Paid Work and Intellectual Disability

Abstract

Adults with intellectual disabilities in paid work have voiced a number of concerns regarding their employment: independence at work, the continued need for links with formal support, choices in lifestyle opportunities and lack of career path options. In a central New Zealand region selected agencies were asked to identify adults with intellectual disabilities who had paid work. The agencies then forwarded invitations to adults whom they considered were successfully employed. Seventeen workers responded and were interviewed on how they obtained and learned their job and the initial and on-going support they received. If permissions were gained from both parties then important other persons/s were also interviewed. As a result of this survey strategies leading to better opportunities and greater employment rates for adults with intellectual disabilities are offered.