Imagine a world where everyone has the chance to pursue their passions and contribute meaningfully to society—but for people with disabilities, barriers often stand in the way. That's the heart of the issue we're diving into today: how organizations like STEP are breaking down those barriers and transforming lives through inclusive employment.
But here's where it gets controversial... Not everyone agrees on the best ways to support this, and we'll touch on some differing views as we go. For now, let's explore the inspiring growth at Support, Training and Employment (STEP), a beacon of hope in Fairmont during National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
In the photo above, STEP Employment Director Abby McFarland, Intake and Compliance Manager LilyAnn Berg, and HR Generalist Madysen Eckmann proudly display their sign outside their office building. From there, they expertly handle cases for 150 individuals with disabilities who are either employed or actively seeking work. Remarkably, 110 of these people call Martin County home.
FAIRMONT – As October shines a spotlight on National Disability Employment Awareness Month, STEP stands out for its tireless efforts in connecting dozens of local individuals with disabilities to fulfilling jobs and helping them retain those positions long-term. This isn't just about finding a paycheck; it's about unlocking potential and fostering independence.
Heidi Smith, the Executive Director of STEP, explains that the organization provides a variety of avenues to integrate people with disabilities into the workforce. These include referrals through Medicaid waivers, guidance from dedicated case managers, and support via Vocational Rehabilitation Services. For beginners wondering what these mean, Medicaid waivers are special programs that help cover costs for services not typically covered by standard insurance, allowing more personalized care. Case managers act as supportive guides, while Vocational Rehabilitation Services offer tailored training and resources to build skills for employment.
Opportunities span direct hires, crew jobs, and in-house pre-employment programs. With direct hires, an employer brings on an individual, and STEP steps in with a job coach—a trained professional who provides hands-on support, like teaching workplace routines or offering encouragement during challenges—to ensure a smooth transition. Crew jobs involve a business partnering with STEP to hire an entire team for specific tasks, such as landscaping or assembly work, which can be a great way to build group dynamics and job skills. As for pre-employment, STEP gives participants paid opportunities (at minimum wage) to tackle real projects, honing specific abilities—like mastering software tools or perfecting a craft—before jumping into full-time roles.
And this is the part most people miss... STEP Intake and Compliance Manager LilyAnn Berg emphasizes that their approach isn't one-size-fits-all; it's deeply personalized. "We conduct thorough interviews with the individual, their family, and caregivers to uncover their goals, passions, and preferences," she shares. "We also arrange job trials, where we visit various community jobs to test the waters and see what sparks their interest. It's all about following their lead—whatever excites them becomes our focus." This person-centered method ensures that placements aren't forced but aligned with genuine interests, reducing turnover and boosting satisfaction.
With a rich history spanning about 65 years, STEP Employment Director Abby McFarland highlights how their extensive network opens doors to employment. "The Fairmont area boasts numerous businesses eager to collaborate with STEP," she notes. "For someone fascinated by animals, we might connect with the Humane Society for a trial cleaning kennels or assisting with adoptions. If it's tech or retail they're into, we reach out to local stores for hands-on experiences." These partnerships create real-world opportunities, proving that community involvement is key.
Today, STEP extends its support to 150 individuals across Martin, Faribault, Watonwan, and Blue Earth counties, with 110 specifically in Martin County. Berg points out that this figure has surged twofold since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic—a testament to heightened awareness and demand for inclusive services. To handle this growth, they've expanded their team dramatically, as Smith recalls: when she joined in June 2023, they had 45 staff members; now, just over two years later, that number has climbed to 85.
Smith attributes much of their success to the stellar reputation they've built. "We're known for our reliability and effectiveness," she says. "This reputation reassures employers who might be hesitant about working with people with disabilities. We demonstrate how our behind-the-scenes support—whether through coaching or accommodations—makes all the difference." It's a reminder that education and advocacy can dismantle stereotypes, one partnership at a time.
But what truly matters is the impact on individuals. McFarland passionately describes how employment empowers them: "It lets them discover joys in their work and form social connections, feeling like valued equals in society. Instead of always following instructions, they get to chase passions and take ownership." Imagine someone with a disability turning a hobby—like baking or gardening—into a career; that's the kind of empowerment we're talking about.
Looking ahead, STEP's highlight event for the month is set for October 30: a business after-hours gathering at their new Downtown Plaza location (304). "We warmly invite the community to join us," Smith encourages. "You'll meet our staff and clients sharing stories about our programs—perfect for anyone curious to learn more."
In a month devoted to raising awareness about disability employment, McFarland stresses that every chance to educate is invaluable. It challenges misconceptions and promotes a more inclusive world.
For further details, check out their website at https://www.stepinc.org/.
Now, here's where we stir the pot a bit... While programs like STEP do incredible work, some critics argue that government funding and support could be more robust to scale these efforts nationwide. Others wonder if businesses are truly doing enough to adapt workplaces without relying solely on nonprofits. What do you think—is this a success story we should celebrate, or is there room for more systemic change? Do you agree that personalized, passion-driven approaches are the way forward, or should there be more standardized training? Share your thoughts in the comments—we'd love to hear your perspective and spark a conversation!**
