Did you know that less than half of adults with intellectual disabilities work, 28% have never had a job, and the average salary of people with intellectual disabilities is less than $12,000 a year? National Disability Employment Awareness Month is celebrated every October to try to reverse some of these frustrating statistics.
Most people with intellectual disabilities can and want to work, but they face many barriers. It starts in school with fewer opportunities for paid and unpaid work experiences, job training, and preparation for transition from school to work. It continues in the workforce with low expectations about the abilities of people with intellectual disabilities and fears about the kinds and amounts of supports a person might need on the job. Lack of supports like reliable transportation and basic technology can also make working a challenge.
Finally, many people with intellectual disabilities rely on public benefits programs for the supports and services they need to live as independently as possible in the community, which have incredibly low limits on how much a person can earn and how many assets a person can have before they lose those benefits. Fear of losing these critical benefits keeps people from working many hours and some from working at all.
Resources that are available to people with intellectual disabilities who want to work include: 1) requirements that schools help students create a transition plan to prepare for their education, employment, and independent living needs as an adult; 2) vocational services from the DC Rehabilitation Services Administration to help find and keep a job; and 3) accommodations in the workplace like physically accessible spaces, accessible communication, transportation and technology assistance, and flexible schedules.
Quality Trust wants to help students and adults with intellectual disabilities in DC who want to work. Please contact us if you need help asking for the services and accommodations you need to get a job or transition from school to work!