Jobs for adults with disABILITIES are more valuable than many realize. Work replaces the daily structure and community connection found in the school system most of our jobseekers have just transitioned out of. Work restores a connection to other people and can give more than having only a family or home environment. 

Building confidence, fostering connection, and offering a sense of purpose are just a few of the many ways adults with disABILITIES can thrive through work. Let’s explore the positive impact employment has on everyone involved.

Types of Jobs for People with disABILITIES 

One of our business partners refers to Beyond26 jobseekers as a forgotten community that has so much to offer. Considering that only 22.7% of individuals with a disABILITY are employed, the gap between this population and the rest of society is wide. There are many opportunities available and waiting for the right individual to fill the role. The stories below will show you just how much opportunity is waiting for employers. 

Retail & Customer Service 

In Retail and Customer Service, opportunities abound in most communities. One of our Business Partners is J&H Family Stores. These stores offer many job opportunities. Team members can empty trash, sweep floors, stock shelves, stock coolers, bag ice, and work as cashiers. They may start out with simple projects, but over time become proficient and confident at jobs (like cashiering). You can watch one success story at J&H Family Stores here.

Fast food and restaurants also have great opportunities for Beyond26 jobseekers. Kitchen support staff, dishwashing, bussing tables, wrapping silverware, bringing out food, and more. We currently partner with Panera Bread, McDonald’s, Subway, Tim Hortons, FireRock Grille, and Brann’s Steakhouse.

Administrative & Office

Matt came to Beyond26 with a college degree and experience building websites. He has a college degree from Wheaton College, which is highly respected in the IT Community. Matt’s disABILITIES include autism, anxiety, and depression. Convinced no one would hire him, especially with his thick eyeglasses, Matt came to Beyond26. During Covid, when all our interviews were virtual, he interviewed with me, and with Ted from Imagination Factory, a local Website host and creator. 

Matt was hired by Ted as a subcontractor, which gave Matt the freedom to continue working with his own customers. Five years have passed, and Matt is an integral team member at Imagination Factory. Ted often refers to Matt as an excellent programmer and valuable team member. Many of our autistic jobseekers excel in an office setting, doing office and administration tasks.

Warehouse and Distribution

Eric came to Beyond26 determined and self-motivated to find a job. Many people with autism, like Eric, lack initiative. But, he was ready to prove to himself and to his family that he can work hard and be a valuable team member. Beyond26 found Eric a job at Meijer distribution in Walker, Michigan. Working part-time as an order fulfillment team member, Eric kept up the pace and filled orders accurately. His skills didn’t go unnoticed, and they moved him to a new role in the pharmaceutical department. 

Eric’s supervisor Seth said that he “is a great team member-a joy to work with, very eager to do a great job and always asking for feedback. I can’t say enough about the work ethic that he has. It’s been a great fit!” 

Eric now has his driver’s license. He applied and was accepted as a full-time Meijer team member operating a forklift at the distribution warehouse. Eric continues achieving his goals!

The Value behind the Paycheck

Nick’s disABILITIES have never slowed him down. He’s often the motivator on the team, working with his friend Will at Weller Truck Parts. They clean multiple break rooms through the sprawling facility. In between stops they also monitor drinking fountains, parts counters, windowsills, etc. sanitizing and keeping things clean.

No one notices that Nick wears a leg brace and only has one functional arm. What he cannot do, Will automatically does for him. Will finds speech difficult, so when they need to communicate with their leaders, Nick speaks up. One man serving the other in the most beautiful way. Nick’s Dad, Mark, says he never expected his son to have a job. The impact on their family is significant. Nick earns a paycheck, and the independence he gains gives him pride. Nick feels satisfaction with a job well done and loves his work family that cares for him and socializes with him after work. Work friends attend his bowling league to cheer him on, challenging him to bowl another strike! Nick is valued at work and loved by the community.

How does Beyond26 find Job Opportunities?

During our B26 “Meet and Greet” intake sessions, we ask a lot of questions. We spend time identifying jobseekers’ abilities, likes and dislikes, past jobs (if any), hobbies, and the community they live in. We’re then able to build a profile and a resume that can be shared with potential employers. We then reach out to local employers that have hired Beyond26 jobseekers. Often we simply stop into area businesses, asking if they offer jobs to individuals that have disABILITIES. With this simple, yet personal method, Beyond26 has identified 125 businesses that offer jobs to our jobseekers. 

Once we identify a job, we walk with the jobseekers through the interview and hiring process, then coach them to ensure they understand the job. As they integrate into their new role, we fade into the background and watch with pride as they thrive. However, to ensure a good fit and success, Beyond26 checks in with our jobseeker and employer after 6 weeks, 6 months and a year.

Benefits for Employers

Employers of Beyond26 placed team members have reported that company culture has strengthened because of the relationships built around the team members with disABILITIES. The benefits extend far beyond culture, delivering real business value:

• Reliable Staffing Solution: Beyond26 employees fill crucial roles and work hard to meet a company’s needs, especially valuable in a challenging labor market.
• Enhanced Customer Experience: Customers love the friendly, dedicated service from Beyond26 employees, improving satisfaction and loyalty.
• Stronger Team Culture: Other employees become more empathetic and patient, leading to improved morale and job satisfaction across your entire team.
• Exceptional Retention: Our 88% retention rate since 2018 means reduced recruitment costs and training investments.
• Dedicated Work Ethic: Beyond26 jobseekers bring enthusiasm, reliability, and strong work ethics that benefit your business operations.
• Easy Partnership Process: Beyond26 handles matching, coaching, and support, making it simple for you to find the right candidates.

Comprenew is a great example of a business partner that continues to hire our jobseekers. See the impact this has had on their company here.

Your Journey to Meaningful Work Starts Here 

The stories you’ve read represent just a small sample of what’s possible. From retail and restaurants to warehouses and offices, adults with disABILITIES are thriving in workplaces across West Michigan. They’re earning paychecks, building friendships, and proving that everyone has something valuable to contribute.

Whether you’re a jobseeker ready to take the next step, or a family member supporting someone’s employment journey, meaningful work is within reach. The right job match is out there – one that celebrates your unique abilities and helps you grow.

Beyond26 has successfully placed over 260 jobseekers in jobs throughout West Michigan. Each placement started with a simple conversation during a Meet and Greet session, where we learned about interests, abilities, and goals.

Ready to discover your possibilities? Fill out our website contact form to schedule your Meet and Greet appointment. Let’s work together to find a workplace where you can thrive.