Leading the way
A model of workplace inclusion
An Arkansas that provides more employment opportunities and resources to individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) is imperative to keeping Arkansas a model state for work-force inclusion.
A report conducted by U.S. News & World Report ranked Arkansas No. 1 for individuals with developmental disabilities to be employed due to educational and training opportunities offered across the state. The state’s DD Network boasts a long list of organizations and agencies dedicated to creating opportunities for inclusion, integration and independence. The No. 1 ranking is a testament to their work.
At the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, we are committed to supporting the state’s DD Network so that it can continue to serve individuals with developmental disabilities and their families with the highest level of needed services. Together with the DD Network, we oversee the implementation of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 in Arkansas, which provides funds so that people with developmental disabilities have access to and participate in all aspects of community life, including integrated employment, an integral option within the continuum of opportunities and services available to individuals with developmental disabilities.
The most impressive thing I’ve seen among those in the developmental disabilities community is their determination and passion to contribute to our state’s work force. And there are several standout examples of programs preparing people with developmental disabilities for work.
In Hot Springs, the Arkansas Career Training Institute is a 24-hour rehabilitation center offering vocational training and certification in welding, cosmetology and culinary arts. And, through the University of Arkansas Pulaski Tech’s 3D program, individuals with developmental disabilities receive hands-on lab practice, planning, instruction and student mentoring while working toward obtaining certification in culinary and hospitality. The program also provides individuals with developmental disabilities critical-thinking training and workplace professionalism skills.
Large corporations such as Walgreens have made strides to be inclusive and provide proper job training for individuals with developmental disabilities and make the efforts sustainable. With the Transitional Work Group Program and Retail Employees with Disabilities Initiative, Walgreens has been able to retain employees, tap into a diverse pool of work-force talent and grow its knowledge about its developmental disabilities customer base. Disability or not, Walgreens’ expectations are the same for its employees: They are held at the same workplace standards and paid at the same rate. Anderson University conducted a case study on the two Walgreens distribution centers where 38 percent of employees were individuals with developmental disabilities and found that the centers had a higher rate of productivity and innovation thanks to their cultivated atmosphere.
Arkansas has gained a chapter of the U.S. Business Leadership Network that is “driving success through disability inclusion.” Corporations such as J.B. Hunt, Murphy USA, Walmart, Tyson and T.J. Maxx have joined this national network to provide employment opportunities to individuals with developmental disabilities. T.J. Maxx in North Little Rock has already seen the benefits of hiring individuals with developmental disabilities.
The council will continue to increase awareness of the value of hiring individuals with developmental disabilities. We want these individuals to work, to be independent and to be active, contributing members of their communities. If we can raise awareness and educate those around us, including business owners, we can give a lot of people with developmental disabilities the ability to advocate for themselves and gain competitive employment. If we can accomplish this, we will have done a very positive thing.
Please remember that individuals with developmental disabilities want to be treated with respect and listened to just like anyone else.
They have feelings. They want to work. They want to live independently. They want to be part of the community. They want to talk about the Razorbacks.