The Unified Work concept was launched in 2016. After two great years of production under contract with a major client, MDI wanted to provide development opportunities for their hard-working employees, roughly 50% of whom are individuals with disabilities.

Decades of experience being a leader in the disability employment space taught MDI leaders that individuals can learn the technical skills within a workplace, but the soft skills that so often get left behind could help a person access the workforce beyond the walls of MDI.

• The first “Career Skills” classes were held in 2017 and were completed by 27 individuals. Topics included communication, goal setting, teamwork, attitude, and leadership. The following year, demand grew. There were seven in-person classes across MDI’s four locations engaging 57 people. 2018 was also the first time outside participants were invited to MDI to participate. 

• In 2019, there were 39 people who took Career Skills 101. The slight decrease in participants was a result of demand for new content. In April 2019, Career Skills 201 was launched covering topics such as problem solving, accountability, customer service, and dealing with change. Over 60 people took this course. Career Skills courses impacted nearly 100 lives in a single year. 

• In 2020, Unified Work was ready to launch in person trainings for external organizations. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic required a major shift in strategy. A modified Career Skills was successfully delivered virtually for the first time to 23 MDI employees.

• In 2021, class participation rebounded. In a single year, Unified Work impacted over 100 lives. By this time, courses were being consumed by individuals in more partner organizations including Rise, St. Paul Public Schools, Udac, and Accord. 

• In 2022, the team launched mobile classes, delivering live training on site for mission partner organizations. Unified Work hosted classes at seven different locations across three states impacting over 70 participants. Virtually, there were eight classes impacting more than 90 participants. Over 160 lives were impacted in 2022. 

• In 2023 Unified Work hosted 17 mobile classes at locations across three states impacting 191 participants. Virtually there were 11 total classes impacting over 187 participants. Over 370 lives were impacted in 2023; our impact just keeps growing! 

Through everything that Unified Work creates, the intention is to be accessible to all. This means all people should feel welcome to participate in courses to the full extent. We aim for complete equity in inclusion for all abilities and cultures. Engaging with Unified Work should be empowering. Individuals should feel an increase in confidence and their ability to set and reach goals within the workforce and beyond. The services and resources provided should be both innovative and impactful. 

Unified Work aims to be seen as a leader and an expert in the disability employment support sector, breaking ceilings with curriculum and services that make a measurable difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities and those facing barriers to the workforce.