Several businesses in New Hampshire employ people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Here’s how to find them.
Intellectual and developmental disabilities, often referred to as IDDs, are differences in intellectual and physical development that present themselves over time. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, IDDs most commonly occur between birth and when an individual turns 18, and can include differences in how someone learns, problem solves, and adapts to the world around them.
Specific businesses and organizations in New Hampshire are dedicated to building diverse workforces filled with people who bring unique perspectives and strong work ethics to their roles. In 2023, five of these businesses were recognized for their inclusion efforts and for employing individuals with IDDs: Jake’s Old Fashioned Ice-Cream, CVS Health, AVI Foodsystems Inc., WIN Waste Innovations, and Taylor Community.
Roni Vetter, the owner of Jake’s Old Fashioned Ice-Cream, said at the time, “You never know the quality of a person until you’ve given them a chance.” It’s an idea shared by the manager of AVI Foodsystems Inc., Dawn Bellerose, who employs people to work for St. Anselm College Dining Services. Bellerose said, “We actually find jobs that will give everyone value and then once we’re there, we have a culture of inclusivity here on campus.”
Working a job that makes you feel valued and included is a fundamental human right. Along with these employers, we’re shouting out a few organizations in the Granite State that are committed to protecting this right for everyone.
Jake’s Old Fashioned Ice-Cream, Nashua
Jake’s Old Fashioned Ice-Cream has been in business since 1988. It originally started as a regular ice cream parlor and has since, under Roni Vetter’s ownership, developed into an enterprise that manufactures and sells ice cream (plus cakes and pies!) across New Hampshire at select retailers.
Employment information, including open positions, is not available on the company’s website. For additional details and to inquire about potential jobs, click here to fill out Jake’s contact form.
CVS Health
CVS Health is, obviously, a larger corporation with numerous locations found throughout the Granite State. A list of available jobs is available here and can be narrowed down by categories, like Customer Care and In-Store, to find the most suitable position. The company’s website notes, “We are committed to building a workplace where every person is welcome, valued and can fulfill their potential.”
When CVS Health was recognized by the New Hampshire Department of Education in 2023, CVS Health Workforce Initiatives’ manager, Johnathan DaSilva, stated, “The goal of this team is to work across the country with state (vocational) rehabs, high schools, local organizations to help individuals with disabilities segue into a workplace.”
AVI Foodsystems Inc.
AVI Foodsystems Inc. is a similarly broad organization employing individuals across several states in a variety of exciting and inclusive roles. In New Hampshire, the company employs only people at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, as previously noted by Dawn Bellerose.
This link lists all of the current openings Saint Anselm is looking to fill. Jobs include prep cook, grill cook, food service worker, utility worker, cashier, and more.
WIN Waste Innovations, Portsmouth
WIN Waste Innovations provides sustainable waste and recycling solutions for businesses and residents alike. Hiring individuals with IDDs is part of the company’s dedication to fostering a welcoming workplace culture. The chief human resources officer for WIN, Pamela Hobbs, said, “In order to have an inclusive environment, you have to have the top leadership believe in it and want to instill it within the organization.”
WIN is also focused on helping its workers grow their careers through developmental support and promotions. Available roles can be found here and include opportunities like customer service support, driver helpers, and utility operators, among numerous others.
Taylor Community
Taylor Community works in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire as a continuing care retirement community providing nursing and memory care, as well as assisted and independent living. The vice-president of Taylor Community’s operations, Mark Latham, said in 2023, “The management team is committed to working individually with people to identify their strengths and their challenges that they’re finding in their performance.”
Job opportunities and information on salaries and benefits are provided here.
Easterseals NH Workforce Development Programs
Easterseals NH Workforce Development offers services to teenagers and young adults with IDDs who need assistance and support as they navigate the job market. Two of its programs are focused on this goal: Youth Transitional Services (YTS) and Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS).
YTS assists current high school students with IDDs by helping them meet personal employment, education, and wellness goals. Pre-ETS provides work-based learning opportunities and helps individuals narrow down their areas of interest. The goal at Easterseals is to match every student and their skillset with an open position in New Hampshire that will allow them to grow and thrive.
The Moore Center, Manchester
The Moore Center has been helping people with IDDs for over 70 years. Its website notes, “The Moore Center serves people with intellectual, developmental and personal challenges by creating opportunities for a good life.” The organization provides more than employment assistance—residential, transitional, and family support services are also available.
Click here for a brief overview of each of these to see how The Moore Center may be able to help you or a loved one build a fulfilling life and career.
PathWays of the River Valley
PathWays of the River Valley works with children, adults, and families in New Hampshire to find meaningful job opportunities and to create a sense of genuine community support. Like The Moore Center, PathWays also provides residential services for those who need them—more information can be found at this link.
In terms of employment options, PathWays seeks out opportunities that are enriching and work with an individual’s skills and goals to determine the best path forward. This is achieved through pre-employment preparedness tactics, like:
- Learning about people’s social skills in order to place them in the right workplace with the right culture
- Creating employment portfolios and resumes
- Practicing job interviews to hone conversational skills and understand how the process works
- Learning a variety of “soft” skills required to thrive, including time management, conversation, problem-solving, and adaptability
