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In Brief:
- Work provides people with IDD purpose, independence, and community engagement, beyond just earning a paycheck.
- Long Island employers and nonprofits—like Home Depot, Catholic Health, ADC Corporation, and Long Island Cares—demonstrate successful inclusion.
- Employees with IDD improve workplace morale, retention, and customer experience while gaining skills and promotions.
- Partnerships among businesses, nonprofits, and communities create pathways to independence and challenge outdated stereotypes.
Work has the power to change lives. For people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), having a job is not simply about earning a paycheck—it’s about building skills, gaining independence and being part of the community. The dignity that comes with work cannot be overstated. It gives people purpose, belonging, and pride in contributing to something larger than themselves.
Unfortunately, a long-standing and harmful myth persists that people with IDD cannot meaningfully contribute to the workforce or society. This misconception, rooted in outdated stereotypes, overlooks the strengths, talents, and determination that people with IDD demonstrate every day. When given the opportunity and the right supports, they prove to be reliable, skilled, and dedicated employees.
Across Long Island, partnerships between businesses and community organizations are breaking down those barriers. Employers like Home Depot, Catholic Health, ADC Corporation in Hauppauge, and nonprofits such as Long Island Cares are showing what’s possible when inclusion becomes part of the workplace culture.
At Home Depot, one worker who began in the stockroom now trains new hires. At Catholic Health, a young man in a support role became known for lifting morale with his enthusiasm and commitment. At ADC Corporation, employees with IDD have mastered every position on the production line, proudly saying: “I’ve worked every job here.” And at Long Island Cares, an organization devoted to fighting hunger, people with IDD contribute daily through food distribution and support roles that directly help families in need.
These success stories aren’t exceptions—they’re examples of what happens when people are given a fair chance. Employers often discover that workers with IDD bring reliability, focus, and a strong work ethic. Retention improves, morale rises, and customers notice that inclusion isn’t just possible—it’s good business. These partnerships aren’t acts of charity; they’re smart investments that strengthen companies and communities alike.
When people with IDD work, they become visible, active members of their neighborhoods. They contribute to the local economy, join in civic life and challenge outdated stereotypes. Their co-workers and neighbors begin to see their abilities rather than their limitations, building a culture of respect that benefits everyone.
The pathway of work also facilitates people with IDD to climb the employment ladder. A first job stocking shelves can lead to new skills, promotions, or even management roles. Each step builds confidence, responsibility and independence. These are not small achievements—they are milestones that open doors for greater participation in community life.
The dignity of work strengthens families as well. Parents of young people with disabilities often worry about what the future will hold. When their son or daughter earns that first paycheck, the answer is clear: Yes, they can. The pride is shared by the entire family, who see their loved one valued and contributing just like anyone else.
Creating these opportunities requires partnership. Businesses, nonprofits and community organizations each play a role in building pathways from opportunity to independence. Employers must be willing to hire. Nonprofits must prepare and support workers. Communities must champion inclusion. When all three come together, everyone benefits.
The call to action is simple: If you’re a business owner or leader, consider the untapped potential in the disability community. Open a door. Offer a job or internship. Partner with organizations preparing people with IDD for success. You’ll gain a dedicated employee—and help build a stronger, fairer and more compassionate society.
Work changes lives. It brings dignity, independence and respect. When people with IDD are given the chance to work, we all reap the rewards. They are not a burden to be carried; they are neighbors, colleagues and contributors whose talents enrich our communities. The sooner we retire the old myths and embrace their abilities, the stronger and more compassionate our society will become.
John McGuigan is CEO of People’s Arc of Suffolk in Bohemia.
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