PawsAbilities

PawsAbilities was born out of a desire to provide meaningful jobs and independence for people with intellectual disabilities in Kansas City.  The PawsAbilities Employment Program launched in 2016 by the Inclusion Connections nonprofit, we provide crucial job training and opportunities for individuals with special needs.

Employment is the pathway to independence and helps define one’s place in community life. During training, Paws students learn job skills baking dog treats, sewing dog bandanas, and crafting other products.

Additional skills learned include operating commercial kitchen equipment, operating a cash register, cleaning and janitorial tasks, sewing, baking, packaging, inventory, and customer service. Students get job experience running the Paws retail store and mobile pop-up store which visits local businesses and events.