Job board created by Bethel University students helps people with intellectual, developmental disabilities connect with employers

A current Bethel University student and a Bethel graduate, and also brother and sister, are making it easier for those living with disabilities to find jobs.

The siblings helped create RecruitABLE, a job board for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

They were inspired by their aunt who has down syndrome.

Their idea won the top prize from a Mayo Clinic contest, as well as $5,000 to launch RecruitABLE.

"It’s a job platform designed for people with IDD, or intellectual and developmental disabilities. So, rather than a paper resume that you would submit on something like LinkedIn or Glassdoor, it will work to present the whole person with IDD with video interviews or video photos of the candidate working," said Ben Hernes, a Bethel University junior.

Videos may show the workspace for a job seeker or can reveal a candidate’s personality and skillset to a future employer.

The sibling’s desire to help started at home.

"Ben and I have an aunt, Ruth, with down syndrome, so growing up we’ve kind of always been connected in that IDD community," said Anna Substad.

As students at Bethel University, they’ve both been invovled in BUILD, a two-year program for students with disabilities.

Their website will now help those students find internships and careers after graduation.

"As far as we’ve been able to tell, in our research, there’s really nothing else like it out there," said Bethel University BUILD Internship Supervisor Ryan Anderson.

Anderson, who is also advising the siblings on the concept, says he hopes this important tool creates a two-way recruiting street for those with disabilities.

"The fact that this is going to help our students and help other people with intellectual disabilities have greater access to finding meaningful work is something that we’re really excited about," Anderson said.

"It’s fun to be a part of something that is bigger and that will hopefully help," shared Hernes.

"We’re really excited for this to come to the market and start impacting lives," added Substad.

The siblings hope to have their site live next month to begin a pilot program.