Project Planning
Before completing this project, current research and literature was compiled to determine occupational therapy's role in employment training for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD population). Research indicated lower employment rates for individuals with IDD and the scarcity of employment training. To help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities gain valuable employment skills and facilitate employer training for these disabilities, I partnered with Friendship Circle of Wisconsin and their employment training program.
Needs Assessment/Literature Review Summary: In the United States, “in 2023, 22.5 percent of people with a disability were employed…” and “…across all age groups, people with a disability were much less likely to be employed than those with no disability” (U.S. Department of Labor, 2024). Employment is an important step in any adult's lifetime, and "the transition from adolescence to adulthood and employment is a significant challenge for those with intellectual disabilities (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD)" (Persch et al., 2022). Through literature, the lack of employment training programming is evident after the individual ages out of transition services offered by the school due to a lack of time and resources (Agran et al., 2016). Employment programs, like the one offered through Friendship Circle, can support individuals with disabilities and their quest for employment.
1) PIE Partner Curriculum Powerpoint
2) Training Program Materials
3) Internal Report of Previous Assessment Data
4) Surveys
5) Standardized Assessment Tools
Mentorship
Artifacts
Throughout my project, I was given opportunities to complete addtional materials in order to enhance not only the Employment Training Program, but also programs at Friendship Circle as a whole.
I created a PowerPoint presentation, with a supplemental handout, on the importance of Occupational Therapy and the role it has in a community-based setting!
I also had the opportunity to become a certified SafeTALK trained suicide alert helper. I was then able to act as the Community Support Resource for 4 additional trainings for groups in the Milwaukee County area.
Future Implications
Poster Presentation
References
Agran, M., Hughes, C., Thoma, C. A., & Scott, L. A. (2016). Employment Social Skills: What Skills Are Really Valued? Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals, 39(2), 111–120. https://doiorg /10.1177/2165143414546741
Persch, A., Parsons, C., Anderson, S., & Schmidt, E. (2022). Transition technologies that support employment, community mobility, and interpersonal skills in autism and intellectual disabilities. AOTA: SIS Quarterly Practice Connections, 7(3).
U.S. Department of Labor. Persons with a disability: Labor Force Characteristics - 2023. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, February 22). https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/disabl.pdf
Photo Citation:
Friendship Circle of Wisconsin. (2020, July 3). Photos (Friendship circle of Wisconsin). Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=3234549503267790&set=a.340510921453377