EMPLOYMENT
POLICY
STATEMENT
People
with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities[1]
can be competitively employed in their communities. They should be supported to
make informed choices about their work and careers and have the resources to
seek, obtain, and be successful in integrated community employment.
ISSUES
The
majority of our constituents are either unemployed or underemployed, despite
their ability, desire, and willingness to engage in meaningful work in the
community. Of those employed, many have had no choice but to work in sheltered,
segregated programs that separate people from their communities. Whatever the
setting, few have had the opportunity to earn much money, acquire benefits,
advance their careers, or plan for retirement. Without appropriate education,
career development, job training, technological assistance and support, people
cannot enjoy the benefits of employment.
POSITION
All
of our constituents should be prepared for careers and have the opportunity for
jobs alongside non-disabled workers based upon their preferences, interests, and
strengths.
Employment
Opportunities Should Include:
 | Ongoing career planning, job advancement, and retirement planning. |
| Flexible and comprehensive individualized supports to ensure the person’s employment success. |
| Wages and benefits that are fair and reasonable. |
| Micro-enterprises
or small businesses. |
Employment Preparation Should Include:
| Instruction regarding principles of career development and social skill development, starting in the early grades and continuing through graduation. |
| General and specific job skill training and actual paid work experiences in the community. |
| A comprehensive plan for transition to adult life. |
| Training
in how to travel in the community so they can get to different jobs and
enhance their independence. |
In
addition, employed individuals must have the opportunity for continued education
or specialized training to enhance their marketability and to help them advance
in careers or chosen areas of interest.
The
Arc’s Congress of Delegates:
2004
[1] “People with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities” refers to our constituency, i.e., those defined by the AAMR classification and the DSM IV. In everyday language they are frequently referred to as people with intellectual, cognitive, or developmental disabilities although the professional and legal definitions of those terms both include others and exclude some defined by DSM IV.
