Road Map to Employment

How do you help young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) find work they are well suited for and find satisfying? There is not a one-size-fits all answer to this question. Every young person is unique and requires different supports.

However, some important steps can make a huge impact in the number of young people with IDD successfully employed.

Select a topic below to gain access to valuable information, resources, and training in order to prepare and support young people in competitive employment.

Communicate high expectations from an early age. Every young person with a disability in Tennessee should hear the message they have something of value to contribute to the workplace. Read about raising expectations.
Develop a thoughtful, person-centered transition plan to identify work opportunities that match a young person’s interests, strengths, and goals. Read about transition planning.
Find and connect students to community work experiences. Read about finding jobs.
Teach work-related skills, behaviors, and attitudes that will contribute to the success of young people in the workplace. Read about teaching skills.
Draw upon natural supports and resources in the workplace and community to help young people with disabilities in the workplace. Read about supporting success.
Understand available work incentives that encourage young people with disabilities to pursue employment. Read about work incentives.
Design a transition program that reflects best practices and equips students for future employment. Read about effective programs.
Enhance knowledge of systems, organizations, and supports in Tennessee that can help young people with disabilities with competitive employment. Read about navigating systems.
Prepare your community so they value and support the contributions of young people with disabilities in the workplace. Read about changing communities.
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