Able! : How One Company's Extraordinary Workforce Changed the Way We Look at Disability Today

by Unknown

• ISBN13: 9781933771649
• ISBN10: 193377164X
• Format: Trade Book
• Copyright: 2008-10-01
• Publisher: Benbella Books

Summary

In a time when other companies are outsourcing abroad, this book tells the remarkable tale of Tennessee-based carpet manufacturer Habitat International, a company that has managed to achieve productivity many times greater than its competitors with an American workforce most people would never think to consider: the disabled. This inspiring true story of David Morris and his employees is a revealing account of extraordinary success achieved through taking risks to unlock every person's potential. Companies and individuals looking to revitalize their workforce can better understand through this example the importance of work, not just to the disabled community, but to each and every person.

Author Biography

Nancy Henderson is an award-winning writer who has published hundreds of articles in major periodicals including The New York Times, Parade, Smithsonian, Southwest Airlines Spirit and Woman's Day. She is a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors and the Authors Guild. She has won two Print Journalism Equality, Dignity, and Independence awards from Easter Seals. She lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee. David Morris is the CEO of Habitat International Inc. He lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Randy Lewis is a senior vice president of distribution and logistics for Walgreens and spearheaded the innovative 2006 initiative to increase hiring of people with disabilities through the website www.walgreensoutreach.com. He lives in Barrington, Illinois.

Table of Contents

Foreword	p. xi
Preface	p. xv
Introduction: Imagine...Being Able	p. 1
Able!
Dedication	p. 9
Author's Note, 2008	p. 11
Author's Preface	p. 15
An Able Workforce	p. 19
The Test	p. 21
"Why Can't We Hire More People Like This?"	p. 37
Bucking the System	p. 43
Terry: The Love Builder	p. 55
What Were We Thinking?	p. 63
Martin: Mr. Determined	p. 77
We Are Family	p. 85
Lonnie: The Encourager	p. 99
David and the Goliaths	p. 107
Daniel: Man of Courage	p. 121
Doing Well By Doing Good	p. 131
Sharon: Cinderella	p. 151
Leading By Example	p. 159
Carl: The Company Grandpa	p. 167
Love Is Contagious	p. 175
The Habitat Advantage: Why the Company's Unconventional Workers Outproduce the Competition	p. 199
You Can Do This Too	p. 203
Epilogue	p. 209
The Journey Continues	p. 213
The Ripple Effect
Are We Ready and Willing?	p. 219
Showing the Benefits of Work for People with Disabilities and for the Employers Who Hire Them	p. 221
Dwelling in Possibility	p. 223
Alice in Wonderland	p. 227
Inspiring Life Without Limits Through Employment Opportunities	p. 229
Character Building: Imperative to a Successful Workplace	p. 231
The Biopsychosocial Dimensions of Being Able!	p. 233
Serving Jacob's Best Interests	p. 237
A Father's View	p. 241
Interview with Stephen Boston	p. 243
Dinner with Seth	p. 247
Second Chance	p. 251
Bibliography	p. 255
Acknowledgments	p. 261
About the Author	p. 263
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