From Supported to Competitive Employment: A Case Study

There are 7 million people with intellectual and developmental disability in the United States.Half of them, or 53%, are employed in a community setting and paid competitive wages. Of these disabled individuals, 22% meet the developmental disability criteria in each state’s DDagencies. A disproportionate 14% or 220,00 are in integrated employment [1]. The limited success happened despite numerous modifications to Medicaid's waiver-funded home and community-based supports for decades since 1990 with the passing of the American Disability Act, ADA [2][5]. An estimated $13 billion direct contribution to the economy [6] may result from implementing processes toward total career development for individuals with a developmental disability [4].

A DD services agency, not only assisted clients in their search for competitive employment in the community but also supported their career development and maintenance. The processes involved range beginning with resume development, followed by interview assistance, completion of employment forms, training, and lastly, continued coaching.

The following case study is fictional for this story was about what transpired in an on-site interview. While based on real meetings, any similarity to actual persons and places is purely coincidental.

Roger Stalwarts, career development director of Willows, a DD service delivery agency, parked his car at the car park of Blue Lake Tavern. He ran through a mental checklist (similar to that illustrated further on). Out of another car came Alvin Bolani, his client. Walking away from his car, Roger said, "Good morning, Alvin. Are you ready for your interview?" Alvin stuttered, "Yes." As they walked towards the restaurant's door, Roger reassuringly said, "A friend told me to contact Arthur Stoner, Manager and Chef of Blue Lake. I haven’t heard from him until last week when I received a call back. He sounded friendly and has had disabled employees. The job was advertised as a dishwasher operating two dishwashing machines. Shall we go inside?” Alvin nodded and they entered the building.

Once everybody was seated, Arthur described the duties and expectations of the job while Roger talked about Alvin’s ideal placement and the support Willows will be continually providing him on the job. Arthur faced Alvin and asked, "What was your experience with commercial dishwashing machine?” Alvin looked back but after a minute of no response, Roger interjected. "Alvin has worked in two senior homes as a dishwasher and other assisting duties in the kitchen. At the Willows, we aspire to place our clients in long-term employment and continually support them to give quality work.” "Big dishwashers," remarked a more relaxed Alvin. Before the meeting ended, Arthur asked, “How will Alvin get to work? We are not along any city bus route.” Roger answered, “Alvin as well as most of our clients uses Metran. It is a ride-share variable route public transportation for certified disabled individuals. We set up the ride schedule in support of Alvin’s employment,” Roger then turned and added, “So Alvin, can you do this job?” Alvin nodded a “yes”. In parting, Roger said, “Arthur, please send to me a copy of any email you send to Alvin about your decision. Thank you for your valuable time.”

After a week, Alvin received a call from Roger, ”I got a copy of your job offer from Arthur, and if you still like the job I'll send your acceptance. I will find out from Willows who your job coach will be and complete the employment forms with you. Congratulations.”

Alvin Bolani is a 53-year-old intellectually and developmentally disabled person. His income consists of assistance from MA-EPD (medical assistance for employed persons with disability)and wages from his employment in the community. The latter amount is capped by a limitrequired of MA-EPD fund recipients. Due to his disability, Alvin can never cover the cost of individually planned and coordinated services he receives by only relying on competitive employment.

Federal and state rules consider developmental disability as a severe and chronic disorder in an individual due to mental and/or physical impairment. This disorder begins before age 22 yearsand continues indefinitely. The disabled lives with severe limitations in three or more areas which are: learning, self-care, self-direction, self-sufficiency, receptive and expressive language, mobility, and independent living.

The Willows, a human services delivery agency, and a non-profit organization, offers a continuum of employment assistance to developmentally disabled clients. Their services range from supported employment to career development and on-the-job coaching. A representative of an organization of this type is referenced below [3].

I am thankful to the DD services agency, its administration and staff, and client for allowing me be present and observe their career development meetings.

Roger Stalwart's typical career development assistance checklist for his clients.

By Noel Jagolino, Content Contributor, 2023

References

1. Residential Information Project (2019). Minneapolis: University of Minnesota, RISP, Research and Training Center on Community Living, Institute on Community Integration. From https://umn.edu.

2. Yeager, Patricia. Qualitative Study: People with Disabilities and Internal Barriers to Work. Published Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation. The University of Northern Colorado. 2011.

3. https://www.equalityonline.org/services/employment/.

4. People with Disabilities (Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS)) / Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (mn.gov).

5. Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, Pub. L. No. 101–336. (1991).

6. Additional income in a competitive job = $7,680 per year (20 hrs. per week x 4 weeks x 12 mo. x $8 per hr.). Additional individuals in competitive employment = 1,745,000 individuals (7 mil. with IDD x (53% in some employment – 22% recognized by states x 14% in competitive employment)) x 50% successful. Direct contribution to the economy = $13.4 billion per year ($7.68x103 per year x 1.745x106successful in competitive employment).