Mission Moment- Employees with Disabilities are Invaluable Additions to the Workforce
Peter, Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum Employee and NW Works Team Member
April is nationally recognized as Autism Acceptance Month, and at NW Works we’re honored to support adults with Autism, among other disabilities, and share their successes, impact, and growth. In addition to April being Autism Acceptance Month, it is also National Volunteer Month. As long-time volunteers at the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum, and a relatively new employer; we are excited to bring you this month’s Mission Moment from our valued partner, the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum.
Peter has been working with us at the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum since September, and he quickly became an invaluable part of our team. During his shifts, he is essential to maintaining a clean and safe exhibit floor by picking up after the children, reminding families of the rules, and cleaning bathrooms. Our staff trust and rely on Peter, never hesitating to ask him to help get a task done. He has also responded promptly to several emergencies and accidents at the museum. Through everything he does, Peter helps the museum elevate the guest experience by ensuring a clean and safe environment, and he does it all with a smile on his face!
When working with NW Works, their staff was extremely thoughtful in making sure this was a placement that would be beneficial for both the museum and Peter. Although many individuals could complete the tasks Peter does during his shifts, not everyone is suited to the environment we have here. Even those who like kids don't necessarily like 100 of them all at once! Children are busy, messy, and above all, very, very loud. But none of it phases Peter, and he just goes about his tasks regardless of how crazy it is. In fact, the busier it is, the more fun he has! It takes a deep understanding of both the individuals and organizations they are working with for NW works to make such a placement.
For the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum, having a disabled individual on staff only furthers our mission of sparking curiosity & inspire learning through exploration & creative play. When children play and engage with Peter, they learn in a positive way about people who are different than them. It also provides them with a safe environment to be curious about people with disabilities, and to prompt conversations with their families. I truly believe that having Peter here does not only positively impact the museum in the terms of the tasks he completes, but has an impact on the greater community as a whole.
*NW Works respects the privacy of our team members and does not disclose individual disabilities, complying with all applicable privacy laws. The individual pictured represent our diverse community without reference to specific disabilities.