According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals with disabilities are twice as likely to be unemployed as individuals without disabilities, significantly limiting their ability to live independently. As one of the largest employers of persons with disabilities in the state of Indiana — one-third of the more than 5,000 Hoosiers we employ report a disability — Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana highlights the extraordinary work of these individuals all year long.
However, for National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we'll be shining a special spotlight on individuals like Peter Salathé, an associate at the Goodwill retail store in College Park.
When Salathé was just a toddler, he suffered a severe stroke that left him partially paralyzed, with a series of learning disabilities.
“My physical disabilities were detrimental to me,” Peter said. “They made it difficult for me to work, but I managed to power through because I had things that needed to get done.”
When Peter’s father passed away in 2022, he suddenly found himself responsible for the mortgage on the family home as well as caring for his mother. He doubled his hours at work from 20 to 40 per week.
But one of his biggest challenges was learning how to drive – a necessity since he needed to get to and from work and pick up groceries and medications for his mother. Daunted but determined, Peter utilized computer simulations and video games to help him learn how to drive and eventually earned his driver’s license.
“What helped me overcome my challenges was my attitude towards self-improvement,” Peter said. “Despite facing one crisis after another, I’m a happy, contributing member of society, with people I care about, and that makes me proud.”
Today, he uses his story to inspire others as well as to support and encourage his peers.
If you or someone you know is interested in employment at Goodwill, apply at goodwillindy.org/careers today.