Authors Inspiration

Jed Seifert, Co-Founder - Stakes MFG

My older brother, Darren, has Fragile X Syndrome, the leading known genetic cause of autism. He has always been my inspiration. Twenty-five years ago, he got a job working in the mailroom at the Securities and Exchange Commission, where he still works today. This job changed his life, giving him financial independence, the ability to move out of our parents’ house, purpose, happiness, friends at work, and fulfillment. It changed my family’s life, as well.

Most families who have a child or sibling with disabilities spend their lives wondering what’s going to happen after they die and how their loved one is going to be supported. This is why employment for people with disabilities and the resulting decrease in financial dependence are the greatest gifts you can give to these individuals and their families. It also changes your community, transitioning individuals from dependents living at their parents’ houses to independent taxpayers. This income contributes to the local economy through taxes, public transportation, food, and other purchases. It also changes the lives of fellow employees and the company. 

Vince Bartozzi has been my best friend since I was 5 years old. He’s always been like a brother to me and Darren. When we co-founded Stakes MFG, our first company-wide initiative was to provide life-changing job opportunities to individuals with disabilities. Beyond that, we wanted to have a case study to serve as a blueprint for companies in our industry to launch disability inclusion programs at their organizations. 

This is not charity. Out of 40 people, our top-performing warehouse employee is a young man with autism who graduated from our school-to-work transition program in partnership with the local county school system. Out of 25 people in our shipping department, our top-performing employee has autism. He independently applied to work for us because he saw our ads offering jobs for people of all abilities. These employees’ performances are based on the same speed and accuracy benchmarks as all employees. Both employees are also leaders in the rankings for attendance. These are true, meaningful, mutually beneficial employment opportunities.

Diversity and inclusion programs are often based on race, religion, sexual orientation, and age. People with disabilities frequently get left out, even when the numbers are staggering: 75 to 80% of people with disabilities are unemployed. It’s not because they don’t want to work or are incapable of working, it’s because there are so many preconceived notions of what people with disabilities can and can’t do. They simply aren’t given a chance. 

It’s not only companies setting false limitations on their abilities, but also the families and individuals themselves. We are all guilty. For 20 years, we never imagined my brother could be financially independent, live in his own apartment, kayak and downhill ski in the Maryland State Special Olympic Games, and make it to the National Special Olympic Games for cross country running. He has spent his life breaking through false limitations and expectations imposed on him. 

In 2022, my brother joined me on a panel at a PRINTING United Expo to do a presentation titled “Print Industry Unites on Disability Inclusion.” We were joined on the panel by Jecka Glasman (CCO, Kornit) and Ross Hunter (President, ROQ). I had recently assisted in getting disability inclusion programs set up at both of their organizations. Other panelists included Ryan Moor (Founder, Ryonet and MADE Laboratory) and Taylor Landesman (VP, Lawson Screen & Digital Products), both of whom have had disability inclusion programs for years, and Nabeel Amin (Founder, Lane Seven Apparel). 

Something beautiful happened that day. An incredible group of industry leaders – some direct competitors – took the stage to champion disability inclusion in the print industry. We shared our inspirational stories and discussed the benefits and ROI our companies have experienced. We helped educate other companies on how to get started with the amazing, free-to-employer, private, state, and federally funded disability employment service providers. 

We challenged industry companies to hire at least one individual with disabilities over the next year, even if only part-time. We were humbled and grateful to be joined by such a prestigious group of executives with huge hearts and a shared vision for change. We appreciated the dedicated support of the PRINTING United Expo, PRINTING United Alliance, and The Apparelist for providing us the platform.

The audience was visibly moved, and I was blown away by how great my brother did on the panel as a self-advocate. If you had asked me a year before if my brother could sit on stage for an hour with bright lights, cameras flashing, big video cameras filming, and hundreds of people watching, I would have said there was no way in hell he would sit still that long and not get overly anxious. Yet again, this was a false limitation I had put around my brother who crushed it. The outpouring of support from people who attended and those who watched the recorded session was incredible. 

After this, we helped several organizations in the apparel industry set up inclusion programs at their facilities, changing the lives of employees with disabilities and their staff. This was just the beginning of our efforts to impact industry-wide change. This book is the next chapter. 

Too often, we focus on people’s disabilities and weaknesses instead of their abilities and strengths. We put limitations on individuals based on our perceptions. We put false limitations on ourselves as well. If history and my brother have taught us anything, it is how often the “impossible” gets done. Our goal is to eliminate the stigmas around hiring individuals with disabilities and to help companies realize the immense benefits of building a more inclusive workforce.

I’ve spent the past few years doing speaking engagements, advocating for disability inclusion in the workforce to companies, families, media, trade organizations, Senators, and Congressmen. Most of these efforts are spent educating companies, from publicly traded organizations to mom-and-pop screen print shops, on the benefits of inclusive hiring and the disability employment service providers that will support them. These organizations find, screen, interview, hire, onboard, and train employees with disabilities and their managers to work successfully with them at zero cost to the employer. 

Throughout our journey, the support for our mission was incredible. However, the employers who wanted to hire people with disabilities didn’t think they had the resources or capabilities to support them. Concerns included not having open positions that would be good fits, managers and fellow employees being negatively affected, and a decrease in performance metrics and profitability. Perhaps the biggest fear was where and how to start. We heard this feedback loud and clear and set out to provide these organizations with answers and a roadmap. 

We created this book to share our knowledge about the vast company benefits and true ROI of hiring people with disabilities. It also serves as a guide with resources, personal stories, and action items needed to hire individuals with disabilities and become an inclusive organization. 

The momentum for change is real and already happening across the industry. We must continue this momentum, and we hope this book is a driving force. Our goal is for the printing industry to become a trailblazing example of how any industry can unite to make a difference. We hope you get inspired and excited about inclusive hiring and share this book with others. 

People with disabilities are the largest minority in the country. Anyone could be disabled tomorrow; only a portion of people with disabilities are born with them. We need to provide this community with the same opportunities afforded to everyone else. Be the champion and voice for those who can’t always speak for themselves and create life-changing opportunities for them and their families. 

Together, let’s unify with a shared vision to transform lives, our companies, our industry, and the world. The words in this book were written with love and passion with no intent to profit. Thank you for reading and supporting our mission of disability inclusion in the workforce.

Vince Bartozzi, Co-Founder and CEO - Stakes MFG

I was lucky enough to grow up in a very inclusive environment, surrounded by all types of people (varying socio-economic backgrounds, colors, religions, sexual orientations, expressions, and ability levels). While not specific to inclusivity, I learned to respect and treat humans the way I want to be treated. It's something I work on daily. It’s difficult to connect with someone in a middle school lunchroom who doesn’t look, sound, or act like you. Later, as adults, we can't expect to change that mindset overnight. That’s what makes this book so important. 

As I’ve grown as an entrepreneur and businessperson, inclusivity has been integral to my work and daily life. Even when it’s not popular or easy, it’s always the right thing to do. It has a huge impact on the person’s quality of life as well as their company, co-workers, friends, and family.

As leaders in our industry, it's our responsibility to educate and provide tools for people who have not been raised in an inclusive environment or have not worked with someone who doesn’t look, think, and work the same way they do. It can take time and be intimidating, scary, and uncomfortable, but a community that values and upholds inclusive principles will always flourish and succeed above those who do not value inclusivity, plain and simple.

Patrick Bardsley, Co-Founder and CEO - Spectrum Designs

At age 18, I left my family and friends in the United Kingdom and worked at a special needs summer camp in the small town of High Falls in Upstate New York. The summer camp experience changed my life more than I could have imagined – not for anything I did, but because of the remarkable people I met. The campers, who society would consider “disabled,” demonstrated amazing capacities to learn, teach, grow, and love. They taught my 18-year-old self a lot more than I could ever teach them! The most impactful moment came on the last day of camp. I asked one parent what was next on their agenda for the year. A trip? Get ready for school? “I don’t know,” the parent said, tearing up. “I don’t know what will happen tomorrow.”

Their son had graduated high school. The family had no services lined up and no hope of a life outside of their direct care. They told me their one wish, which still breaks my heart. They wished they could live one day longer than their son. That way, they could always support and care for him as he lived. Imagine wishing you’d be there to attend your child’s funeral. No one should hope their child goes before them, but that’s how many parents caring for offspring with disabilities feel. 

Since that conversation almost 20 years ago, I have dedicated my life to promoting inclusion in the workforce. Not just to individuals and their families, but to companies and society. I have witnessed this firsthand at Spectrum Designs. Our company is successful, not in spite of, but because of our disability-inclusive workforce. 

I sadly lost touch with the family in this story. I hope they found something. The world has changed since then and in many ways for the better. While we've made significant strides toward inclusion, there is still progress to be made. If you’re reading this, I’d guess you’ll feel the same.

Tim Howe, COO - Spectrum Designs

I’m a proud nerd. I obsess over a topic. I dive deep into it until I know as much as I can about it and get excited about adding new information to what I already have in my head. However, equally as quickly, I find something new to dive into and do the same thing all over again. I love learning on my own terms, diving into pointless information, and indulging in trivia and random facts. 

This combination of traits made me good at school and interesting in a conversation, but it was a rude awakening when I found that not many people thought about things in the bizarre way I did! However, I soon learned that was alright and a part of the human condition. 

Everyone may think differently, but your actions define who you are. I had no idea this thought process would form the basis of my understanding of neurodiversity. This way of thinking, which was so personal, has been my basis for insight and commonality into the worlds of my neurodivergent colleagues and friends. 

Compared to my fellow authors, I grew up knowing little about disabilities, but what I always understood and treasured was community. I grew up in a beautiful, but small farming village in the heart of Wales, where everyone knew everyone and their life stories. 

We pitched in, supported one another, and knew where we fit. In 2013, when Patrick invited me to assist with the small nonprofit he co-founded, I discovered the beginnings of a community I believed – and still believe – could change the world.

That moment was life-changing for me. I saw an opportunity to take part in building a community – and as the years went on, a movement – for people who struggled to find a space of their own. I could help, and beyond that, I could empathize. I could see aspects of myself in my new colleagues and friends, and something clicked inside me. 

Suddenly this felt like the most important thing I could do with my life. I’ve since had the profound honor of watching hundreds of employees find a home and a community at Spectrum – or find access to the wider disability community – and it never gets old.

The joy of seeing overlooked individuals thrive within our community is a reward beyond measure, and witnessing this firsthand is something I want for everyone reading this book. As we move forward, I am energized by the prospect of building an even stronger network of support and inclusivity. Together, we will break down barriers, foster belonging, and champion the rights of those who need our support, ensuring no one has to navigate their challenges alone.

Marshall Atkinson, Owner - Atkinson Consulting

Do you remember the exact moment when something impactful elbows its way into your life? In 2021, I was putting my gear away after a production workflow presentation at the Impressions Expo in Atlantic City when a smiling young man named Josh extended his hand and introduced himself. “I’d like to tell you about Spectrum Designs,” he said. 

He then proudly told me all about Spectrum and their amazing work in New York with people with autism, like himself. Approximately 65% of their staff is on the autism spectrum, and they were competing with local apparel decorators in the Big Apple. We chatted for 15 or 20 minutes, but that only whetted my appetite to learn more. I invited Josh and his boss Patrick to be guests on my Success Stories podcast. Josh was fantastic. 

The more I learned about Spectrum Designs, the more I wanted to get involved. As an industry business coach, I believed I could positively impact the company. I offered to help coach Patrick, Tim, and other staff members with a free monthly call. We’ve been chatting ever since.

In the spring of 2022, I arranged for Spectrum to be featured on the Jerzees’ Adventures in Apparel Decorating show for a behind-the-scenes look at the shop. I always get a thrill seeing how a shop does things, but this one was particularly special. The impact of a workplace where everyone contributes meaningfully was clear to see. I had the chance to speak with staff members both on and off the autism spectrum, and it was clear: everyone loved working there.

My connection to autism stems from my two fantastic nephews, Philip and Max. Each sees things differently. It’s easy for me to understand the value of providing job opportunities for them because we all want to find our place in the world. 

Thank you for reading this book. It is written from a place of love, empathy, and problem solving. We are not promoting charity. Use this book as a catalyst to create opportunities for your business and community. It’s up to you to make a difference.