Washington, D.C. — Melwood Community Services today celebrated the graduation of the 20th cohort of its abilIT workforce training program at the Verizon Tech and Policy Center in Washington, D.C. Ten participants completed the milestone class, joining more than 300 individuals who have graduated from the program since it launched in 2019.
Following the graduation ceremony, graduates participated in a mini reverse job fair, an innovative hiring model that places job seekers at the center of the recruitment process. Rather than employers hosting tables, abilIT graduates showcased their skills, certifications, and career interests directly to hiring managers. Area employers, including Verizon, MITRE, GDIT, and other companies, were invited to meet graduates, learn more about their unique abilities, and connect them with open positions in IT and tech‑related fields.
“Reaching our 20th graduating cohort is an important milestone, not just for abilIT, but for the neurodiverse hiring movement as a whole,” said Teresa Thomas, Director of the program. “Each graduate represents what is possible when talented people with disabilities are given access to targeted training, meaningful support, and employers who recognize the value they bring to the workforce. We are proud of this cohort and excited to see the impact they will continue to make in the tech industry.”
By leveraging the untapped potential of neurodivergent individuals while addressing critical workforce gaps in IT and cybersecurity, the abilIT program is reducing unemployment and underemployment among adults with disabilities while helping employers meet growing talent needs within the tech sector.
abilIT graduates have gone on to build careers with leading private‑sector companies and public agencies, including Wells Fargo, Nickelodeon, MITRE, Enabled Intelligence, and the federal government. These outcomes underscore the effectiveness of abilIT’s skills‑based training model and its ability to prepare participants for meaningful, in‑demand roles in IT and cybersecurity.
The free, 14‑week, skills‑based training program prepares people with disabilities and disabled veterans for careers in IT and technology fields through a combination of intensive technical instruction, professional development, and job search preparation. Participants complete more than 20 hours of coursework each week and treat the program like a full‑time job as they build IT fundamentals, cybersecurity basics, and workplace etiquette needed for certification and employment.
Melwood’s abilIT program is also part of abilIT Across America, a growing national network funded by a five‑year Department of Education grant. The initiative builds upon Melwood’s proven abilIT model with a goal of training 900 individuals over five years for careers in IT, tech, and related fields.
The abilIT program is funded in part by two Employment and Training Administration grants from the U.S. Department of Labor totaling $807,000 from October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2025. These grants account for 65% of the costs associated with the program. The remaining 35% costs are covered by other public and private revenue streams.
To learn more about the abilIT program or to partner with abilIT Across America, visit www.abilIT.org.
About Melwood Community Services
Melwood Community Services (MCS) offers innovative programming that empowers children, youth, and adults with disabilities to live, work, and thrive in their community. MCS delivers foundational services, including day programming, vocational support, and caregiver respite, alongside signature programs such as abilIT, Camp Accomplish, and WISH that offer specialized, curriculum‑driven opportunities designed to build real‑world skills while opening pathways to meaningful inclusion. By providing person‑centered programming, MCS ensures every individual has the tools and support they need to reach their goals, build independence, and participate fully in the life of their choosing. Learn more at www.melwoodcommunity.org
