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 22: Joe: Hand Assembler

I love everything about working at MDI! I like meeting new people and folding totes and boxes with my friends. I really like making money too! I spend some money on what I want and if I have to, try and save some. I think everyone needs to work, so they earn money to buy the things they want and need.

 

Day 23: Korey: Hand Assemblers

I like the people and the management at the Hibbing MDI, that’s why I like working there!  When I’m not at work you can find me in my garage making lamps, clocks, walking sticks, and other beautiful products from Diamond Willow! It’s my hobby that I’m hoping to someday grow into my own business. It’s important for me to work to be around people.

 

Day 24: Mike: Material Recovery

I like getting paid a competitive wage over piece rate. Working offers me a chance to make a good wage, have friends, and afford everything needed to live a good life.

 

Day 25: Cindy: Hand Assembler

I like working at MDI, because I like meeting new nice people! It’s important for me to have a job, because I earn money to buy yarn and needles, so I can crochet more things!

 

Day 26: Julie: Hand Assembler

I like working at MDI, because I like the pay and the vacation time. I like going on vacations occasionally, and I am a huge shopaholic! I think people should work, so they get to know different people, try out new things, get paid, and earn money for themselves Employee of MDI for 20 years.

 

Day 27: Sandi: Safety Specialist

I really like the people I work with at MDI. I feel that employment is important for people with disabilities, because they’re no different than any of the rest of us. We all want to feel like we have something valuable to contribute whether it’s knowledge, strength, or talent, and we all want to be recognized for the things we do well. Everybody has a right to feel important and appreciated. Employee of MDI for 23 years.

 

Day 28: Dorothy: Hand Assembler

I enjoy MDI because is accommodating to what my needs are. And, having employment makes me feel like I am worth something at a place that is accepting of a diverse group.

 

Day 29: Tony: Hand Assembler

I like working at MDI, because I like the job and the people, and have made a lot of friends here over the years. It’s good to have a job to make money, to pay my bills, and to buy things that I want and need.

 

Day 30: Randy: Production Worker

I really like working at MDI because of the people! I have met some really good, really nice people! And I think that employment for people with disabilities is important, because it gives them the opportunity to see what they are good at, and maybe it is something that they are really good at, they can advance.

 

Day 31: Marcus: Material Recovery

I enjoy working at MDI, because I get to work with a lot of new and old friends every day. I really like going on recycle pick-up routes and working on the cleaning crew. I think employment for people with disabilities is important so that you learn new things and are able to buy things that you want.