Small Business Focus: Individuals with development disabilities, an untapped and high-potential labor market

As many small businesses continue to face challenges in meeting their staffing needs, there is an often-overlooked labor market with significant potential: individuals living with developmental disabilities.
Currently, Arlington County’s Department of Human Services (DHS) supports more than 600 residents living with developmental disabilities. Many of these individuals work independently or with County-sponsored support, such as a job coach. There are countless additional residents who ar