Many individuals with I/DD have the ability and desire to work but may face challenges finding employment in their communities. But while barriers still exist, they’re starting to come down.
Like it or not, our jobs are part of our identity and can provide us with a sense of accomplishment in addition to a paycheck. Individuals with disabilities want to work for the same reasons we all do – to be independent, to use their skills and talents, and to contribute to their communities.
In the past, many of the jobs available to adults with I/DD came in the form of sheltered workshops, where they would work on simple tasks in a controlled environment. There was no regard for an individual’s talents or interests, and they were often paid low wages and denied potential for growth or advancement. They were also isolated – kept out of the community and deprived of opportunities to work alongside non-disabled colleagues.
While sheltered workshops are largely a thing of the past, barriers to employment still exist. But according to Sue Raposo, Director of Employment and Community Inclusion at West Bay RI, the good news is that the culture is starting to shift in a way that benefits those she serves, their employers, and the communities they live in. “We’re getting there,” she says. “The more people are seen for who they are, their gifts, and what they bring to the table, those barriers are starting to come down.”
Raposo focuses not on simply placing an individual in a job they can do, but a job they want to do at a workplace where they will feel valued and connected. To match individuals to the right job, she points to four key factors: interests, gifts, talents, and skills. She focuses on what people enjoy doing, their unique skills and abilities, and where they’ll be able to grow and forge connections. “It’s not just about placement,” she says. “We need to match people to what they connect to; to where they are on their journey.”
And Raposo has more than a few success stories, including a person who became one of his employer’s top sales associates and is about to be promoted. “What’s the first thing you ask someone when you meet them for the first time? It’s ‘what do you do?’ Now he can say, ‘I’m a top salesperson at my company.’”
“The more people are seen for who they are, their gifts, and what they bring to the table, those barriers are starting to come down.”
Sue Raposo
Director of Employment and Community Inclusion
West Bay RI
For employers, hiring individuals with I/DD makes good business sense. In fact, a 2018 study showed that businesses that prioritize inclusion experience higher profit margins, higher revenue, and higher net income. Research has also shown that adults with disabilities, including those with I/DD, tend to be more loyal and committed to their roles, reducing turnover and the costs associated with recruitment and training. Inclusivity benefits the entire workforce by fostering empathy, acceptance, and connection, key elements of a positive workplace culture that drives retention and help businesses recruit new talent. Other benefits include demonstration of social responsibility and financial incentives such as tax benefits.
For employers concerned about the cost of accommodations for employees with disabilities, the US Department of Labor reports that nearly half of all accommodations come with no cost. In cases where accommodations incur a cost, it’s typically a one-time cost that, on average, is only about $300. Most employers surveyed said the benefits of making accommodations, including retention, improved productivity, and higher morale, were well worth the price.
Despite the benefits, it can still be challenging to find employers with both the right roles and the right culture. “Finding those employers is another piece of the puzzle,” says Raposo. “You have to seek them out.” But making the right connection is well worth the effort. When a person finds the right role, “that’s where their people are – it’s where they connect. You can see the confidence it brings as they build relationships, make friends, and expand their worlds.”
About Pharmacy Alternatives
One of the nation’s only I/DD-specific pharmacies, Pharmacy Alternatives provides comprehensive services for individuals with cognitive, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. Our pharmacy and account teams, many of whom have personal connections to the I/DD community, share a passion for caring for this unique population and understand their complex medication needs. With specialized consultant pharmacists and local account management support, we make medication management easy, so caregivers can focus on increasing independence and enhancing quality of life for the individuals they serve.