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

These employment-related resources from around the country have been created for use by people with disabilities and others:

• Partners in Employment . This free, online self-study course is designed to help people with developmental disabilities find meaningful jobs and jumpstart their careers. In this six-hour self-study course participants create a resumé or portfolio of their strengths, skills, and interests; learn how to network and identify potential employers; prepare for an interview; and understand the hiring process. The course also includes specific information on finding competitive, meaningful employment in the emerging “digital economy.” Operated by the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities.
• The Riot! The July and October 2011 issues of this newsletter by and for self-advocates focus on jobs and moving from sheltered workshops to integrated employment in the community. Throughout both issues self-advocates share their perspectives on and tips for finding “real jobs for real pay,” as well as steps that self-advocacy groups can take to promote real jobs for people with disabilities.
• National Organization of Nurses with Disabilities. This open membership, cross-disability, professional organization works to promote equity for people with disabilities and chronic health conditions in nursing professions. Its Web site includes extensive information for individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses who are entering, or are already in, nursing professions, as well as for health care employers.
• Internships: The On-Ramp to Employment. A Guide for Students with Disabilities to Getting and Making the Most of an Internship.  By Andraéa N. LaVant. This publication from the National Consortium on Leadership and Disability for Youth is written for young adults with disabilities and talks about how to get an internship as part of the career exploration and preparation process.