Disability Advisory Committee

The Disability Advisory Committee serves as an advisor to 3M and a resource for employees and their families on issues affecting people with disabilities, including: disability awareness and education, accessibility, accommodations and employee recruitment and retention.

How we make a difference
The group is an important asset to 3M in the recruitment of talented candidates with disabilities. It has advised the 3M Facilities Management Department on building renovations. And it helped improve employee safety by working with the 3M Environmental, Health and Safety staff to make emergency pager and customized evacuation plans available to those with disabilities.

Meet a member

	“I started at 3M as a college summer intern, then applied online when a position became available after graduation.” Sam IT Analyst IT Manufacturing Executions Systems 3Mer since 2008

I worked for a couple of years at another large company after graduation from the University of Minnesota. But I always knew that I wanted to get back to 3M. From my experience as a summer intern, I saw 3M as a more relaxed, yet highly productive company. People work really hard, but there is also time to really enjoy life.

It’s a great place to work because people are so supportive – both personally and professionally. There is always something new to learn. In my first three weeks on the job, for example, I had the opportunity to take Six Sigma Green Belt training.

Campus recruitment
I got involved with the Disability Advisory Committee and we are currently looking for ways to make connections to help recruit student candidates with disabilities. Because I was on a similar group in college, I can provide perspective on what students are looking for -- a company that will embrace them for who they are and will treat them equally whether they have a disability or not. At age 28, I am a co-chair of the Disability Advisory Committee and its youngest member.

	“I’ve had five different careers all at 3M.” Jay Quality Manager Supply Chain Operations 3Mer since 1997

When I graduated from the University of Georgia with an MBA degree in operations management and information technology, I looked for a company that was stable, competitive and exciting with good opportunity for growth. Of the companies I was considering, 3M was the largest and the best fit for me.

Keeping fresh with multiple careers
Coming from Georgia, it was exciting to experience four seasons. Minnesotans and 3Mers were very welcoming. My family and I connected with people right away at work and in the neighborhood. After two location changes, I now live with my wife and three kids in a beautiful rural setting within an easy commute to work.

I’ve had five different careers all at 3M because it is such a multi-faceted company. I’ve worked in data management and systems development, managed part of a distribution center, coached Lean Six Sigma and now I am a quality manager. It has kept me fresh and interested.

On almost any topic you can imagine, 3M has resources for employees. There are also fun programs arranged by 3Mers with a passion for something. I belong to the Archery Club that holds target practice at nearby 3M Tartan Park Golf Course and Club House for employees, their families and retirees.

I have ADHD and joined the Disability Advisory Committee to help other people with this or other disabilities. 3M is a stand-up company when it comes to recruiting people with disabilities. I am a co-chair of the Disability Advisory Committee. Right now, I am identifying Web portals that 3M can use for recruitment.