National Disability Employment Awareness Month: Building Opportunities for Adults with IDD

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) — a time to celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities in the workforce and to highlight the work still ahead. For families of children or adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), it’s also a reminder that meaningful employment is not only possible — it’s achievable with the right supports, planning, and advocacy.

The State of IDD Employment Today

Employment remains one of the most significant opportunities — and challenges — for people with IDD. While progress has been made in recent decades, the numbers still show there’s work to do:

• Fewer than 2 in 10 adults with IDD are employed in paid, community-based jobs.
  
• Many who are working are underemployed,  often in part-time roles that don’t match their skills or interests.

These numbers tell a clear story: increasing employment opportunities for adults with IDD is not just a matter of inclusion,  it’s a chance to build stronger, more diverse workplaces and more independent, fulfilling lives.

Helping Your Loved One Find a Job That Fits

If you’re a parent or caregiver, supporting your child or adult loved one on their employment journey can feel overwhelming. But breaking the process into manageable steps can make it more approachable and successful. Here’s how to start:

1. Focus on Strengths and Interests
Every job search should begin with understanding what your loved one enjoys and where their strengths lie. Aligning work with natural interests often leads to greater satisfaction, better performance, and long-term success.

2. Explore Job Coaching for Adults with IDD
Job coaching is one of the most impactful supports available. Through supported employment programs, individuals receive personalized coaching, on-the-job training, workplace communication support, and help learning new tasks. A good job coach also works with employers to ensure the workplace is inclusive and set up for success.

3. Practice Soft Skills Early
Skills like communication, reliability, teamwork, and time management are just as important as technical skills. Practicing interviews, role-playing workplace situations, and building daily routines can significantly boost confidence before entering the workforce.

4. Ask for Accommodations
Accommodations — such as extra training time, written step-by-step instructions, or a consistent schedule — can make a big difference. These supports are often simple for employers to implement but highly impactful for employees.

5. Use Internships or Volunteer Work as a Launchpad
Short-term or volunteer roles help build a résumé, increase confidence, and give employers a chance to see what your loved one can do. Many permanent jobs start from these early opportunities.

Daniel’s Story: Turning a Passion into Employment

Sometimes, meaningful employment starts with identifying what brings joy. Daniel, a 22-year-old with intellectual and developmental disabilities, always loved animals and dreamed of working with them. His family recognized this passion and used it as a foundation to explore jobs for adults with IDD that would match his interests and strengths.

With support from their state’s vocational rehabilitation (VR) agency, Daniel’s family developed a plan to help him build the skills needed for a job in animal care. They practiced interview questions, watched training videos online, and role-played conversations he might have with customers and coworkers. This preparation built Daniel’s confidence and communication skills before he ever stepped into the workplace.

Daniel now works part-time at his local SPCA, where he takes pride in cleaning enclosures, preparing food, playing with animals and helping prospective families learn about adoption. His employer created a daily task list, and Daniel’s mom transformed it into a laminated visual schedule he brings to work. This tool helps him complete tasks independently and minimizes the need for reminders, something he values as multiple verbal reminders sometimes frustrate him.

To support his independence beyond the workplace, Daniel also uses Medicaid-funded transportation services, which he signs up for online and tracks with weekly phone reminders. Each step — from setting goals to learning routines — has built a foundation for success and confidence.

Daniel’s journey shows that with thoughtful planning, resources, and family involvement, employment can go beyond a paycheck. It’s about purpose, pride, and belonging.

Inspiring Stories and Resources for IDD Employment

Sometimes the best motivation comes from seeing what’s possible. The Arc’s EmployAbility initiative shares real stories of adults with IDD who have found meaningful work — from small businesses and nonprofits to large companies committed to inclusive hiring. These stories remind us that employment isn’t just about earning a paycheck — it’s about belonging, purpose, and independence.

A Path Forward

National Disability Employment Awareness Month is more than a celebration — it’s a call to action. With the right tools, support, and advocacy, adults with IDD can thrive in workplaces that value their skills and contributions. Families play a critical role in that journey, from exploring job coaching and supported employment programs to encouraging self-advocacy and building confidence.

The path to employment may look different for every person, but the goal is the same: a future filled with purpose, opportunity, and possibility.