Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI) is an Atlanta-based nonprofit organization that provides hands-on job training, placement, and employment opportunities to people with disabilities and disadvantages. BDI serves approximately 500 people per year and employs nearly 100 individuals in its various lines of business. Find out more about the positive impact BDI makes!

For the past seven years, Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI) has worked with Pitney Bowes to operate the mailroom and post office at Atlanta-based Georgia State University. The majority of the staff members have a disability, but as they show in this video, they are more than able to operate a high-performing mailroom.

Bobby Dodd Institute's Employer of the Year Award recognizes companies dedicated to expanding workplace opportunities for individuals with disadvantages and disabilities. This year's recipient is Autotrader.com, Inc., the largest Internet auto marketplace for buying and selling used or new cars. Autotrader.com recognizes the ability in all of us and has had remarkable success in hiring people with disabilities.

BDI was able to leverage its reputation for excellent switchboard service to acquire a contract with DeKalb Medical. This partnership resulted in the creation of 14 jobs. It is particularly significant because the contract was won in the fair market, rather than by a government set-aside program. This partnership is a strong sign that businesses are beginning to recognize people with disabilities as a viable and valuable labor force.

BDI's Work & Progress Program provides work experience and social enrichment opportunities to people who have severe disabilities* and who may face additional challenges to employment. This video profiles two of the students and the difference the program has made in their lives.

The Explorers Program is a unique educational program created to provide special needs students with the best of both classroom and workplace skills. The current reality for young people with disabilities is that career options are limited and easy transition from school to work is rare. The students spend a half day on enrichment activities in a multimedia classroom, and the other half refining their job skills on BDI’s work floor.

BDI’s Outsource Solutions program offers a variety of services that can help businesses become more productive, save money and help relieve time-consuming activities including assembly and packaging, order fulfillment, collating, advertising promotions, full-service procurement and production (on-site or at BDI’s 50,000-square-foot workspace and warehouse). Here is a glimpse of two satisfied customers.