Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1535247
S P R I N G 2 0 2 5 / W O R K F O R M E 21 communication, while multi- modal approaches are utilized in employee training to accom- modate the diverse learning styles of individuals. The team at Vertical Harvest is striving to find a balance between auto- mated farming with robots and hiring skilled workers to oversee the tech. Advancing technology is increasing job accessibility for diverse employee populations. Inspired by the work of scien- tist and autism advocate, Temple W o r k f o r c e I n a world of workforce shortages and competi- tive job markets, com- panies are developing creative hiring strategies and looking at untapped talent pools. Through technology and companies ac- tively seeking to diversify their workforces, more work oppor- tunities are being crafted for individuals with disabilities. According to Maine's Depart- ment of Labor, 16% of working- age adults in the state have one or more disabilities, exceeding the national average of 13%. Nationwide, 1 in 4 Americans has a disability. Actively engag- ing this talent pool could help mitigate worker shortages while providing career opportunities for individuals who are ready and eager to get to work. Nona Yehia, co-founder and CEO of Vertical Harvest Farms, knows first-hand the importance of providing meaningful work opportunities to people of all abilities. "I have a brother with disabilities. I did not set out to be a vertical farmer, I am an ar- chitect by trade, and from a very early age, I understood that com- munity wasn't set up to support my brother like it was set up to support me. I think I was an ad- vocate before I even understood what the word meant." Vertical Harvest Farms use hydroponic techniques to cre- ate farms in urban spaces. The company's latest branch in Westbrook leverages technol- ogy to provide job opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Zoom and Google Chat enhance Bridging T HE gap Expanding opportunities for employees with disabilities alleviates shortages B Y S L O A N E M . P E R R O N I have a brother with disabilities. I did not set out to be a vertical farmer, I am an architect by trade, and from a very early age, I understood that community wasn't set up to support my brother like it was set up to support me. I think I was an advocate before I even understood what the word meant. — Nona Yehia Vertical Harvest Farms C O N T I N U E D O N F O L LO W I N G PAG E » Cofounder and CEO Nona Yehia built Vertical Harvest from the ground up as North America's first vertical hydroponic greenhouse. P H O T O / A L E X I S W E L L S