Data labeling or computer annotation may seem mundane, but for Cody Hart, who is neurodivergent, it adds value to his life. Hart expressed that working at Enabled Intelligence in Falls Church, Virginia has given him a sense of freedom and purpose that he didn’t have in his previous job at a grocery store deli. He appreciates that at his current workplace, people treat him like an everyday person, which was not always the case when he was younger and his condition was not well understood.

Enabled Intelligence is an AI technology company that provides data solutions for the U.S. defense and intelligence community. They have announced plans to recruit 100 AI data annotators who are neurodiverse, such as individuals on the Autism Spectrum, ADHD, Dyslexia, and more. The company’s CEO, Peter Kant, highlighted that the work requires skills like detail orientation, hyper-focus, pattern recognition, puzzle-solving, and analytical skills, which many neurodiverse individuals excel in.

Melwood, a nonprofit organization that provides jobs and opportunities for people with disabilities, is partnering with Enabled Intelligence to prepare workers through a 14-week boot camp program. Hart, who is a graduate of the Melwood program, emphasized the significance of gaining IT certifications, soft skills for working in a professional environment, and access to a rewarding career with growth potential.

Three Virginia Democrats, Congressman Don Beyer, Senators Tim Kaine, and Mark Warner, recently visited the employees at Enabled Intelligence and provided support for Melwood’s Neurodivergent Workforce Initiative. This initiative received $307,000 in federal funding to continue its mission of creating job opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Hart expressed his gratitude for all the people and organizations that have supported him in his journey to his current job, emphasizing the importance of such programs and services for people like him.