee performance; reliable workers; on-site training; long term supports for workers; support for employers; advertising cost savings; diversity; tax credits; and, increased business from the disability community.

 

The program currently supports over 40 people at a variety of sites throughout Iroquois County.  Below is a list of some of the many businesses and individuals who currently provide employment opportunities for people with disabilities through our supported employment program:

 

Cissna Park

• Grace Bible Church

• Cissna Park Co-Op

• Village Hall

• Curtis Satellite, Antennae, and Internet

• Immanuel Lutheran Church

• Koester’s Plumbing and Heating

• Luke’s Laundromat

• Anderson's

Milford

• Citizens State Bank

• Lookers

Iroquois

• United Methodist Church

Martinton

• St. Martin's Church and Fellowship Hall

Watseka

• The Arc of Iroquois County

• McCullough Implement Company

• The Times Republic and Spirit

• Wal-Mart

• Watseka Chrysler Dodge and Jeep

• Dr. Phillip Zumwalt's Office

• Hi-Pro

• DaVinci's

• A Cut Above

• Huxman Advertising

• McDonalds

• Molnar's

• Options for Independent Living

• Big R

• Volunteer Services

• Burger King

• Cuco's Family Restaurant

• Gary's Barber Shop

Gilman

• McDonalds

• The Gathering

• Mike's Apartment

• Post Office

Onarga

• Iroquois West Middle School

• U of I Extension Office

Hoopeston

• McDonald's

• IGA

Sheldon

• Sheldon Township Building

• Sheldon Healthcare

Kankakee

• The Daily Journal