This training will cover the most effective strategies for staff supporting individuals in employment. Ways to foster a fruitful partnership with an employer will be reviewed such as first impressions, learning company values, and adapting methods to match the environment and needs of the individual. You will learn about the critical importance of staff supplementing, not replacing, existing natural supports, the full range of support strategies, and the importance of facilitating belonging in employment and community settings.

Life expectancy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities has significantly increased over the past several decades. Aging issues can impact various life activities, including work. The good news is that we can use creative and critical thinking, along with current tools and best practices to support older workers in maintaining employment and full participation in the community. This training will provide a review of Employment First principles, as well as how to effectively apply techniques to various employment scenarios for older workers.

Much of the focus on employment surrounds supporting an individual to obtain employment. However, true success often requires supports for retention, follow-along, and advancement. This training will provide an understanding of the critical building blocks that are needed for successful retention, how to provide follow-along supports in a way that is responsive to the employer and individual’s needs, including ensuring ongoing natural supports. Addressing common issues in job retention, including changes in job duties and supervision, and creating opportunities for advancement, will also be discussed.

At this training, you will learn about the basics of Social Security benefits (SSI and SSDI) and how going to work impacts these and other benefits (including Medicaid and Medicare). Also discussed will be various work incentives that can be used to address benefit concerns and help individuals go to work, as well as various resources that are available to assist and guide individuals with benefit issues. The importance of consistent and positive messaging regarding the ability to address benefit issues and become successfully employed will also be covered.

Successful employment outcomes often depend on strong collaboration across support teams. This session highlights practical strategies for employment service providers to partner effectively with residential and community-based day services, with a focus on communication planning, role clarification, and creative problem-solving to address common challenges and improve coordinated support.