From major employers to neighborhood businesses, these organizations are making workplace inclusion a priority for people with disabilities.
By Denise Koeth
Across Northeast Ohio, businesses are demonstrating that inclusion isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s also good for employees, customers and the community. Some have built comprehensive workplace cultures that welcome employees of all abilities through accessible hiring, accommodations and supportive employment practices. Others have made disability employment their mission, creating businesses where individuals with intellectual, developmental and other disabilities gain valuable job skills, meaningful work and opportunities to thrive. The following lists highlight some of the organizations that are helping make Northeast Ohio a more inclusive place to work.
Employers Leading the Way
in Disability Inclusion
These employers have earned a reputation for creating inclusive workplaces through accessible hiring practices, workplace accommodations, partnerships with vocational rehabilitation and supported employment organizations, or initiatives that help employees with disabilities build long-term careers.
Aultman Health, Canton – Aultman has partnered with vocational providers and supported employment agencies to create opportunities for individuals with disabilities across several departments. The health system provides structured internships, job coaching and competitive employment pathways for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. aultman.org
Cleveland Clinic – As one of Northeast Ohio’s leading disability-inclusive employers, the Clinic combines accessible hiring with comprehensive workplace accommodations. It is a longtime Project SEARCH partner and has been consistently recognized by Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) as being an Employer Partner of Inclusion. my.clevelandclinic.org
Dave’s Supermarket, multiple locations – Dave’s partners with organizations such as the HELP Foundation and the Employment Collaborative of Cuyahoga County to create community-integrated employment opportunities. The company is known for supportive supervisors, natural workplace supports and flexible job placements that help employees with disabilities succeed. davesmarkets.com
Discount Drug Mart, multiple locations – Discount Drug Mart hires individuals with disabilities through partnerships with OOD and county boards of DD. The company is known for flexible scheduling, highly tailored workplace accommodations and structured job responsibilities that promote long-term success.discount-drugmart.com
Giant Eagle, multiple locations – The grocery store chain has long partnered with county boards of DD and supported employment agencies to hire individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Giant Eagle offers structured training, works closely with job coaches and adapts job duties to help employees find success. gianteagle.com
GOJO Industries, Akron – GOJO is recognized for its people-first culture and commitment to creating an accessible workplace for employees of all abilities. It collaborates with National Industries for the Blind (NIB) and organizations like Austin Lighthouse, which provides skill development and manufacturing jobs for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. gojo.com
Heinen’s Grocery Store, multiple locations – Heinen’s partners with area boards of DD and vocational agencies to provide meaningful, community-integrated employment. It strives to place individuals with disabilities into structured, reliable store operations, such as front-end service, stock placement and culinary prep, where clear routines and close-knit store team models help them achieve long-term independence and career growth. heinens.com
Jewish Women in Action Cleveland (JWA CLE) – JWA CLE has long been committed to creating meaningful opportunities for people with disabilities both within its organization and throughout the community. It employs those with disabilities and has partnered with local agencies and schools to provide job training, work experience and volunteer opportunities that help individuals build skills and gain greater independence. JWA CLE also works to ensure its programs and community initiatives are inclusive of people of all abilities. LiveSpecial.com, a project of JWA CLE, connects individuals with disabilities and their families with resources, services and opportunities throughout Northeast Ohio. jwacleveland.org
KeyBank, Cleveland – KeyBank is consistently recognized as a “National Organization on Disability Leading Disability Employer” on the Disability Equality Index. Through its “Champions of People with Disabilities” employee resource group, the bank promotes accessible hiring, individualized accommodations and greater workplace accessibility. key.com
Marc’s, multiple locations – Marc’s has developed a longstanding reputation for employing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through partnerships with OOD and county DD boards. The company is known for consistent routines, supportive managers and long-term employment opportunities across its stores. marcs.com
Progressive Insurance, Mayfield Village – Progressive is recognized for its commitment to disability inclusion through its employee resource groups and comprehensive accommodations process. The company emphasizes accessible recruiting, digital accessibility and individualized support for employees in both on-site and remote roles. progressive.com
Sherwin-Williams, Cleveland – The company provides disability inclusion through accessible hiring practices, workplace accommodations and employee resource groups. It partners with workforce organizations and continually invests in accessible facilities, technology and career development opportunities. sherwin-williams.com
Summa Health, Akron – It launched its official Project SEARCH program in 2005 to prepare individuals with disabilities for careers in healthcare. Through structured internships, job coaching and workplace accommodations, many participants transition into competitive employment. summahealth.org
University Hospitals – UH has been a partner with Project SEARCH, school-to-work transition program through OakLeaf Partners Transition Services. It has provided multi-week, immersive on-site internships in departments like environmental services, dietary, and administrative support. uhhospitals.org
Mission-Driven Businesses
Creating Employment Opportunities
These local businesses and social enterprises were founded with a mission to provide meaningful employment, job training or vocational opportunities for individuals with disabilities. By supporting these organizations, customers are also helping create pathways to greater independence and inclusion throughout the community.
Boundless Confection Connection, Brunswick – Operated by Boundless Social Enterprises, this wholesale bakery specializes in made-from-scratch popular classic baked goods while being dedicated to creating an accessible and inclusive work environment for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. bakery.iamboundless.org
Creative Living Coffee, Medina – Coffee is roasted, packaged and distributed by individuals with disabilities as part of a workforce development program operated by Creative Living Unlimited. creativelivingcoffee.org
Creative Living Pet Play, Medina – Operated by Creative Living Unlimited, this full-service doggy daycare and boarding facility provides individuals with disabilities opportunities for vocational training and meaningful employment. cl-unlimited.org/creative-living-pet-play
Creative Living Produce, Medina – Operated by Creative Living Unlimited,
this hydroponic greenhouse provides hands-on vocational training and supportive employment for individuals with disabilities, helping them develop valuable skills in cultivating, harvesting and marketing locally-grown food. cl-unlimited.org
Creative Living Therapy Ranch, Medina – In addition to offering therapeutic riding and equine psychotherapy, this ranch operated by Creative Living Unlimited provides training opportunities in farm and horse management, empowering individuals with disabilities to develop essential skills and pursue meaningful employment. cl-unlimited.org
Dancing Wheels Cleveland – Dancing Wheels demonstrates disability inclusion by employing dancers, instructors and staff members with and without disabilities in integrated roles. The organization promotes equal employment opportunities while challenging perceptions about disability through the performing arts. dancingwheels.org
Grande Café & Roastery, Medina This farm-to-table coffee house is operated by Creative Living Unlimited and uses produce from Creative Living Produce and coffee from Creative Living Coffee. The Café also provides paid vocational training and employment for individuals with developmental disabilities. grandecafe.org
HELP Harvest Greenhouse, Euclid – At this 4,000-square-foot hydroponic greenhouse and classroom space, individuals with disabilities learn skills that are critical to navigating employment, including agriculture, production and workplace skills. helpfoundationinc.org
HELP Harvest Kitchen, Lakewood -Operated by HELP Foundation, this commercial kitchen serves as a training facility to prepare, package and label produce grown at HELP Harvest Greenhouse. The kitchen serves as a hands-on training kitchen that produces all varieties of food choices and focuses on healthy options. helpfoundationinc.org
Joyful Cafe, Wooster – Joyful Cafe was born from the hearts of two moms determined to change the world for their children and others like them. Its three locations offer adults with disabilities meaningful work, support and a sense of belonging. joyfulcafe.org
M.O.R.E. Cafe, Hiram – At this donut shop, differently-abled individuals are at the front and center of the business, completing a wide variety of tasks such as manning a cash register, packing donuts, making coffee, preparing smoothies, creating breakfast sandwiches and paninis, and interacting with customers.
themorecafe.com
Pegasus Farm Country Store & Gardens, Hartville – Operated by individuals in the Wings Adult Day Services program, staff at this country store handles every aspect of retail operations, selling bulk foods, fresh baked goods, and all-natural produce harvested from the on-site five-acre wellness garden. pegasusfarm.org/countrystore
Planet Joy Art Studio, Medina – This collaborative studio encourages adults with developmental differences to explore their imagination and creativity through the arts. With the teachings and direction of other professional artists, Planet Joy artists improve their skills, knowledge and ability to express themselves with various mediums, including painting, drawing, sewing, silk screening, art installation and more. peaceworksteam.com/planet-joy
Spokes Cafe, Medina – This community coffee shop provides vocational training and paid employment for adults with developmental disabilities through Peaceworks. Employees receive vocational training on cash registers, drink preparation and baking, tracking & inventory supply, bike rental, customer service and proper café upkeep. peaceworksteam.com/spokes-cafe
Sunburst Enterprises, Independence – Part of Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio’s Adult Employment Initiative, Sunburst Enterprises is designed to prepare, connect and employ adults with Down syndrome across Northeast Ohio. This paid position, offered in 14 week sessions, provides employees the opportunity to develop essential skills for the workplace through the operation of a small snack-box business. employees plan, purchase, assemble and deliver curated boxes in a variety of flavors and gain experience in marketing, sales, networking and communications. dsaneo.org/programs/sunburst-enterprises
Susanna’s Café by HELP Harvest, Cleveland – The cafe offers a stepping-stone for individuals who are eager to learn front of the house hospitality services and for people who are ready to graduate into community employment. helpfoundationinc.org
Two & Company, Chagrin Falls – Two & Company is an overarching name that includes the nonprofit Two Foundation, the Two Café, and the Shops at Two & Company. The inclusive retail positions are held by individuals of all abilities, allowing them to gain real life work experiences. A portion of proceeds go to support charitable causes. twoandcompany.org
Weaver Industries, Akron – Works with county boards of DD to provide program services to adults with disabilities who require assistance to obtain and maintain employment. It operates four business divisions — Weaver
EarthCare, Weaver ProPak, Weaver SecurShred and Weaver TruClean —
in several locations throughout Summit, Stark, Medina and Portage counties. weaverindustries.org
Whole Latte Love Café, North Canton – This non-profit coffee shop is designed specifically to provide supportive customer service training, independent soft skills, and resume building for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. wholelattelovecafe.org
YPS Inclusive, Akron – The company provides reliable fulfillment, mailbox rentals, notary services and more — all while creating meaningful employment opportunities for adults with disabilities. Its team is dedicated to accuracy, care and community impact. ypsinclusive.com
Z’s Cream & Bean, Hinckley – Serving handmade ice cream and offering gourmet coffee, this store provides the next stepping stone for individuals with disabilities into community employment with supports, job coaching and individual goal setting. It is operated by Creative Living Unlimited. zscreamandbean.com