EVOLVE Business and Professional Magazine May 2018 | Page 33

T he Department of Labor (DOL) reports that one of the largest market segments in the U.S. is not a particular race, gender or age group, but people with disabilities – some 56 million. That’s quite a “purchasing power” especially when you include their families, caregivers and friends. So, the questions that follow: How is your business tapped into this huge potential workforce? Is it targeting, or engaged with, this expansive customer base at all? According to the DOL’s 2012 report, Business Strategies that Work: A Framework for Disability Inclusion, the best way to reach a specific market is to have it represented in your workforce and in your market research. By doing this, you better understand a community’s needs and interests, while they in turn can assist in your efforts to reach new segments and broaden your business. Embracing Challenges from a Dependable Workforce In October 2015, members of Duvall Homes’ board and executive staff reached out to MBI, the INC 500 print and mail company in DeLand, to discuss contracting participants from Duvall’s Adult Day Training (ADT) program. Duvall Homes, Inc. is a nonprofit 501c3 organization that has provided residency and services for people with developmental disabilities in Central Florida since 1945. Its ADT program trains people with Down syndrome, Autism, Cerebral Palsy and many other types of disab ilities, to help them achieve social, vocational and life skills. SAVE THE DATE 09 . 28 . 18 DUVALL HOMES 4 TH ANNUAL INSPIRATION GALA LIVE MUSIC  SILENT AUCTION  COCKTAILS & FINE CUISINE  INSPIRING AWARDS & HONOREES The Board of Regents of Duvall Homes proudly presents the 4th ANNUAL INSPIRATION GALA on September 28, 2018. LAST YEAR’S EVENT SOLD OUT, so be sure to mark your calendars to get inspired! Through the generous support of those who attend, we are able to strengthen the programs and services we offer to people with developmental disabilities living in our community. [Gala location, details, and sponsorships at DuvallHomes.org.] A Dependable Workforce: Duvall Homes Adult Day Training (ADT) Workshop in DeLand After meeting with MBI’s Piecework/Fulfillment Department, a pilot test was scheduled. “There were definite challenges that surfaced during that first project, and we were grateful for the patience and understanding that took place during the learning curve,” said Shirley Zonnevylle, Duvall Homes’ Director of ADT. After certified support specialists from Duvall matched the skills of ADT participants with specific tasks, the ADT team was able to prepare up to 12,000 mail pieces in less than a day. For some of Duvall’s participants, who range in age from 34 to 69, it was the first time in their lives they had earned a paycheck. This makes everyone involved proud, including the contracting company. “Duvall Homes is the only organization we have worked with off-site, and we’re proud of the work they do, but this is not charity work,” said Linda Newman, MBI’s Human Resources Coordinator. “It’s all about business, and getting the job done well by a dependable workforce.” Building Opportunities that Impact Our Community Learn more about Duvall Homes’ programs and services and the 2018 Inspiration Gala Contact Elizabeth Bhimjee, CMDO [email protected] MAY 2018 | 33 |