GADSDEN BREAKS GROUND FOR NEW ADRS LOCATION

(Gadsden, AL) -- The City of Gadsden broke ground Wednesday, June 26, for the construction of the new Gadsden location for the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS). The 20,852 square foot facility will be located on the 200 Block of East Broad Street and employ 40 people full-time.

Gadsden Mayor Craig Ford said, "This unique project keeps a state agency in East Gadsden that delivers critical services for people with disabilities and those looking to improve their position in the workforce."

ADRS Commissioner Jane Elizabeth Burdeshaw said that ADRS has outgrown their current space, and the new building is designed to meet the needs of the disability community in Gadsden and Northeast Alabama. The facility will include offices and space for physical therapy, feeding clinics, orthotics, audiology suites, and more services for people with disabilities at every age and stage of their lives.

"We're only able to do that with the help of the state legislature, through the help of Governor Ivey, and local communities like you who understand that this program is of value, and the people we serve are of value," said Burdeshaw.

Despite the hot weather, ADRS state and local staff gathered with city officials and a large crowd to celebrate the beginning of the building phase as they took turns "turning dirt" with the ceremonial shovels.

The new building will house the local staff for the four main ADRS division programs: Early Intervention (EI), Children's Rehabilitation Service (CRS), Vocational Rehabilitation Service (VRS), and the State of Alabama Independent Living (SAIL) - Homebound services.

"I don't think y'all realize that this complex serves approximately 3400 children and families in your community every year: children with special healthcare needs; families who find out their child has a diagnosis that's going to lead to some developmental delays; young people who are trying to exit high school who have some challenges but want to go to work; adults who want to live not in nursing homes but in their communities and with their families.

"There are all kinds of connections (we have) here in Alabama. Just know that we love what we do. We love you, and if there is anything we can do to help your constituents and the citizens you serve here in Gadsden, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and call us," said Burdeshaw. "We want to be there as much for you as you were here for us."

This (Gadsden, AL) -- The City of Gadsden broke ground Wednesday, June 26, for the construction of the new Gadsden location for the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS). The 20,852 square foot facility will be located on the 200 Block of East Broad Street and employ 40 people full-time.

Gadsden Mayor Craig Ford said, "This unique project keeps a state agency in East Gadsden that delivers critical services for people with disabilities and those looking to improve their position in the workforce."

ADRS Commissioner Jane Elizabeth Burdeshaw said that ADRS has outgrown their current space, and the new building is designed to meet the needs of the disability community in Gadsden and Northeast Alabama. The facility will include offices and space for physical therapy, feeding clinics, orthotics, audiology suites, and more services for people with disabilities at every age and stage of their lives.

"We're only able to do that with the help of the state legislature, through the help of Governor Ivey, and local communities like you who understand that this program is of value, and the people we serve are of value," said Burdeshaw.

Despite the hot weather, ADRS state and local staff gathered with city officials and a large crowd to celebrate the beginning of the building phase as they took turns "turning dirt" with the ceremonial shovels.

The new building will house the local staff for the four main ADRS division programs: Early Intervention (EI), Children's Rehabilitation Service (CRS), Vocational Rehabilitation Service (VRS), and the State of Alabama Independent Living (SAIL) - Homebound services.

"I don't think y'all realize that this complex serves approximately 3400 children and families in your community every year: children with special healthcare needs; families who find out their child has a diagnosis that's going to lead to some developmental delays; young people who are trying to exit high school who have some challenges but want to go to work; adults who want to live not in nursing homes but in their communities and with their families.

"There are all kinds of connections (we have) here in Alabama. Just know that we love what we do. We love you, and if there is anything we can do to help your constituents and the citizens you serve here in Gadsden, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and call us," said Burdeshaw. "We want to be there as much for you as you were here for us."

This project was made possible through the collaboration of the City of Gadsden, Public Building Authority, Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, and Gadsden-Etowah Industrial Development Authority. The Gadsden City Council approved the issuance of a bond through the Public Building Authority that will fund the construction of the new building, with ADRS agreeing to sublease the bond financing. The project includes a capital investment of 4.8 million dollars and will provide the employees with a cutting-edge facility to meet all their needs.

"I want to thank David Hooks, Commissioner Burdeshaw, and our state legislators for working with the city to find an innovative solution that will result in another high-quality facility added to our East Broad Street corridor," Ford said. "With the coming extension of I-759 and the recent opening of the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Workforce Center at Gadsden State Community College, this building and its programs will help us recruit and retain local businesses and industries for decades." was made possible through the collaboration of the City of Gadsden, Public Building Authority, Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, and Gadsden-Etowah Industrial Development Authority. The Gadsden City Council approved the issuance of a bond through the Public Building Authority that will fund the construction of the new building, with ADRS agreeing to sublease the bond financing. The project includes a capital investment of 4.8 million dollars and will provide the employees with a cutting-edge facility to meet all their needs.

"I want to thank David Hooks, Commissioner Burdeshaw, and our state legislators for working with the city to find an innovative solution that will result in another high-quality facility added to our East Broad Street corridor," Ford said. "With the coming extension of I-759 and the recent opening of the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Workforce Center at Gadsden State Community College, this building and its programs will help us recruit and retain local businesses and industries for decades."

Created by the Alabama Legislature in 1994, the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (ADRS) is the state agency that serves Alabamians with disabilities, helping to enable them to reach their maximum potential. Our continuum-of-care approach means that support and resources are available to Alabamians with disabilities at every stage of life. Find out more at rehab.alabama.gov.

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