All About Developmental Disabilities Connects Holly Springs Resident with Local Train Company

Finding a job is often difficult, but for people with developmental disabilities it can be nearly impossible. Most of those with disabilities have had to overcome society’s focus on their limitations instead of their strengths.

In Georgia, unemployment hovers around five percent, but it’s closer to 80 percent for people with disabilities. All About Developmental Disabilities (AADD) is a nonprofit matching Georgians with disabilities with employers in the community. The organization is working to improve the unemployment rate for those with developmental disabilities.

Every year, young adults with developmental disabilities graduate from high schools across Georgia. After graduation, many of these young adults end up alone and at home. AADD's “HireAbility” program works to match those with developmental disabilities with employers in their communities.

Holly Springs resident Nick Sulkoske works each week at Train Installations a Woodstock-based company that creates model train railroads for homes and businesses. Like most people, he's always wanted to work. But finding a job was a bit more challenging for this young man, who has developmental disabilities that make him socially awkward and non-verbal.

Nick developed encephalopathy as a toddler. He’s somewhat nonverbal and has limited social skills. But he’s very talented in other ways, with strong piano and computer skills. Fortunately, AADD stepped up to help him make the employment connection.

At Train Installations, the 20-year old is a Photo Archivist, responsible for scanning and cataloging thousands of photo negatives and prints.

AADD helped Nick blend his love of trains with employment at a model train company in Woodstock. Michael Adair, Nick's AADD Employment Specialist, participated in his job search and training, ensuring that he would have a complete understanding of the job. He also worked with company’s owner, Dave Bennett, about the accommodations Nick would need to succeed.

“Nick is an incredible, hard-working employee,” says Dave Bennett, owner, Train Installations. “I was so happy to be able to have someone with a love of trains to help my company.”

Studies have shown the benefits of hiring people with developmental disabilities. Employers report a lower turnover rate, lower rates of absenteeism, great job loyalty, higher employee morale and great customer satisfaction.

AADD prides itself on taking the time to find the correct job for Georgian’s with developmental disabilities. Employment specialists take time to work with each client to find a job that is the correct fit for the developmentally disabled adult.

“Throughout Georgia, employers willing to give these unconventional employees an opportunity have already begun to demonstrate that this group of motivated workers has untapped potential,” said Nathan Heald, Employment Manager for AADD. “By focusing on their abilities, not their disabilities, we can promote workplace success for everyone.”

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