Work to start on $4M rehab facility
Complex to boost services for area disabled by 2006
Monday, August 29, 2005
Gov. Bob Riley was to be in town today to help break ground for a new $4 million Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services facility in southwest Huntsville.
Riley, joined by a number of other state, county and city officials, was to hold a 1 p.m. groundbreaking ceremony on the site at 3000 Johnson Road.
When completed in mid-2006, the 43,000-square-foot, one-story building will provide clinic, counseling and offices for the four major ADRS programs that assist children and adults with disabilities. The programs include Alabama's Early Intervention System, Children's Rehabilitation Service, Vocational Rehabilitation Service and SAIL (State of Alabama Independent Living)/Homebound Service. Currently, the department's programs are housed in two buildings.
The building's proximity to the Huntsville Rehabilitation Foundation and Phoenix Industries at 2939 Johnson Road creates "one-stop shopping, in a way, for all of the Alabamians with disabilities and their families," said HRF President Bryan Dodson. "With all that is available at the Johnson Road locations, we can begin care for a child with a disability at birth and continue that care through adulthood"
M2 Architects Inc. of Huntsville designed the building; Joe Still Building Co. Inc. is construction manager. Financing was provided through bonds sold by the Special Care Facilities Finance Authority of the City of Huntsville-Huntsville Rehabilitation Foundation assisted by Wachovia Bank.
"This new building is a perfect example of the thriving partnership between ADRS and the Huntsville community," said ADRS Commissioner Steve Shivers, "and by moving all of our department's programs under one roof, we improve access for the children, adults and families we serve. It's a matter of convenience for our consumers as well as our staff. Ultimately, improved access translates into improved services."
ADRS services are provided through 33 community-based offices, reaching residents in all 67 counties. The department provides a "continuum of services" from birth through old age for Alabamians with disabilities. In fiscal 2004, the department served more than 62,000 Alabamians.
The Huntsville Rehabilitation Foundation, incorporated as a nonprofit in 1973, serves as the umbrella agency covering the Huntsville Rehabilitation Center, Phoenix House, Phoenix Industries and Phoenix Service. The foundation's primary focus is to assist and enable individuals to reach their own vocational potential. It is governed and owned by a group of volunteer business, community and professional leaders who serve without compensation.
Last year, the foundation provided vocational services to more than 800 people and arranged for the ongoing employment of almost 400 in both manufacturing and service jobs. In 2004, HRF programs helped more than 150 people with disabilities go to work in the community. Eighty-three percent of the direct labor hours paid by HRF are paid to people with severe disabilities and the average hourly wage for its employees exceeds $9 an hour with benefits.
© 2005 The Huntsville Times
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