Inclusive Employment at Red Wiggler Farm

David Ruch is the greenhouse assistant at the Red Wiggler Farm in Germantown, Maryland. He spent a cold, wet morning this week getting the farm ready for spring. Ruch is one of 16 employees at the farm with developmental or intellectual disabilities, each contributing their unique skills and perspectives to the operation.

“When I’m harvesting, I know I’m harvesting vegetables. And it feels good to harvest vegetables from Mother Earth,” Ruch said. This sense of purpose is felt deeply among all employees at Red Wiggler, who are proud of their contributions to the farm and the community.

Woody Woodroof started Red Wiggler Farm in 1996 to create meaningful jobs in an inclusive environment. His vision has become a reality, where every individual is valued for their work and treated with respect.

“Our employees participate at every level, from planting the seed to cultivating the plants and setting them out in the field, to harvest and distribution,” Woodroof explained. “The bottom line is, we treat people as people here.” This philosophy emphasizes the importance of employing people with disabilities, recognizing their potential and capability in various tasks.

A portion of the vegetables they grow is distributed to community members in low-income households and to adults with developmental disabilities. This initiative not only helps feed those in need but also fosters a sense of community and connection among the employees.

“Having the opportunity to distribute produce to people who are perhaps less fortunate, gives people a sense of meaning. That’s what we’re talking about,” Woodroof said. “We all share the same human needs and desires. We want to do something meaningful with our lives. We want to be happy and contribute to other people’s happiness. Because that’s often when we’re most happy — when we can help others.” This sentiment resonates with the employees who find joy in their work and the positive impact it has on the lives of others.

The employees getting Red Wiggler Farm ready for spring are proud of their work, which is why they say they want to see more opportunities afforded to people like themselves. They are passionate advocates for the importance of inclusivity in the workplace and the value that diverse teams bring to any organization.

Red Wiggler will present in D.C. this week at Kennedy Krieger’s conference on neurodiversity, aiming to promote the hiring of people with disabilities and raise awareness about the benefits of inclusive employment practices.

“Think about your business a little differently,” Woodroof said. “What is that job that maybe somebody could do, and I could take that off of somebody else’s plate?” This approach encourages businesses to rethink their hiring practices and consider the capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

Kennedy Krieger’s conference is the perfect platform to inform people of what Ruch already knows.

“Everyone who has a disability should be able to have the opportunity to have a job where they’re actually treated right and not mistreated,” he said. “Just treated as equal.” This call for equality in the workplace is a powerful reminder that everyone deserves the chance to contribute and be valued for their skills, regardless of their background.