Expanding the Workforce for Small and Medium Manufacturers Grant

If you have any questions, contact us at mxdlearn@mxdusa.org.

About the Grant

The Expanding the Workforce for Small and Medium Manufacturers is a grant that aims to provide financial assistance to 40 small and mid-size manufacturers seeking to enhance their workplace for employees with disabilities through implementation of assistive technology. This grant supports companies in their efforts to create welcoming environments by providing funds to assist in making factory floors and manufacturing processes more adaptive for disabled individuals.

Grant Focus

This grant provides funding to:

  • Install and implement assistive technology that promotes attainability and usability for employees with disabilities.
  • Modify existing manufacturing equipment to accommodate workers with varying abilities.
  • Develop or enhance training programs that incorporate assistive technologies.
  • Ensure safety and ergonomic compliance for employees with disabilities through upgraded equipment and technologies.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the grant, manufacturers must:

  1. Be a registered manufacturing company operating within USA.
  2. Demonstrate a commitment to improving workplace accessibility for employees or future employees with disabilities.
  3. Be willing to report on the project outcomes with MxD and share best practices with the broader industry.

Grant Amount

  • Applicants may request funding up to $1,000 based on the scope and scale of the project.
  • Funding can be used to cover equipment costs, installation, training, and other relevant expenses.

Key Areas of Focus

Assistive Technology: Introduction or upgrading of assistive tools, such as:

  • Adaptive machinery controls (e.g., voice-activated systems, hands-free controls).
  • Ergonomic tools and workstations adjustable for various physical needs.
  • Collaborative robots that assist employees in performing physical tasks.
  • Specialized software or hardware to assist employees with vision or hearing impairments.

Improved Safety Systems: Enhancing safety equipment for employees with disabilities, such as:

  • Tactile warning systems for visually impaired workers.
  • Visual alert systems for hearing-impaired workers.

Employee Training for Employees with Disabilities: Development of inclusive training programs that incorporate:

  • Screen readers, captioned tutorials, or sign language interpretation.
  • Onboarding materials such as braille manuals, large print, or video guides.

Facility Modifications: Implementing infrastructure modifications to support individuals with disabilities, including:

  • Installing ramps, lifts, or automatic doors.
  • Modifying machinery layouts to ensure access for individuals using mobility devices.

Evaluation Criteria

Grant applications will be reviewed based on the following factors:

  • Feasibility of the proposed intended use of funds alignment with the goals of the grant.
  • Potential for the use of funds to create a more convenient work environment for individuals with disabilities.
  • Innovation in the use of assistive technology.
  • The number of employees with disabilities positively impacted by the use of funds.
  • Long-term sustainability and potential for the use of funds to serve as a model for other manufacturers.
  • Applicants are encouraged to take the Disability Training Course for Manufacturers on the MxD Learn Virtual Training Center.