National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Opportunity Partners Celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month

About 158,000 people with disabilities are in Minnesota’s labor force, performing important roles at all types of organizations.

MINNETONKA, Minn. — October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), an annual awareness effort bringing attention to disability employment and celebrating the many and varied contributions of workers with disabilities. According to the State of Minnesota, about 158,000 people with disabilities are in Minnesota’s labor force, contributing across all sectors of business.

For more than 70 years, Opportunity Partners (OP) has supported individuals with disabilities in finding and maintaining meaningful employment. Some individuals work at jobs within the community and others work on site on OP’s production floor.

“Employees with special needs often bring something incredibly valuable to the workplace: a genuine desire to do a good job, a strong commitment to showing up for their scheduled shifts, and a willingness to take on entry-level positions that are essential to daily operations,” said Deb Beckman, manager at Driskill’s Downtown Market which collaborates with Opportunity Partners. “Many are also available during school hours, making them a great fit for employers looking to fill daytime shifts. When given the opportunity, proper support, and a chance to contribute, these employees can become dependable, valued members of the team while helping businesses meet their staffing needs.”

Some examples include:

• Boston Scientific, a company that has fully embraced hiring employees with disabilities through a supported team model, has seen great success. “The Facilities Team at Boston Scientific Arden Hills is sincerely grateful for its ongoing collaboration with Opportunity Partners,” said Charlie Peterson, Facilities Senior Project Specialist at Boston Scientific. “The team consistently demonstrates pride in its work while supporting the stewardship of our campus grounds, maintaining shared interior spaces, and assisting with the placement of marketing materials.”

  

• “Before Opportunity Partners, I didn’t know if I would ever have a job,” said David S. “I wanted to move out of my mom and dad’s place because I wanted to be as much of an independent person as I could be.” He now lives in an OP group home and has worked on the OP production floor doing packaging, kitting, and assembly work for the past six years. “I want you to look at people with disabilities in a different way,” said the avid outdoorsman who fishes, hunts, and is a full-fledged Eagle Scout.

• Amelia has been a valued team member at a local thrift shop for five years. From sorting donations to organizing items for the sales floor, she helps keep everything running smoothly. She takes pride in her work and manages responsibilities with independence and care. She often helps new volunteers and has contributed ideas to improving how sale items are highlighted, creating a better shopping experience for customers. Amelia is supported by an OP employment specialist. She knows that her work matters, and that’s something to be proud of every day.

• In 2005, OP helped David C. secure his first role at a local grocery store, leading to an opportunity to bag groceries — a role that proved to be a great fit. Over the years, David has become much more than an employee; he is a familiar and trusted presence to customers and coworkers. “My favorite part of the job is seeing and helping repeat customers and getting to know new ones,” he

  

  shared. When asked what advice he would give others seeking long-term employment, he said, “Work hard, have good interactions with customers, and help answer any questions they may have.” He recently celebrated 20 years on the job!

• “Our partnership with Opportunity Partners has been incredibly rewarding for X-FCTR,” said Rich Penner, VP of Operations for X-FCTR. “Each individual has become a valued member of our team, and we genuinely appreciate the dedication, enthusiasm, and positive energy they bring to our workplace. We’re proud to support Opportunity Partners’ mission of creating meaningful employment opportunities, and even more grateful that this partnership has become such a positive experience for everyone involved.”

Employers interested in learning more about hiring people with disabilities should visit www.opportunities.org or email info@opportunities.org for more information.

About Opportunity Partners
Opportunity Partners is a Minnesota nonprofit organization that advances the quality of life for people with disabilities through employment, enrichment, and residential services. Our award-winning, person-centered services help individuals with disabilities become active members of their communities, pursue rewarding careers, expand social connections, and achieve greater independence.

We know that when ALL people have a chance to be accepted and included, our world is better. We are stronger together!