Where We've Been
While we have a long way to go before all people with developmental disabilities have equal access to competitive jobs, it's important to recognize that we've come a long way. Take a look at where we've been by clicking on each photo:
Prior to 1986, people with developmental disabilities were either unemployed or placed in segregated employment settings, such as day activity centers or sheltered workshops. Working side by side with people without a disability was virtually unheard of.
Today's job hunters benefit from these pioneering efforts. For example, we know now:
| Sheltered workshops or employment enclaves do not prepare people for work. In fact, they often make participants less able to work and less able to live independently because little if any effort is made to help a person find a better, more meaningful job in the community. |
| People with significant disabilities learn critical work, social and life skills much more effectively in real-life settings. |
| Simple adaptations to a work environment allow individuals to learn a skill at work, meaning job seekers don't have to know the job before being employed. |
| Individuals don't have to be able to accomplish all of the tasks in a job description. Job descriptions can be modified. Functions can be isolated. Supports can be identified. With a little creativity and extra effort, people with disabilities can have meaningful jobs and be productive. |
| People with significant disabilities can do real work for real pay in inclusive settings. There are countless examples of successful employee-employer partnerships. |
| People with disabilities learn best when they are around people who model a particular skill or behavior. |
Copyright © 2003. The Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities. All rights reserved.
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