The Shop N Save grocery store in Bolivar has 28 employees, and this past year hired their first employee with a developmental disability. As Danny has learned his job duties, he has proven his value as a member of their team. Today, Danny is making a difference, helping people in his community to see a person’s ability and invite them to contribute. OPWDD recently asked Shop N Save about their experience.
What interested you in employing people with developmental disabilities in your workforce?
Shop N Save: Danny has been wanting to work here for quite some time, and when his support program reached out to us about a job, we decided to give him a try working on our stocking shelf days.
What has surprised you most about employing someone with a developmental disability?
Shop N Save: Danny is learning the job very well. He is always asking questions and paying good attention to what we say and do.
What advice would you give to another employer considering employing people with developmental disabilities?
Shop N Save: Give everyone an opportunity to try and learn a job.If trained right and properly worked with, people with developmental disabilities can do the job and do it to the best of their abilities.
What difference has the employment of people with developmental disabilities made in your organization?
Shop N Save: Danny makes our store a happy place. He puts smiles on all our employees’ faces.
Responses provided by Shane Pesock, Store Manager, Shop N Save, Bolivar, NY