We have a few employers in town that have realized the benefits of hiring an employee with a developmental disability. What these businesses find is that they have an employee that tends to be very committed to the success of the business by making their job a priority in their life. People with disabilities work real jobs that may be customized to fit their skill set. Sometimes the thought of tailoring a job to fit an employee could cause resentment from other workers but what employers find is that focusing on all employees attributes actually has a team building effect and increases moral and productivity. It is estimated that more than 70% of citizens with developmental disabilities could contribute to the workforce yet the employment rate is less than 30% in Southern Alberta. Given the current shortage in the workforce being experienced by employers, now is the time to tap into this group of ready and willing workers.