A new campaign Think Ability Wisconsin is urging businesses in Wisconsin to consider hiring individuals they may have previously overlooked.
Steinhafels in Waukesha is actively responding to the need for employing individuals with disabilities. Sam Elfner, a 21-year-old distribution center employee, exemplifies the significant contributions that employees with disabilities can bring to a company.
Don Clough, the director of operations at Steinhafels in Wisconsin, described him as a tough guy and a hard worker. According to Clough, he is willing to do anything that is asked of him.
Elfner confidently stated, “I possess a strong work ethic, athletic prowess, and an outgoing personality.”
According to Clough, he has chosen one of the most physically demanding jobs, but he genuinely enjoys it. He plays a crucial role in bringing all the products from various vendors into the distribution center.
According to Clough, individuals like Sam and other neurodiverse team members at Steinhafels bring a valuable “diversity in thought.” Their unique perspectives and problem-solving approaches set them apart from competitors and contribute to the company’s success. Clough believes that hiring individuals with different ways of thinking is a win for Steinhafels.
The Think Ability Wisconsin movement was created with a purpose: to bridge the gap between individuals with disabilities and companies in need of talented individuals to fill their job vacancies. The movement aims to create opportunities and connect these two groups, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and diverse workforce.
Kris Bobke, the center manager at Think Ability Wisconsin, emphasized the positive impact of providing opportunities for individuals with neurodiverse backgrounds. According to Bobke, these opportunities not only give individuals a sense of purpose and achievement but also address the job retention and hiring shortage in Wisconsin. Currently, only 23 percent of individuals with disabilities are employed, leaving a significant number of people who can contribute to the workforce. By tapping into this underutilized resource, Think Ability aims to expand employment prospects for employers and encourage them to prioritize ability over disability.
Both Steinhafels and Think Ability share the belief that every employee, regardless of their ability, requires training or occasional accommodations. Therefore, hiring individuals with disabilities does not significantly alter the hiring process.
Bobke believes that giving people an opportunity and believing in them is essential for their success. This is why their motto includes the phrase “Just Say Yes.” According to Bobke, when individuals are given a chance and someone who believes in them, they thrive and excel. This not only benefits the individuals themselves but also creates a positive outcome for everyone involved.
“Being the parent of a child with a disability, the future can be quite intimidating,” expressed Eric Elfner, the father of Sam Elfner. “To cope, I try not to think too far ahead, but it’s important to make plans. Seeing him thrive in this environment gives me hope, even though I’m uncertain about what lies ahead. Regardless, I believe we will be able to handle whatever comes our way.”
Think Ability Wisconsin receives funding from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation through a Workforce Innovation Grant. This investment was announced by Governor Tony Evers and is supported by the American Rescue Plan Act.
If you or someone you know has a disability, or if you are an employer looking for information and resources to support individuals with disabilities, thinkabilitywi.org is the place to go. It offers a wide range of resources and valuable information that can help improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families.
Steinhafels is currently seeking individuals with disabilities to join their team. If you are interested in pursuing a career with them or applying for a job, you can find more information and the application process here.
