We each seemed well-suited and properly motivated for a partnership to put people with disabilities to work.

One of us manages a nonprofit agency, Bridgewell, that helps individuals with disabilities, including intellectual and developmental disabilities, to acquire independence, which can include working for a private employer with some supports.

The other operates a pharmacy business, Pelmeds, that dispenses and delivers prescriptions to varied customers, including residential programs that serve people with disabilities.

Less than a quarter of people with a disability are employed, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, even though studies show that hiring individuals with disabilities is a good economic decision.

Too often, employers are reluctant to hire people with disabilities, fearing costly accommodations, even though such accommodations can be minimal. These employers are missing a chance to acquire some of the hardest working and most dedicated employees. Because people with disabilities, including IDD, have often never had the chance to work, when they get that rst chance, they put everything that they have into being successful. They are also highly dependable.

Our partnership involved Pelmeds creating jobs in its distribution and delivery system for individuals who receive support from Bridgewell. This collaboration has been beneficial for both organizations, and we want to see other businesses make a commitment to hiring individuals with disabilities. Here is why.

People with IDD can do complex work. One goal of this employment program is to help people better navigate the best career path that is right for themselves. Retail and grocery roles have been commonly viewed as the primary opportunities for people with IDD, and for many, these roles are a great t. Additionally, many individuals with IDD also thrive on the administrative side of business, such as clerical and data entry positions. This partnership allows those people to explore different work environments and develop new skills.

Representation matters. When people in the community, other employers, and even people with disabilities see these individuals hard at work, it sends a strong message that they are capable and productive. It shows other employers what hiring people with disabilities looks like. Pelmeds’ customers – which includes programs serving people with disabilities, other congregate care providers like assisted-living residences, and patients – react favorably. That is good for business.

Work provides purpose. Not every person with IDD can work, but many can. For those who can, work provides an immense sense of self-satisfaction. It makes individuals feel better about themselves and it provides a palpable sense of hope and excitement. It creates dignity. The human interaction that results from this work is what inclusion is all about.

It is a scalable solution. What started with a few individuals has grown to 10 and will soon expand to 15. This new human resource has enabled business growth. It can be expanded to other delivery-focused industries, and we are talking with other employers about our success. We believe that what we have created can be the solution to their workforce challenges.

We urge other businesses to be deliberate in making a decision to employ people with disabilities. It is the right thing to do and it is good for business. Most important, it is transformative for people with disabilities who are ready, willing, and able to work, and are just waiting for an opportunity.

Christopher Tuttle is the president and CEO of Bridgewell, a nonprofit human services agency based in Peabody and Bhuren Patel is the president of Pelmeds, a pharmacy services company based in Waltham.