Maryland nonprofit holds job boot camp for people who are neurodivergent

WASHINGTON — A Maryland nonprofit is helping people with disabilities find jobs and other opportunities by hosting a boot camp in partnership with tech company Enabled Intelligence. 

For decades, Melwood has aimed to provide employment, training, and supportive and recreational services to people with disabilities. 

Employees at Enabled Intelligence input data that helps artificial intelligence systems, including those run by the federal government. 

This week, the nonprofit Melwood partnered with the tech company to host a boot camp for people who are neurodivergent, meaning their brains process information differently from most other people. 

"People with disabilities have lots of abilities," said Melwood's Chief Growth Officer Joe Diaz. "I'm hopeful that this program and through other programs like this that Melwood provides, people understand the value of hiring an individual with a disability." 

During the boot camp, more than 100 participants learned skills needed for good-paying data input jobs and ways to succeed in the workplace. 

Jennifer Roberts was one of the people who attended Thursday's boot camp. 

"I felt welcomed and I could come as I was and to learn, and use my superpowers," said Roberts