International Game Technology showcased the beginning of a new program with High Sierra Industries Thursday.
High Sierra Industries-Washoe Ability Resource Center connects the mentally disabled with real-world jobs. HSI-WARC has had a partnership with IGT for 18 years.
HSI-WARC employees have been manufacturing parts for IGT gaming machines at a separate facility, but this summer the whole operation moved into a new facility on the IGT campus.
"[The move] builds a bridge between the typical workforce and a workforce that we serve, that's been typically doing work in a segregated situation," HSI-WARC CEO Lavonne Brooks said.
IGT executives said that the move will save the company money by eliminating packaging and shipping between buildings. Brooks said that the move helps the workers create more integrated, normal lives.
"It is very seldom that you get a chance in business to actually combine the business needs and the community interest," IGT Vice President of Global Procurement Don Hopkins said, "so we're able to integrate both of those."
Brooks said the partnership with IGT is a pilot program, and if it goes well, they hope to spread it to some of their other major employers.
Written by Arianna Bennett
