Impact Feature Issue on Supporting New Career Paths for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

In the United States we are in the midst of a national conversation about employment. That conversation includes discussion of employment of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their changing role in the American workforce. Historically, people with disabilities have often participated in very narrowly defined types of employment. There have frequently been low expectations about what they can contribute as workers. But, today self-advocates and their allies are leading a transformation in thinking about how people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can do productive, valued work in their communities. This issue of Impact has been prepared to provide a snapshot of some of the strategies and personal stories that embody that transformation. Written primarily for vocational service providers, employers, secondary and postsecondary educators, and families of individuals with disabilities, this issue explores some of the innovative thinking and resources that are providing expanded employment options for people with disabilities, including employment in some of the promising areas for job growth nationally. And it offers some of the success stories of people taking new paths. It is our hope that this issue will spark even more conversations, and more creative thinking, among its readers about opportunities for supporting new career paths for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our country.