Competitive and integrated employment has been regarded as essential for supporting people with IDD to live a self-determined and independent life and to be included in their community (Siperstein, Heyman, & Stokes, 2014; Tucker, Williams, Roncoroni, & Heesacker, 2017). However, despite decades of efforts to improve employment outcomes for people with IDD and other disabilities, they continue to face persistent challenges in finding and maintaining competitive employment and integrated employment. To overcome the problem and increase employment for people with IDD, I propose a Multi-Tier & Multi-Partner Collaboration Model for Improving employment Outcomes. Student level. At the student level, it is essential to access self-determination instructions with a focus on setting competitive and integrated employment goals and avoiding going into jobs that pay subminimum wages. Person-centered employment training (PCEP) should also be available to students with IDD. With PCEP, youth with IDD and their families collaborate with their circle of friends and support staff to identify what is important for them and what is important to them. School Level. High schools can implement a work-based learning program to offer students with IDD opportunities to learn and practice employment and related skills while still in school. Work-based learning during secondary school leads to higher rates of adult employment success for all categories of disabilities (Luecking & Fabian, 2000). System Level. System level collaborations include local, regional, and state levels. These collaborations promote seamless support for people with disabilities in their preparation for and gaining integrated and competitive employment.

Authors:
Dalun Zhang, Texas A&M University, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Dalun Zhang is Professor of Special Education, Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs, and Director of the Center on Disability and Development at Texas A&M University, United States of America.

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