Employment and Individuals with Developmental Disabilities   Before you say “impossible" consider the possibilities. People with developmental disabilities can be meaningful members of your workforce.  If you don’t know much about disabilities such as mental retardation, autism or Down syndrome, you may not see these individuals as potential employees. But Pat Pottenger of Sommerset Manors found that the employment of a young woman participating in Kent Intermediate School District’s Community Based Occupational Training program “has been a wonderful lesson for staff – and residents. We were happily surprised that we don’t have to baby her and we can expect her to be accountable for her work." Her employment has been “a very humanizing thing for all of us" and overcame the assumptions of many that a person with a developmental disability can’t contribute.  At Grand Valley State University, the employment of two young adults with developmental disabilities has been good for the entire custodial staff. Joan Van Timmerman of GVSU noted that everyone has enjoyed watching the growth in their self-esteem as they discover that they can make meaningful contributions and be part of the team. Pairing with a buddy overcame some initial communication challenges. Tammy Rose at Klingman’s Furniture, where a woman with a developmental disability is part of the cleaning crew, agrees. “Before being partnered, she wasn’t focused in her work, seemed bored and wasn’t smiling, but since moving to a partner system she has done very well." Klingman’s used Hope Network’s Individual Supported Employment Program to overcome challenges that arose along the way.   At The Arc Kent County, an advocacy organization for individuals with developmental disabilities, most of our clients are looking for opportunities to become producing members of their community. Unfortunately, their skills are undervalued and they are rarely given the chance to show their ability. To further complicate their story, most specialized work programs have focused on large employers, resulting in few opportunities to showcase their abilities and create relationships with co-workers.  This practice also results in drastic layoffs during times of change, such as the recent elimination of bagger jobs at many grocery stores.  Small employers can provide wonderful opportunities for the entire workforce to embrace someone despite their disability, and everyone benefits. Working side by side with someone who strives to overcome great challenges can give every employee a better perspective of what is important in life. Successful accommodation of a disability is challenging in today’s fast-paced world, but job coaching support is often available. Job coaches are provided to the employers at no cost. The job coach helps the individual learn the initial work responsibilities and provides on- going support to the client and employer. There are also programs that provide the first few weeks of employment at no cost to the employer, or even provide for extra pay to a current employee who helps a worker with a developmental disability acclimate to the workplace.  It may take extra planning to make jobs fit, but often it can be the perfect answer for those tasks piling up that no one else has time to do, and for which you just can’t hire a dependable person off the street. Employers are often impressed by how dedicated individuals with developmental disabilities are to their jobs and the positive attitude they bring to the entire workforce!   More resources: National Center on Workforce & Disability/Adult:  Starting with Me: A Guide to Person-Centered Planning for Job Seekers The three-stage career development process READY? Start with yourself.  Who are you? Explore and identify your skills, interests, needs, and dreams. GET SET.  Learn what's out there.  What type of work fits with your personal profile? What is available in your community to help you reach your goals? GO!  Put your plan into action.  What steps can you take to get the right job for you?                                            Job Accommodation Network 800-526-7234 (V/TTY)         has fact sheets on the following: mentoring, disability data and research resources, interviewing tips for job candidates with disabilities, recruiting employees with disabilities, and an overview of the Job Accommodation Network.

The Arc U.S. FAQs and Position Statement on Employment  Senate Testimony on Importance of Individual Job Placement Resources for hiring individuals with developmental disabilities: The Social Security Administration has a great page for more information.  The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) Freedom to Work Law  Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth/MRS Employer Assistance Referral Network (EARN) PASS Plans (Plans for Achieving Self Support) It Doesn't Take a Rocket Scientist to Understand and Use Social Security Work Incentives Self-employment resources: Association of Small Business Development Small Business Administration Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)   Resources for Young Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Mind Your Own Business is a small business portal for youth entrepreneurs co-sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration and Junior Achievement Teen Business Link is another SBA site Y&E  is a web site for young entrepreneurs created by the Kauffman Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership The Abilities Fund is the first nationwide "community developer" advancing entrepreneurial opportunities for Americans with disabilities