People with disabilities are often marginalized and underrepresented in the workforce, facing significantly higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Despite their talents and potential, they are frequently judged as less valuable, overlooked by society, and deprived of opportunities. At Peckham, we are committed to changing this narrative. Peckham’s approach to employment centers on a key…
Peter Scray | Uncrushable Attitude, Endless Gratitude
Peter Scray, a customer service representative at Peckham’s London, Kentucky location, began his working career miles away — figuratively and literally — from his current position. 10 years ago, as a store manager for Sam’s Club, Peter ran a $83 million facility and was responsible for 480 employees. To discover how he transitioned to his…
Pilot Study Highlights Potentially Promising Tool for Supporting Workers with Disabilities
A recent research article published in Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, discusses the outcomes of a study involving avail®, a software application designed to support individuals with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities in achieving goals related to job readiness, on-the-job work tasks, and independent living. Launched in 2017, avail® was developed with the goal…
Using JAWS to Take a Big Bite of Success
As a blind person, April faced difficulties getting prospective employers to see past her disability. While applying for jobs, she secured plenty of interviews, but no job offers. It wasn’t until she was hired at Peckham – a company that actively seeks to employ individuals with disabilities – that she found a workplace where she…
Battle-Tested Vet Scores Big Working in 3PL and Fulfillment Services
3PL and Fulfillment Services forklift operator Dale Hatfield’s childhood prepared him for a military career. Not because his father was in the armed services, but because by the time Dale was nine years old, he, one of his brothers, and father had moved many times. During his teens, Dale explained that “I was constantly in…
MSU researchers partner to advance disability inclusion
Faculty at Michigan State University are partnering to advance disability inclusion and create an improved future of work. A team of experts from MSU’s Broad College of Business, College of Engineering and College of Education have been awarded a three-year, $400,000 Strategic Partnership Grant from the MSU Foundation to develop solutions to employ people with…
Peckham Participates in the Science Summit at the UN General Assembly & Highlights Inclusive Work Environment
“The self-esteem which can develop from the ability to support oneself and one’s family, and participate in a productive workplace, is the very definition of inclusion in society.” That’s the message that Laurie Penfold brought to participants in the Science Summit at the United Nations General Assembly. On September 29th, 2022, Laurie and Peckham CEO…
Finding a Career At Peckham Allows Team Member to Fulfill a Promise Made 29 Years Ago
When Joe got married 29 years ago, he promised his wife he would take care of her. Throughout his working career, he’s worked dozens of jobs, including eight in the Lansing Mall, trying to fulfill that promise. However, his goal of making enough money to become the majority breadwinner in the household seemed always out…
Peckham’s PSAT Team Funds Wheelchair Swing, First of its Kind in Lansing
Peckham recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the installation of a wheelchair swing at Beacon Park in Lansing. Amber Warren, Peckham Contact Center Team Support, explained that the swing is a “dream come true” for PSAT (Peckham Self-Advocacy Team). PSAT, which advocates in community service works project, funded the project through a combination of…
Battle Creek Team Member’s Upward Mobility Story at Peckham Highlights AbilityOne Benefits
Donald Tate is a Customer Support Specialist for the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Customer Interaction Center. In his role for DLA, Donald provides support to military personnel, government agencies, and Department of Defense vendors as they navigate the complex systems involved in maintaining U.S. defense operations across the globe. Donald provides support for tough questions,…