Speaking on Business: Columbus Community Center

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Since opening in 1968, Columbus Community Center has fostered development, independence, and inclusion for individuals with disabilities. Their robust services include day activity programs, residential services, and more to come. Chief Executive Officer, Kristy Chambers, joins us with more. Kristy Chambers: At Columbus, we believe everyone deserves the chance to contribute their talents to meaningful work. The Utah Uniquely Abled Machinist Program is our next bold step, training adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder to become skilled CNC machinist technicians. In partnership with the Utah Manufacturers Association, Salt Lake Community College, and the Utah MEP Alliance, we’re addressing two urgent needs: the 60 to 90 percent unemployment rate among adults with autism and the shortage of CNC machinists in Utah. This 12-week program combines 300 hours of technical CNC instruction with 180 hours of job- readiness training. We go beyond training by providing personal job coaching, employer engagement, and ongoing workplace support. With an 85 percent placement rate in similar programs nationwide, we know it works. Together, we are creating careers, changing lives, and strengthening Utah’s workforce. Visit Columbusserves.org for information on UUAMP and many more programs. Derek Miller: Programs like the Utah Uniquely Abled Machinist Program are transforming lives and Utah’s workforce. Columbus Community Center is addressing skill shortages while strengthening our local economy and community. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business. Originally aired: 9/18/25