Nancy Henderson - Able!: How One Companys Extraordinary Workforce Changed the Way We Look at Disability Today

Ive witnessed a lot of evolution in the thinking of nonprofit providers about how to best serve people with disabilities. But I dont think anything or anyone has led me to challenge the status quo as much as the story of David Morris and Habitat International.

GEORGE W. KESSINGER

President and CEO, Goodwill Industries International, Inc.

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 inspirationexamples 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.

THE HONORABLE TOM RIDGE

Chairman, National Organization on Disability First Secretary of Homeland Security and Former Governor of Pennsylvania

The story of David Morris and Habitat International is one of success, and his companys most valuable resource is its diverse workforce. As one reads in Able!, employees with disabilities are replacing stereotypes and obstacles with achievements. Their work is not only beneficial to the individual, but to the company that employs the individual as well. A communitys economic strength is only as valuable as its faith in all people to be a part of its successes. I appreciate Habitats commitment to people and to its community.

UNITED STATES SENATOR BOB CORKER (TN)

Habitat Internationals hiring practices have revolutionized employment opportunities for people with all types of disabilities, from workers with Down syndrome or schizophrenia to those who are homeless or recovering alcoholics.

ANITA PORCO

Vice President of Affiliate Network, United Cerebral Palsy

Habitat International is a great example of what we at NOD have learned over twenty-six years of working with people with disabilities. We hope to make copies of Able! available to our Career Specialists and to AW2 soldiers.

CHARLES F. DEY

Vice Chairman of the Board of the National Organization on Disability

Able! is a sucker-punch. Able! is an affirmation of the potential, the possibility and the validation of the system. Able! is proof positive that we as individuals, as a community, and as a society are capable of getting it right. Able! relates not to the individual but to the ideation, to the philosophy that we are able to do better. Able! relates to doing the right thing the right way. Able! relates to the system and to those who control, modify, and manipulate the system for the benefit of others and thus for all of us. Able! is an appropriate name for the book; providing you fully appreciate that it is we who are possibly able. Those with special needs have always been able; the new revelation is that the rest of us, as demonstrated by David and Habitat International can also be.

RICK RADER, MD,

Editor-in-chief, Exceptional Parent Magazine

You need only read the company slogan, A Company of Positive Distractions, to realize the greatness of Habitat. Positive Distractions appears to be an oxymoron, and yet it works. Thank you, David Morris and Habitat, for your help in improving the life of a young man who, at one time, had absolutely no direction. Thank you!

RALPH BOSTON

1960 Olympic Long Jump Champion

Imagine my excitement when I was informed of a man with a business that hired people with all types of disabilities. I have been a special education teacher for the past twenty-seven years, and I have always hoped for job opportunities for my mentally retarded, multi-handicapped, and autistic students. But while I was excited about the possibilities, I really could not have prepared myself for the environment of Habitat, Inc. Habitat is what I would hope all employers would strive to be, an incredibly productive setting that encourages everyone to work up to their own potential. The atmosphere is fun, exciting, and productive. The employees are hardworking and the expression on their faces tells the whole story. I will be forever grateful to David Morris and the wonderful staff he employs at Habitat. They are the real deal a workforce to be reckoned with.

JEANNE SOLOCK,

Work Based Learning Teacher, Central High School

ABLE!

Foreword Copyright 2008 by Randy Lewis

Preface Copyright 2008 by Jim Thomison

Introduction: Imagine Being Able Copyright 2008 by David Morris

Part One: Able! Copyright 2005 by Nancy Henderson

Authors Note, 2008 and Authors Preface Copyright 2008 by Nancy Henderson

Epilogue Copyright 2005 by David Morris

The Journey Continues Copyright 2008 by David Morris

Are We Ready and Willing? Copyright 2008 by George W. Kessinger

Showing the Benefits of Work for People with Disabilities and for the Employers Who Hire Them Copyright 2008 by Thomas J. Ridge

Dwelling in Possibility Copyright 2008 by Charles F. Dey

Alice in Wonderland Copyright 2008 by Angela C. Mackey

Inspiring Life Without Limits Through Employment Opportunities Copyright 2008 by Anita Porco

Character Building: Imperative to a Successful Workplace Copyright 2008 by Nancy Reed, M.Ed.

The Biopsychosocial Dimensions of Being Able! Copyright 2008 by Rick Rader, MD

Serving Jacobs Best Interests Copyright 2008 by Carol Glazer

A Fathers View Copyright 2008 by Ralph Boston

Interview with Stephen Boston Copyright 2008 by David Morris

Dinner with Seth Copyright 2008 by Denise Dunzweiler, Ph.D.

Second Chance Copyright 2008 by Patty Keith

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available for this title.

First E-Book Edition: 2005

Cover design by Allison Bard

Author photo copyright Stephen Greenfield

Text design and composition by John Reinhardt Book Design

Printed by Bang Printing

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Randy Lewis, SVP of Operations & Logistics for Walgreens

Jim Thomison, President, Habitat International, Inc.

David Morris, CEO, Habitat International, Inc.

Eavesdrop on an extraordinary workplace where employees matter more than money.