Adult Programs

Fairfield Industries

Fairfield Industries Mission
Fairfield Industries will provide training in marketable work skills and opportunities for paid employment for eligible individuals with developmental disabilities.  Fairfield Industries will utilize its resources to support activities and employment opportunities that emphasize community integration.  Individuals will participate in choosing their employment and training opportunities and will have the opportunity to develop significant, valued roles in the community.

Fairfield Industries Inc. is a non-profit corporation that serves as the adult services program of the Fairfield County Board of Mental retardation and Developmental Disabilities.

Vocational Services
Fairfield MRDD, through Fairfield Industries, provides vocational services to adults in the following ways:

Sheltered Workshop
We offer paid work experience through a variety of assembly, packaging and collating contracts in a supported work environment at the Opportunity Center site. Individuals who want to work, make money and receive training in good work habits join one of eight work groups. Our contract customers include: Anchor Hocking, Fairfield Medical Center, Ralston Foods, Vectra, Zebco Industries and Lancaster Bingo.

Blue Shoe Arts
In June 2004, we established Blue Shoe Arts, which provides an opportunity for individuals to make money while exercising their creativity. Instead of working on the assembly or packaging line, these gifted artists paint, draw, sculpt or work with fabric to create unique pieces of original art. Their work is marketed at galleries, art shows and other exhibits. Artists receive 100% from the sale, less the cost of the materials used to create it.

Habilitation Groups
We support a number of individuals within four habilitation groups. Within these groups, individuals learn basic communication, self-care and social skills. Specialized supports may be in the areas of behavior, occupational therapy and personal care assistance. Each person has an individual plan that is implemented in a variety of ways, including participation in the community. To facilitate our mission of providing choices even to those who are unable to communicate with words, the staff provides varied experiences in which individuals can express in their own way to those who know them well, their likes and dislikes.

Activity Groups
While work is available on a limited basis, these individuals have chosen the activity groups to access social, leisure and recreational pursuits both within the Opportunity Center and in the community. Social aspects of making friends, getting along within a group and being a part of the community are emphasized through individual behavior support programs as needed. These groups are constantly on the go, utilizing community resources including River Valley Mall, the Family Y, Lowe’s wood crafting class and Alley Park craft classes.

Senior Groups
The main purpose of these groups are to keep the older folks active, involved and stimulated. While work is made available to those who choose it, the seniors are often busy walking for exercise, participating in the community, working on hobbies and socializing with friends. In addition, those individuals with specific health and communication challenges learn ways to become more self-sufficient and safety conscious. Personal care assistance and behavior supports are provided as needed. Keeping old friends and making new ones are of utmost importance to the senior program. Friends include both human and animal volunteers from the Humane Society, the nearby Fairfield Career Center, people they meet while walking at River Valley Mall, those with whom they have lunch at Olivedale Senior Center/Meals on Wheels and the teams from throughout the county who compete in the Chair Volleyball League.

For more information
Bob Gaston
Director of Adult Services Options
740-756-7874

Community Employment - CEO – CES

Job Development , Job Training , Employer Assistance

Community Employment Services assists people with disabilities in fulfilling the dream of working in the community.

Services include various evaluations and assessment, job seeking skills training, job development and placement, job coaching and follow-along and on-the-job training opportunities.  Most who hire a person with a disability find that they hired a dependable, quality worker whose company loyalty is unmatched by others. The Community Employment Department partners with Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation and the Private Industry Council (PIC #17) for eligible clients to assist with covering costs. 

For more information:
Stephanie Wilson
Community Employment Services Manager
740-756-7874