At Wilson & Dorset, we believe in creating opportunities for everyone. In April 2023, we partnered with @minttrust and launched an employment pilot, hiring five individuals with intellectual disabilities as Warehouse Support Assistants, where their work included filling our stone sets, cushions, and footstools with Wisewool wool filling. Four months later, they became permanent members of our team, working weekly and stepping up during busy periods.

Their contribution has been invaluable, not only in the work they do but also in the positive impact they’ve had on our workplace culture. This experience has reinforced what we already knew: inclusive employment benefits both businesses and communities.

This wasn’t a charity move, it was a business decision. We knew we had the opportunity to hire individuals with additional needs who were eager to contribute and highly capable. Now, we want to share our experience and encourage other businesses to embrace inclusive employment.

Download our blueprint to learn more and see how you can create new employment opportunities in your community.

Photo credit: Francine Boer.