Jackie Norris and Kevin Sherlock

Iowa View contributors

In 1941, Goodwill founder the Rev. Edgar Helms said, “Be dissatisfied in your work until every person in your community has an opportunity to develop to their fullest usefulness and enjoy a maximum of abundant living.”

Today, in Iowa, we have the ability to fulfill that vision.

In today’s economy, there are consistent concerns across the local business community that Iowa’s low unemployment rate is leaving minimal applicants for vital positions. But that doesn’t need to be the case. The unemployment rate specific to those with a disability in Iowa — 9.6 percent — nearly triples the state’s unemployment rate, leaving employers with an untapped workforce that’s ready to start a career.

What if companies across our state embraced the motto, “at work it’s what people CAN do that matters, not what they CAN’T?” Rather than being defined solely by their disability, what if each of these individuals is the sum of their many life roles — which includes working in jobs they love.

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October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month — a time when we celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities and educate others about the value of a workforce inclusive of their skills and talents. What better time to reflect on how one can make a difference?

Take, for example, Anthony, one of the many trainees currently participating in Goodwill of Central Iowa’s Project SEARCH program, a pre-vocational training for adults designed to provide quality internship experiences in preparation for competitive employment. Anthony began working at the Altoona Hy-Vee in March and has thrived working in the store’s meat department since he started, earning great reviews and praise from his manager. It’s partnerships like this that will help set Anthony on the road to success as he prepares to graduate in November and look for a permanent job.

Hy-Vee knows that inclusion drives innovation at all levels of their organization. Smart employers know that including different perspectives in problem-solving situations leads to better solutions. Hiring employees with diverse abilities strengthens a business and cultivates a robust company culture. And, we are proud to work with businesses that emulate these qualities every day at Goodwill.

While revenue from our retail stores helps to provide training programs, job coaching and placement assistance to each individual candidate facing barriers to employment, we also know that so much more can be done.

We encourage business leaders to celebrate the many contributions of Iowa's workers with disabilities and to increase their efforts in providing a welcoming environment for all Iowans with disabilities into their organizations. Let it not just be top of mind this month, but every day.

Jackie Norris is president and CEO of Goodwill of Central Iowa.

Kevin Sherlock, a Goodwill board member, is senior vice president for merchandising and business development at Hy-Vee.