The partnership between Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS), Minnesota State colleges and employers is crucial in the advancement of people with disabilities into in-demand employment sectors such as manufacturing.

The language we use impacts how we think. It was under this premise that the Uniquely Abled Project was developed nationally, to shift the paradigm of thinking from “disabled” to “uniquely abled.” This shift can “make a significant difference in the lives of millions of people, in the cost of government and in the ability of people and organizations to thrive.” Through different programs, the project helps create career pathways for people with disabilities, transforming the lives of uniquely abled through meaningful employment. 

One of those programs, the Uniquely Abled Academy (UAA), is a training program that relies on close collaborations between educational programs and businesses. 

Minnesota VRS partners with the local UAA, as the program is aligned with its mission “to empower Minnesotans with disabilities to achieve their goals for employment, independent living and community integration.” UAA has been offered in Minnesota since 2022 at South Central College in Mankato and has recently expanded to Hennepin Technical College in Brooklyn Park. 

Partnership with Mankato-based employer

Taylor Corporation is a global leader in the communications industry and one of the largest companies of its kind, offering printed products, digital services and integrated technology solutions. They have been a valued partner for the South Central UAA and Minnesota VRS, hosting weekly hands-on training that allow students to apply the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to real-life working environments. Their scale and expertise make them an ideal partner for training and employing future talent.

Participants in the South Central UAA complete an eight-week training program to become printing press operators. They then take part in a two-week job tryout at Taylor Corporation, giving both students and the employer the chance to assess job fit, explore opportunities for skill development and find future career paths within the company. This structured approach ensures that students can apply classroom learning in real workplace settings, while employers get the benefit of well-prepared, motivated workers.

At the conclusion of the 2025 program, five UAA graduates were hired to work at Taylor Corporation. 

Program expands to Brooklyn Park

Thanks to funding from a 250,000 Drive for 5 Workforce Initiative grant through the DEED, the UAA program expanded to Hennepin Technical College (HTC) in Brooklyn Park. Students graduating from this program earn a CNC machining certificate.

VRS program specialists are quick to sing the praises of HTC instructor Xiong Lee and success coach Gabe Miller, who was hired through the grant: “They were instrumental in the successful implementation of the Brooklyn Park program.” Beyond the technical skills, the HTC UAA supports the students in developing the soft skills needed to succeed in the workforce. 

The work of the HTC UAA has gained recognition beyond the classroom: It’s been featured on KSTP News and CCX News.