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How One
Company’s Extraordinary Workforce
"I've witnessed a
lot of evolution in the thinking of nonprofit providers about how to best
serve people with disabilities. But I don't think anything or anyone has
led me to challenge the status quo as much as the story of David Morris
and Habitat International." "Habitat
International is a living affirmation and example of career possibilities
for all people with disabilities. ... Most of these wounded veterans are
young men or women (who) need inspiration—examples of people with severe
disabilities who do go on to live productive and satisfying lives. And
they need employers, such as Habitat and David Morris, who stand ready to
offer much-needed and much-welcomed opportunities and
support." Able! How One Company’s Extraordinary Workforce Changed the Way We Look at Disability Today tells the inspiring story of Habitat International Inc., a global indoor-outdoor rug manufacturer where three of every four workers have a physical or mental disability, or both. At Habitat, people with schizophrenia drive forklifts next to those with Down syndrome, autism and cerebral palsy. Hearing-impaired employees cut floor mats alongside co-workers who have endured strokes, severe head injuries, or loss of an arm. For the past two decades, the company’s owner has been hiring people with disabilities, urging other entrepreneurs to do the same thing, and defying the naysayers who said it couldn’t be done. The result: A multi-million-dollar corporation whose special-needs workers outproduce the nearest competitor 2-1. Able! chronicles the joys and challenges of managing a business with disabled employees, shares the heartwarming stories of workers who refused to be stereotyped, and offers advice for employers who fear they’ll lose money by hiring people with disabilities. This book will change the way you think about business — and the people around you.
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