These 18 Businesses Hire People with Intellectual Disabilities
Finding the right job is hard for anyone and can be even harder for someone who’s neurodivergent. But there’s a growing number of businesses that hire intellectually disabled people because they see the benefits of hiring those who think differently.
Neurodivergence describes the variety of ways people process information and think. Neurodiversity includes people with ADHD, intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, dementia and autism.
The Arc, an organization advocating for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, did a recent survey of employers and found:
- 100% reported increased productivity after hiring
- 80% said inclusive hiring gave them a competitive edge in their market
- 98% reported high employee retention
Rollin’ Oats, an independent grocery store in St. Petersburg, Florida, employs two people with intellectual disabilities.
“It’s good for the store. We welcome all people in our community,” said Larry Schwartz, co-owner of the St. Petersburg store and another in Tampa.
One employee has worked there for 10 years and another for five. Along with being punctual and dependable, they are anecdotal proof of what employee retention studies show. If employees with intellectual difficulties are a good fit for a job, as a group they have a low turnover rate, which, of course, saves employers the time and money of rehiring and retraining.
“You take a risk with anyone who applies for a job. Why not give them a chance,” Schwartz said.
A 2023 report by consulting firm Deloitte shared findings from research on businesses that hire intellectually disabled people. “JPMorgan Chase & Co. estimates that employees hired into tech roles through its neurodiversity program are 90% to 140% more productive than others and have consistent, error-free work,” the report said.
These 18 Businesses Hire Intellectually Disabled Employees
Whether you are looking for a job, helping someone else or want to spend your money at businesses that hire intellectually disabled employees, you should know these companies. This list is based on information on employers’ websites and organizations that educate businesses on hiring neurodivergent people. This includes The Arc, Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN), Ruh Global IMPACT and Deloitte.
1.AMC Theaters
Neurodiverse employees work in concessions at many of the company’s 1,000 locations.
2. Advance Auto Parts
The national retailer’s Different Abilities program hires and trains employees with disabilities in more than 10 distribution centers. It worked with The Arc to create a pilot program for people with intellectual disabilities at its Denver distribution center in 2019.
3. Baymont by Wyndham
The Arc partnered with the hotel chain to establish its Hometown Host position. People with intellectual disabilities fill the role and make sure guests feel welcome and food is available during its breakfast service.
4. Best Buy
The consumer electronics retailer employs a variety of diverse employees at its more than 1,000 U.S. stores. It has served as a model for other employers hiring neurodiverse employees.
5. Caterpillar
During the worker shortage following the pandemic, the heavy equipment manufacturer found the neurodivergent community provided a new source of productive employees.
6. Deloitte
Along with its global focus on hiring neurodiverse employees, the accounting and consulting company offers apprenticeships to neurodivergent people and others with disabilities. Its Neurodiversity@Deloitte program offers three-month apprenticeships with the potential of full-time employment.
7. IBM
The computer and technology giant started making an effort to hire people with disabilities in the 1940s, according to its website. “Neurodiverstiy is important because if there were no different ways that people think … new ideas would not be created,” test automation specialist Dyllan Rafail says on the company’s website page devoted to “diversability.”
8. JPMorgan Chase & Co
According to a recent survey and analysis by Deloitte, executives at the finance giant said employees hired for tech roles through its neurodiversity program are 90% to 140% more productive than others.
9. Microsoft
The computer software and hardware company has a Disability and Accessibility team that supports numerous employees with disabilities.
10. Office Max
The retailer has served as a model to other employers, such as Advance Auto, for creating a supportive environment for employees with disabilities.
11. PDQ
The quick-service chicken restaurant encourages managers to hire employees with a variety of atypical backgrounds, including neurodivergent people. It was featured in a documentary called “Because of Sam,” which shared the story of a highly popular employee with Down syndrome in Tampa.
12. Publix
The Florida-based grocer with 1,400 stores across the Southeast employs people with learning differences as baggers and in other positions.
13. SAP
The company, initially called System Analysis Program Development, is a leading producer of software for managing business processes. It hires neurodiverse people with technology talent.
14. Sodexo
Sodexo provides catering, facilities management and employee benefits management to 80 million consumers daily in 45 countries. The Arc also helped this company.
15. Walgreens
People with intellectual differences work in cashier, pharmacy technician and stocking roles.
16. Walmart
The retailer employs people with developmental disabilities as the familiar store greeters as well as in other positions.
17. UPS
The company’s Focus on Abilities program fosters a workplace culture that supports and embraces “UPSers” with intellectual and other disabilities.
18. Go Local
Finally, stop by your local hardware store, diner, dry cleaner, doggie daycare, carwash or other small businesses to see if they are open to giving a neurodiverse job applicant a chance.
Katherine Snow Smith is a freelance reporter and editor, journalism instructor, and author of two books including “Stepping on the Blender & Other Times Life Gets Messy.”
