The publication is reproduced in full below:
RECOGNIZING DIRT COFFEE
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HON. JASON CROW
of colorado
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, October 25, 2022
Mr. CROW. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize DIRT Coffee in Littleton, Colorado for creating an inclusive work environment for neurodiverse Coloradans and those with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDDs).
DIRT, which stands for Divergent, Inclusive, Representation, Transform, is committed to disability justice and transforming hiring practices to include more equitable opportunities in the workplace for neurodivergent individuals. Currently, DIRT Coffee works to hire, train, and empower neurodivergent individuals through their Inclusive Workforce Employer Program.
After recognizing that neurodivergent people are underrepresented in the workforce and lack equitable opportunities for an integrated workforce experience, DIRT launched their coffee truck in 2013 to target the hearts and minds of the community. They quickly became a leader in providing inclusive employment opportunities for neurodivergent Coloradans, and in 2018, DIRT opened its first location in Littleton--providing internships and long-term employment for neurodivergent individuals.
In 2021, DIRT provided more than 1,000 hours of job training to over 30 neurodivergent individuals, bringing the total people helped to over 140 across the community. DIRT doesn't stop there, they have also provided more than
$50,000 in scholarships to families who need it the most. In 2022, DIRT opened its second location in Denver to try to expand its reach and community impact.
DIRT Coffee aims to create a more equitable and inclusive workforce. It goes without saying that they've had not only a tremendous impact on the lives of neurodivergent individuals who they have employed, but also our community as a whole. DIRT works tirelessly to cultivate a culture of acceptance, and I am proud to recognize and thank them for being an inspiration to us all.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 168(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 168(2)
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