"It's Not Just About a Paycheck": Perspectives on Employment Preparation of Students With Intellectual Disability in Federally Funded Higher Education Programs.

Students with intellectual disability (ID) are increasingly attending postsecondary education institutions and acquiring work experiences while completing their studies. One of the main motivations for students with ID to seek higher education is to broaden and increase their chance for finding fulfilling, paid employment in their communities. Findings from a qualitative study on staff perspectives regarding career development and employment supports and services provided to students attending Transition and Postsecondary Education Programs for Students With Intellectual Disability (TPSID) model demonstration programs in the United States are presented. Results reflect consensus across program staff regarding the goals and expectations for employment of TPSID students. Programs vary considerably in their institutional context, their partnership with other entities, and the structure of employment services, as well as the emphasis placed on paid versus unpaid employment. Some of the key strategies shared by staff regarding successful student employment practices involved outreach and engagement, visibility on campus, improving access to career services, and cultivating partnerships. As higher education continues to expand its offerings to students with ID, postsecondary education programs need to continue to emphasize and honor the importance of paid employment, and continue to seek the best methods to achieve this outcome for students with ID.

The role of community rehabilitation providers in employment for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities: results of the 2010-2011 National Survey.

Based on the 2010-2011 National Survey of Community Rehabilitation Providers, findings are presented on people with all disabilities and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who are served in employment and nonwork settings by community rehabilitation providers. Findings suggest little change over the past eight years in participation in integrated employment. Overall, 28% of all individuals and 19% of individuals with IDD were reported to receive individual integrated employment services. The results suggest that 15% of individuals with IDD work in individual integrated jobs for pay. Group supported employment continues to play a smaller but significant role in employment supports, with almost 10% of individuals with IDD participating in enclaves or mobile work crews. Data do reflect a decline in participation in facility-based work for individuals with IDD, from 41% to 27.5% and a concurrent growth in participation in nonwork services to 43% of all purchased services.