JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Jacksonville nonprofit is tackling a persistent national workforce gap, demonstrating that meaningful employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) is not just a social goal—it is a functional, thriving business model.
The Arc Jacksonville is leading this charge through its community-based initiatives, most notably its specialized laundry service, “Laundry Caddie.” The program, which offers pickup-and-delivery services to residents, is designed specifically to provide gainful employment to individuals with IDDs, allowing them to gain financial independence and professional experience.
At the heart of the operation is Heather Martin, the program’s first hired employee. Martin, who has autism, has become a cornerstone of the facility. Her daily tasks are both meticulous and essential: she monitors the precision of each order, carefully checking pockets, sorting fabrics, and ensuring that every garment is tracked using custom client logos. For Martin, the job is about more than just laundry; it is about empowerment.
“You get a job and you can support yourself and make sure you got enough stuff to sustain yourself,” Martin said, noting that she often adds personal touches to orders, such as handwritten notes for clients.
Sarah Troup, the director of workforce innovation at The Arc Jacksonville, highlighted the positive ripple effect Martin has on the workplace culture. “She is the first person who greets me when I come in every morning,” Troup said. “She brings an energy that is hard to miss.”
Martin’s success story arrives against a backdrop of sobering national statistics. According to 2024 data from National Core Indicators, only 17% of individuals with IDDs receiving state-funded services hold paid community jobs. Florida currently ranks 40th in the nation regarding employment for working-age residents with IDDs, with an employment rate of 44.5%.
Troup attributes this disparity to lingering stigma among employers, but she emphasizes that the data supports a different narrative. Research consistently shows that businesses prioritizing the inclusion of individuals with IDDs experience higher employee retention rates and improved overall workplace satisfaction.
By running Laundry Caddie as a proof-of-concept, The Arc Jacksonville hopes to shatter misconceptions and encourage other business owners to expand their hiring practices.
“Individuals with IDD have so much to offer our community in the workplace, in friendships, in every aspect of life,” Troup said. “They are some of the most authentic people that I have ever met, and our world needs more of that.”
As Laundry Caddie continues to grow its client base, the mission remains clear: providing a professional environment where individuals can showcase their capabilities, find purpose, and contribute to the local economy, one load of laundry at a time.
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