Every day, people with disabilities can and do make important contributions to businesses.

Rather than be defined by their disability, these individuals are the sum of their many life roles — which includes working at a job they love. MDI creates self-sufficiency by providing meaningful work in an inclusive environment, with nearly half of the workforce comprised of people with disabilities, working side-by-side. In support of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, MDI is highlighting someone every day of the month. Meet this weeks features and find all here.

Day 8: Marv: CFO

My adult son has autism and as a parent, I was drawn to MDI, based on the mission. The employment of nearly 50% of MDI’s workforce involving adults with disabilities, who are paid at least minimum wage plus benefits, brings a big smile my face knowing the impact MDI has in multiple communities. I hope that my son will someday join MDI as an employee and experience what MDI has to offer.

Day 9: Steve: Hand Assembler

What I like most about MDI is the opportunity to learn and continuously improve my work skills, something I can’t do everywhere. I believe it is important for folks with disabilities to have employment, so they can continue to learn new work skills, too. MDI Employee of 33 years.

Day 10: Mandie: HR Assistant

Without employment, people with disabilities would sit at home, lonely, and disconnected. I have a brother-in-law with a disability and him having a job gives him a sense of purpose, pride, and self-worth. I like working with the population we serve and being part of a workplace that makes a difference.

Day 11: Mike: Production Material Handler

I feel employment is important for everyone because you have to have money for your bills, for food, and you need money to do things that you enjoy – like hunting. Employee of MDI for 18 years.

Day 12: Colton: Extrusion Process Tech

I enjoy being a leader and teaching the new employees how to do the job, along with being someone they can look up to. I feel at home at MDI, unlike other jobs. I think that employment for individuals with disabilities is important because it gives value to life, structure, and a sense of self-worth that everyone should experience.

Day 13: Matt: Hand Assembler

I really enjoy the jobs and friends I have made, plus folding and welding different totes and trays at MDI. I think it is important to have a job, so that you can make your own money.

Kaleb: Machine Assembler

I like MDI because it gives employees room to grow and learn by guiding us through our mistakes to make us better employees. I also feel that employment gives people the chance to feel needed and valued in the workplace. Everyone needs to have those daily interactions and a boost in self-esteem.