Economics Laboratory, now known as Ecolab, was one of the first to hire people with developmental disabilities under an experimental work program designed to teach them viable skills.
When Frank Cerny, an Ecolab vice president, spoke to program graduates in 1967, he said, "Each of us has a special talent. We must discover our strong point, get training and find our place in the world."
American Express, Lutheran Brotherhood, Radisson Hotels and McDonalds followed suit by increasing their commitments to help find employment for people with developmental disabilities.
Economics Laboratory was one of the first companies to hire people with developmental disabilities.