January 11 – BEMIDJI – According to the mission of the
Professional Development Center,
people with disabilities can gain their independence and take advantage of opportunities across the region.
Founded in 1971 in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, the ODC has expanded its operations to nine locations and serves approximately 800 people per year in northern Minnesota.
For the past three and a half years, Kacey Malterud has operated the Bemidji location, located at 1219 Naylor Drive SE, as program manager and now serves in the role of compliance and contracts director. Since before her tenure began, Bemidji’s ODC location has provided employment services to people with disabilities.
These services include resume preparation, job searching, and developing interview skills so a client can find gainful employment. The ODC also offers proprietary work opportunities where individuals can work up to 30 hours per week and receive wages and benefits through the ODC.
As of a few months ago, the Bemidji ODC location has been trying to expand its services, especially day services.
“A few months ago we were contacted by another provider in Bemidji that was no longer offering day services,” Malterud said. “They asked us if we might be interested, so that’s how we started the day services here.”
During a
December 17 Beltrami County Board of Commissioners Meeting,
the board adopted a measure recognizing the ODC’s takeover of day shifts, which includes some skills development opportunities.
“Recently, the Department of Human Services visited a local provider of this service,” the measure’s summary statement said. “After inspecting the property they issued a correction order which the provider was unable to comply with due to structural changes that would have been necessary. Based on the required change and higher costs, the provider has chosen to no longer offer this specific service to this population. .
“The ODC has decided to offer this service here in Beltrami County, with an emphasis on employment and skills building programming. ODC will begin offering programming to those left without services and will likely expand further as referrals are received upon receipt of a permit from the State of Minnesota.”
Malterud noted the variety of day services and the tailoring of such services to those who seek them.
“We provide services to people with disabilities and they are based on their goals, what they want to achieve,” she said. “If someone wants to acquire skills to live independently, we will work with him or her on that. We will work with him or her on issues such as community safety, how to cross the street, how to use public transportation, how to access public resources. We like to use daytime activities as a stepping stone to work.
“Our goal is always to help people be as independent as possible, so that’s what we do.”
Nearly 40 people are waiting for day shifts in Beltrami County, according to Malterud. Taking responsibility for offering these services turned out to be relevant for the ODC.
“There has always been a need in Beltrami County,” Malterud said. “Until recently, we couldn’t meet that need.”
By 2025, the ODC plans to hire and train staff as the Bemidji location expands its service offerings.
“That’s the most important thing. We’re just trying to grow and support as many people as possible,” Malterud added.
Through the work of ODC, Malterud hopes to foster an inclusive community for all people, regardless of their abilities.
“Inclusion in the community is very important,” Malterud said, “as is awareness of people with disabilities and their capabilities. We want greater independence for people with disabilities in the community.”
More information about the Occupational Development Center, including employment information, can be found at
www.odcmn.org.
