Disability inclusion nonprofit partners with CoxHealth on vocational training program

Imagine Technical Institute, a disability inclusion nonprofit that launched last year, is partnering with CoxHealth on a vocational training program.

An ITI instructor will lead a six-week course designed to prepare students for full-time employment on CoxHealth’s food and nutrition services team, according to a news release. ITI officials say the program is "the region’s first vocational training program for individuals with intellectual and developmental challenges."

“This inaugural program has been nine months in the making, and we are so excited to begin making our impact,” said Andy Dominguez, ITI director of competitive employment, in the release. “We have two more training programs in the works, but this one being first says a lot about CoxHealth and its commitment to inclusive hiring.”

Individuals who complete the program at Cox Medical Center Branson can apply for full- or part-time positions with a starting salary of $15.25 per hour plus benefits. Dee Gerstenkorn, director of marketing and communication with Boone Center Inc., said two students will be in the inaugural class. ITI is a satellite location of Boone Center, another nonprofit that serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“We are excited to support this initiative and look forward to the incredible contributions these graduates will make to our team,” said Jesse Baedke, CoxHealth administrative director of food services, in the release. “Programs like this underscore our dedication to fostering a more inclusive community.”

ITI, a vocational training and employment services provider for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in southwest Missouri, was founded by insurance businessperson Tim Connell, according to past reporting.