The JAX Chamber and Connectable launched the “20 in 20” initiative Thursday, a year-long campaign to encourage 20 Chamber member businesses to hire an employee with an intellectual and developmental difference or disability (IDD).
So far, six companies have committed to hire an employee with IDD: Miller Electric, Auld & White Constructors, First Coast YMCA, Jacksonville Transportation Authority, VyStar Credit Union and Web.com.
To participate, a company makes a pledge to hire an employee, Connectable helps identify the kind of work the company needs and then it matches an employee to the company.
“Whether it is giving a second chance to those who have had a difficult past, or providing new opportunities for those with physical or intellectual differences – we believe in bringing people off the sidelines and providing the opportunity for purposeful and meaningful work,” said Henry Brown, CEO of Miller Electric.
Connectable is an organization dedicated to creating “meaningful connections for people with intellectual and developmental differences in neighborhoods, businesses, schools and congregations.” It’s funded by Delores Barr Weaver.