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INKclusivity was written to inspire and guide you in building a more inclusive workplace – one that embraces the talents of individuals with developmental disabilities. As business leaders in the print industry, we’ve seen firsthand the transformative impact disabilit inclusion can have on our companies, employees, and communities.
The data speaks for itself. Disability inclusion offers a measurable return on investment and a clear competitive edge. Hiring people with disabilities isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s smart business decision that delivers real results.
Despite being the world’s largest minority, this community continues to face exponentially higher unemployment. This is not due to a lack of ability or willingness, but because employers too often overlook their potential.
Disabilities can affect anyone at any stage of life. In fact, 80% of disabilities are acquired between the ages of 18 and 64. According to the United Nations Department of Economiand Social Affairs, approximately 15% of the world’s population – about 1 billion people – live with disabilities. Despite being the world’s largest minority, this community continues to be faced exponentially with higher unemployment – not due to a lack of ability or willingness, but because employers too often overlook their potential.
Companies also fail to see people with disabilities as customers. Despite their low employment rates, they represent $21 billion in annual discretionary income in the U.S. alone.
In the following chapters, we’ll explore the true meaning of disability inclusion and the widereaching benefits it can bring to your business. We’ll challenge misconceptions, shift the focus from disability to ability, and walk you through practical, step-by-step strategies. While this guide is tailored to the printing and decorating industry, its insights apply across nearly every sector. Our goal is to equip you with the tools and knowledge to build a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to contribute, succeed, and help your business thrive.
New Book “INKclusivity” Empowers Print Industry to Build Inclusive, High-Performing Workforces
Now Available on the INKclusivity website, Amazon, and Nook.
After more than a year of collaboration, INKclusivity: Company Benefits of Disability Inclusion & How-To Implementation Guide for the Print Industry is now available for download on the INKclusivity website, Amazon, and Nook ([link coming]).
Authored by Jed Seifert and Vince Bartozzi of Stakes Manufacturing, Patrick Bardsley and Tim Howe of Spectrum Designs, and Marshall Atkinson of Atkinson Consulting, INKclusivity offers a practical roadmap for companies ready to embrace disability inclusion as both a social and business advantage.
The book challenges long-held assumptions about who belongs in the workplace, and shows how inclusive hiring can strengthen performance, retention, and innovation. By focusing on ability rather than disability, INKclusivity helps business owners recognize untapped talent and create environments where everyone can thrive.
The book’s framework is built around the essential pillars of inclusion:
Understanding Inclusivity
Company Benefits
Workplace Assessment
Building an Inclusive Culture & Environment
Hiring, Onboarding, & Training Practices
Universal Design & Process Optimization
Ongoing Support & Development
Community Engagement & Partnerships
Success Strategies
Legal Considerations & Compliance
Receive a FREE digital copy of the book after it’s release!
Meet the Team
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Jed Seifert
Co-Founder of Stakes Manufacturing
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Vince Bartozzi
Co-Founder & CEO of Stakes Manufacturing
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Patrick Bardsley
Co-Founder & CEO of Spectrum Designs Foundation
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Tim Howe
COO of Spectrum Designs Foundation
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Marshall Atkinson
Owner of Marshall Atkinson Consulting, LLC
“Your company needs all kinds of minds, skillsets, and backgrounds to thrive. Consider the biodiversity in the rainforests. The rainforest is the most luscious, fruitful place on the planet because of its biodiversity. Your workplace can be the same if you are willing to be inclusive and diverse.”
- Patrick Bardsley
“We’re helping companies understand the benefits of hiring people with disabilities and what inclusion does for their business,” said the authors. “This starts with breaking down false stigmas and educating leaders about the incredible disability employment organizations available to help them succeed. This isn’t charity; many of our top-performing and most reliable employees have disabilities.”
- Jed Seifert
The Organizations Making A Difference
Atkinson Consulting
Marshall Atkinson is an industry veteran and business coach with over thirty years in the printing industry. A family connection to disability inspired his desire to support and promote the inclusion of people with disabilities into the printing industry.
Spectrum Designs Foundation
A full-service custom apparel and promotional items business with the mission of employing individuals on the autism spectrum. Of their 75 employees, 65% identify as neurodiverse. They offer vocational training experiences in the form of internships to a further 20 individuals and have people with disabilities working in all aspects of production and in administration and marketing.
Stakes Manufacturing
Specializing in print-on-demand production and fulfillment of millions of units of apparel, headwear, and bags annually. Of their 250 employees, 10% of their full-time staff identify as having a developmental disability. They offer vocational training experiences through their school-to-work transition program with the local county school system to provide internships with mentorship to 12 students with developmental disabilities per semester; a number of the graduates from this program have gone on to take full-time positions at Stakes MFG. In 2022, Stakes was named National Employer of the Year by APSE (Association of People Supporting Employment First) for their efforts building and championing an inclusive workforce employing people with disabilities.