People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) have unique skills and perspectives that benefit employers, yet the unemployment rate for people with IDDs is more than double the rate of their neurotypical peers.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which celebrates the value and talent employees with IDD contribute to America’s workplaces and economy. To help raise awareness about the benefits of employing people with IDDs, we’re spotlighting several Kuni Foundation grant recipients that are strengthening our workforce and our community.
North Pole Studio supports careers in the arts and increases opportunities for artists with autism and IDDs to thrive as active members of the arts community. Artists sell individual works through the studio or produce work via commission, receiving 75 percent of the proceeds. The remaining 25 percent supports studio programs and art supplies.
The Kuni Foundation supported the animating talents of North Pole Studio artists contributing to the documentary The Divergent Gift: Unboxing Autism. The film, developed and produced by the neurodivergent and autistic community, is currently in post-production and expected to be released in Fall 2024, with the support of Portland Art Museum and Center for Untold Tomorrow (PAM/CUT).
In August 2023, North Pole Studio artists were commissioned to design three bus wrappers for TriMet, which provides public transportation for the Portland-metro region. This was part of TriMet’s inaugural Disability Pride Month buses, which featured the artists’ original work for a full year.
A $50,000 grant to Germaine’s Culinary supports the development of full-time, curriculum-based culinary training for people with IDD. The organization empowers self-reliance through careers in the food service industry, filling a critical gap for local restaurants and other food service providers. Students at Germaine’s also helps to relieve hunger for those in need by preparing food for the nonprofit’s hot meals program.
Orion provides training and employment programs, championing the opportunity for meaningful employment through building esteem, mentoring, training, education, community services, and the development of successful businesses. A Kuni Foundation grant supports Orion’s technology and inclusion expenses, helping remove a variety of barriers to communication, recreation, enrichment, and employment opportunities for people with IDD. Orion’s Community Inclusion Specialists now have more resources, including devices like tablets and software to help clients communicate and train for jobs.
Other organizations advancing employment opportunities for people with IDDs include Albertina Kerr, Relay Resources, Supported Employment Services and Community Vision.
These are just a few examples of the impactful work happening every day by local nonprofit partners to advance employment access and support for people with IDDs. Additional information and resources are available online at:
- U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Disability Employment Policy
- National Disability Employment Awareness Month
- Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
- Oregon Department of Human Services
TriMet bus design by North Pole Studio artist
