Gifted hands: How Maker’s Union empowers adults with disabilities

Photo: by Anne Peters // Maker Union

PARK CITY, Utah – Maker Union, a nonprofit dedicated to employing adults with disabilities, is ramping up its vocational training and socialization programs in preparation for the upcoming holiday season. Since its inception last fall, the organization has been a vital part of the community, offering hands-on learning and personal growth for adults with disabilities.

Founded by Anne Peters, Maker Union draws on her more than two decades of experience with the Sundance Catalog, where she traveled the world meeting makers and purchasing goods. Her background has given her a clear understanding of sourcing high-quality items, which she now applies to the nonprofit’s gift basket offerings. Customers can collaborate with Peters and Maker Union employees to create beautiful, customized gift baskets featuring goods from local makers. In addition to assembling these products, employees can assist with other tasks, such as stuffing Christmas cards or wedding invitations.

Inspired by her experience adopting a child with special needs, Peters envisions this collaboration creating a more inclusive and supportive community. “This work is personal to me,” Peters said. “I want to provide a space where individuals with disabilities can feel supported while also being part of a community that recognizes and values their contributions.”

Park City’s unique community offers significant resources for Maker Union’s workforce, with opportunities to leverage local artisans and makers alongside the local tourism, ski, and hospitality industries. The organization’s initial employment opportunity is producing custom gift bundles designed, developed, sourced, assembled, and delivered by adults with disabilities. This work provides valuable, hands-on experience for participants across multiple stages of production.

Maker Union provides young adults with disabilities essential job skills. The nonprofit focuses on practical tasks such as tying bows and alphabetizing while emphasizing social interaction and confidence-building.

However, Peters shared that Maker Union is more than just training employees. “We’re not just teaching skills here; we’re building a community,” Peters said. “These individuals deserve a place where they can thrive, learn from their mistakes, and take pride in their accomplishments.”

And much of that learning happens in community. “A big part of employment is socialization, confidence, and self-awareness. And what I’ve loved seeing this summer, where we really ramped up, was with this socialization piece. The kids are not allowed to have their phones. We all eat our meals together, put the phone away, talk, ask questions,” Peters shared. “This summer, I witnessed all of these friendships and connections form. And to me, it was so satisfying, beyond the work, skill, and vocation.”

As the holiday season approaches, Maker Union plans to increase its gift box production, doubling output from 300 boxes last year to 600. Each gift box can be tailored to individual preferences and features high-quality products sourced from local artisans and select overseas suppliers. Peters emphasized the importance of producing thoughtful, well-crafted gifts highlighting participants’ talents. “And product criteria is that we want to create something beautiful. We want the recipient to say, ‘Wow, that’s great. It’s well made. It’s high quality. And then I want the third consideration to be, ‘Oh my gosh. A group of disabled adults put this together,'” Peters Shared.

Looking ahead, Maker Union is committed to reinvesting in its mission and creating additional vocational opportunities. “As we expand, our focus is on broadening the skill sets of our employees, whether through new divisions of Maker Union or by helping them apply their skills in the broader world,” Peters said. The nonprofit is dedicated to creating diverse opportunities for employment, trade, and community service, helping participants continue to grow as individuals and professionals.

In addition to its internal programs, Maker Union partners with local nonprofits and businesses through the Adaptive Coalition of Park City (ACPC). This coalition supports employment, housing, and recreational opportunities for adults with disabilities.

To learn more, visit Maker Union’s website.