Employment and Economic Self-Sufficiency:2015 National Goals for Research, Policy, and Practice

Abstract

Employment in general workforce and economic self-sufficiency continue to be the exceptions for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), rather than the norm. Research, policy, and practice can and should play a coordinated role in solving this problem. This article summarizes the methods used and the consensus-based national goals identified to guide the direction of the field that were developed by experts in the field. A discussion of the implications of the findings is also provided, including the need for advocacy to advance the goals.

Building an Evidence-Based, Holistic Approach to Advancing Integrated Employment

“…While growth in participation in employment for individuals with IDD has been relatively stagnant, there are ample examples of creative individual outcomes, support providers that have substantially transformed their organizations to focus on community employment, and states that have been successful in improving outcomes. Current research and practice suggests clearly that individuals with IDD want to work, that there are well-established strategies that result in successful employment outcomes, and that states can implement key policy and strategic elements that influence outcomes (Butterworth, Hiersteiner, Engler, Bershadsky, & Bradley, 2015;Hall, Butterworth, Winsor, Gilmore, & Metzel, 2007;Kiernan et al, 2011;Migliore, Nye-Lengerman, Lyons, Bose, & Butterworth, 2018;Nord et al, 2015;Nord, Luecking, Mank, Kiernan, & Wray, 2013). These successes suggest a need for a more holistic approach to improving employment outcomes that integrates individual, employment support, and systems factors, and develops a deeper understanding of the elements that influence employment participation.…”

“…These initiatives support community employment as the first outcome considered for people with disabilities who receive state services. Employment First represents a commitment by states, and state IDD agencies, to the idea that all individuals with IDD (a) are capable of working in typical integrated employment settings; (b) should receive, as a matter of state policy, employment-related services and supports as a priority over other facility-based and non-work day services; and (c) should be paid at minimum or prevailing wage rates (Kiernan, Hoff, Freeze, & Mank, 2011;Nord et al, 2015).…”

Impact of the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction on Self-Determination and Goal Attainment in Adolescents With Intellectual Disability

“…Nord et al (2015) stated that a common set of values is emerging from recent policy related to employment for people with intellectual disability that has the potential to promote systemic change. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act of 2014, the 2011 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services guidance on integrated employment, and the U.S. Department of Justice’s enforcement of Title II of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) as interpreted by the Olmstead v. L.C.…”

Family Perspectives on the Appeals of and Alternatives to Sheltered Employment for Individuals with Severe Disabilities

“…For example, accountability indicators within special education require tracking of the percentage of youth who are competitively employed after exiting high school (Alverson, Naranjo, Yamamoto, & Unruh, 2010); both the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 and Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) regulations of 2014 identify integrated competitive employment as the prioritized outcome; and settlement agreements with the Department of Justice explicitly address ensuring access to quality employment outcomes. Integrated employment at competitive wages is now advocated as the first and preferred option for service delivery (Nord et al, 2015).…”