The Importance of an Educational Occupation-Based Work program for Young Adults with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

Barriers to occupations and transitions to vocational opportunities can be difficult for adolescents and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)s to feel confident and pursue job opportunities. Some of the problems stem from the stigma related to the individual’s disability, the contexts surrounding them, and the performance of the work tasks expected. Individuals with I/DDs expressed that not having enough support in the community and the workforce creates significant obstacles to retaining a job. Occupational therapists (OT)s can play a unique role in transition and employment for individuals with an I/DD. With a focus on self-determination and successful employment, the outcomes and development arise significantly for people with I/DDs.Employers and managers who have had experience working with or knew someone with an I/DD had a more positive attitude in employing these individuals. Consequently, individuals with I/DDs stated that they felt more able to complete their job requirements when receiving job training while acquiring self-determination and self-advocacy. Good workplace culture support often includes areas of social opportunities, team-building opportunities, and structure. Training for specific job skills and implementing work programs for individuals with I/DDs encompasses a unique set of skills, knowledge, and abilities necessary for successful occupational performance in the workplace. The Doctoral Capstone Project consists of six educational modules in developing an occupational work program for young adults with I/DDs. The lesson plans provided in the outlined format of the appendices describe the components related to vocational training skills requested by the agency and were executed and demonstrated how an OT can implement lesson plans for a work program within this population