News & Events

Featured image for “What is Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE)?”

What is Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE)?

What is Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE)? In today’s workforce, Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) is gaining momentum as a pivotal concept for creating more inclusive workplaces. CIE empowers individuals with disabilities by providing equal opportunities to work in jobs that offer fair wages, meaningful tasks, and advancement prospects. At PHASE-Industries, we…

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A Direct Support Professional’s Role in Supporting Community Life Engagement

“Artful Advocacy: A Direct Support Professional’s Role in Supporting Community Life Engagement” highlights the critical role Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) play in empowering individuals with disabilities. Through thoughtful advocacy and personalized support, DSPs help individuals participate fully in their communities, fostering independence and inclusion. This video explores the strategies, skills,…

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Celebrating June Safety Month: A Shoutout to Our Safety Committee!

June Safety Month was a resounding success, thanks to the dedication and hard work of our Safety Committee and community partners. Throughout the month, various activities and training sessions were conducted across several communities, ensuring that everyone had the opportunity to learn about important safety practices in a fun and…

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What is CLE?

Understanding Community Life Engagement (CLE) Community Life Engagement (CLE) is a comprehensive approach to enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities by promoting their inclusion and active participation in the community. In Minnesota, CLE is a key initiative that seeks to provide meaningful opportunities for people with disabilities to connect,…

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PHASE-Industries & Advance Opportunities Join Forces!

The merge of PHASE-Industries and Advance Opportunities represents a significant opportunity for growth and synergy in licensed DHS habilitation. By combining our strengths, resources, and expertise, we can enhance the quality of care and support provided to individuals with developmental disabilities.   This merger enables us to leverage the specialized…

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Featured image for “Empowering & Enriching Communities: The Mission of PHASE-Industries”

Empowering & Enriching Communities: The Mission of PHASE-Industries

Welcome to PHASE-Industries, where every day, we commit to making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We believe that each person has unique talents and aspirations that, when nurtured, can lead to remarkable achievements not just for them, but for the community as…

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MN DEED Hosted Employer Webinar

Minnesota’s Department of Employment and Economic Development’s (DEED’s) Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund (ERAF) is hosting a webinar for small to mid-sized Minnesota businesses to learn about a new resource that reimburses employers for accommodations for disabled employees. Learn more about ERAF here: https://mn.gov/deed/business/financing-business/eraf/ and register for the webinar here: https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/cdcdec0e-2e25-4c85-a48c-8dda143341d0@eb14b046-24c4-4519-8f26-b89c2159828c…

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Equal Pay

Our CEO, Tim Schmutzer, is featured in this Star Tribune article regarding individuals with disabilities and minimum wage earnings. Learn more about what is happening in Minnesota as the push for equal pay continues.https://www.startribune.com/many-minnesotans-with-disabilities-earn-far-less-than-minimum-wage-a-push-for-equal-pay-continues/600341714/…

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Heritage Barn Wood Featured in County Star Part 2

Read about the Gable Schoolhouse history and how PHASE-Industries’ Heritage Barn Wood creates new life for old products.…

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PHASE-Industries’ Milestone

After 50 years of relying on the use of a USDOL commensurate wage certificate to support the working wage of individuals with disabilities, PHASE-Industries effectively ended our participation in the subminimum wage program as of August 1, 2023! This milestone recognizes the equal value of individuals with disabilities in the…

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Featured image for “Celebrating the 33rd Anniversary of the ADA”

Celebrating the 33rd Anniversary of the ADA

On July 26, 2023, we celebrate the 33rd anniversary of the day that the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed. “The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in several areas, including employment, transportation, public accommodations, communications and access to state and local government’ programs and services. As…

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Tyson

Tyson White came to PHASE-Industries out of high school looking to learn workforce skills and build his resume, as well as work ethic. Tyson’s first job was working on the Hotel Crew at Grand Casino Hinckley. After a while, he transitioned to the PHASE-Industries Recycling Program, and then worked at…

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Featured image for “Heritage Barn Wood Featured in County Star”

Heritage Barn Wood Featured in County Star

Stacy Verdick Case recently spent time with employees of PHASE-Industries and participants at Heritage Barn Wood to learn more about our company and what we do with donated barns in the area.…

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Kayla

Kayla Sutton started her journey with PHASE-Industries in Mora and, initially, expressed a high degree of frustration through her interactions and behavior.  At the time, she did not communicate verbally or make eye contact with others.  She also indicated a strong reluctance to engage in the work available.  Later, she…

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Ben

Ben Anderson has worked at local McDonalds locations for 18 years, and needed additional workplace supports in place, which brought him to PHASE-Industries’ Employment Services. Ben completed a thorough initial assessment at PHASE-Industries, where he discovered his strengths, likes, and interests. This assessment allowed PHASE-Industries to match local opportunities with…

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