The Chattanooga Area Employment Consortium (CAEC) began in January of 1999. The Tennessee Division of Rehabilitation Services, Corporate Connections, and a group of Chattanooga provider agencies began meeting on a monthly basis to network and share employment information. Job leads were shared with all the members of the consortium. Employers were invited as guest presenters to provide information to the group about their companies and employment needs.

As the group developed the members wrote by-laws and elected officers. The mission and purpose of the consortium “is to improve the quality of life and general welfare for people with disabilities as it relates to employment issues. The consortium shall undertake to promote, develop and share employment opportunities.

The name changed in 2012 from the Southeast Tennessee Placement Consortium to Chattanooga Area Employment Consortium. The mission statement has not changed over the years. The purpose still remains to improve the quality of life and general welfare for people with disabilities as it relates to employment issues.

Over the years Chattanooga provider agencies have teamed together to provide a quality network of services. Employers have come to realize that employing people with disabilities makes good sound sense. The untapped labor force of people with disabilities can and has changed the interworks of integrated community employment. Inclusion is making it possible for many people with disabilities to become and active member in their community through employment and other social activities.