Feature Issue on Employment and IDD

A Cutting Edge Student loads paper into one of the printers on campus as part of his internship with the technology department.

The Cutting Edge Program at Edgewood College provides a fully inclusive college experience for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Established in 2007, the program offers individualized wrap-around services designed to support students in academics, independent living, social experiences, and internships. The overarching goal for all graduates is to lead fulfilling, independent, and inclusive lives.

Students are integrated with their peers without disabilities across various settings, including classes, residence halls, extracurricular activities, and workplaces. This peer involvement is a key feature of the program's inclusivity. The staff works closely with students and their families to identify necessary supports and accommodations for academic, residential, and work environments. Staff also discuss students' long-term career goals and collaborate with campus partners to secure appropriate internships starting intheir first semester. These internships, funded by the program, allow students to work in diverse campus settings such as the library, campus store, groundskeeping, departmental offices, and the dining halls. Initially, internships focus on general employability skills, such as punctuality, professionalism, and receptivity to feedback. As students advance, internships become more tailored to their career interests. For instance, a student aspiring to become an administrative assistant might be placed in an office setting to develop relevant skills.

A Cutting Edge Alumna sells items from her small business at an event on campus.

The program offers both certificate and degree-seeking options. Students may pursue one of three certificates: the Paraprofessional Educator Certificate, the 21st Century Skills for Employment Certificate, or an Individually Planned Certificate. For those opting for the Paraprofessional Educator Certificate or an Individually Planned Certificate with an education focus, practicum experiences begin in their second year. Practicum sites include public and private schools in the Madison area. For students interested in other helping professions, the program has developed connections with area nursing homes and agencies that support individuals with disabilities for less traditional practicum placements. Again, this to individualize and tailor their learning experience to their desired career goal.

Graduates with an Individually Planned Certificate have the opportunity to pursue customized employment options that align with their unique career interests and goals. For example, a student who receives an Individually Planned Certificate in Arts & Education might find a fitting role as a teacher’s aide in an art classroom at a preschool. Or a student with an Individually Planned Certificate in Technology & Communication might find a role at a local library scanning and checking in books. This personalized approach allows graduates to leverage their specific skills and interests, ensuring a better match with their employment settings and enhancing their job satisfaction and career growth.

Cutting Edge students are part of an inclusive environment, and the program aims for graduates to continue thriving in inclusive and integrated settings after college. However, the program has encountered challenges, including employer resistance to additional job supports and a lack of awareness about working with individuals with disabilities. When these challenges arise, staff collaborate with local job development agencies and the Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) to promote self advocacy, provide employer education, and discuss employee rights and reasonable accommodations. These efforts typically lead to successful employment outcomes.

An additional challenge in recent years has been long waitlists for DVR services. Despite the resource-rich environment of our county, increased demand for services, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to resource shortages. To address this, the program has begun engaging students with DVR services earlier in their college careers. This proactive approach allows students to be placed on waitlists and explore other DVR services, with the goal of securing employment or being in the hiring process by graduation.

Alumni participate in a kayaking event, hosted by the Cutting Edge Alumni Program.

In recent years, the program has also established partnerships with IRIS, a long-term care program offered by the State of Wisconsin. IRIS can fund long-term job coaching and retention services, which have been instrumental in helping Cutting Edge alumni maintain employment in the community. Upon graduation, alumni may join the Cutting Edge Alumni Program, which offers additional support services such as independent living skill development, social skill building, transportation training, and job coaching. The Cutting Edge Alumni Program also assists with navigating DVR processes and applying for IRIS services.

Currently, 92% of program graduates are employed in the community, a rate four times higher than the national average for individuals with disabilities, according to 2022 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment outcomes include both part-time and full-time positions, with some alumni receiving long-term support and others working independently. All graduates are employed in integrated, competitive settings. Inclusion remains the cornerstone of the Cutting Edge Program, with the belief that inclusive practices benefit everyone involved.