We are creating an online course about supporting older workers with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and we want to hear directly from self-advocates.

We are asking employment professionals, targeted case managers, DSPs, and other professionals to help us connect with adults with IDD, age 40 and older, who:

• Want to continue working as long as possible
• Are thinking about or planning for retirement
• Are in phased retirement or working fewer hours
• Have fully retired and found meaningful ways to spend their days and weeks

We want to learn what people enjoy about work, what helps them be successful, how they are thinking about their future, and what makes life meaningful during and after employment. We are also interested in what kind of support is important when it comes to both work and planning for retirement.

Professionals are welcome to support the person during the interview in whatever way is helpful. The goal is to make the conversation comfortable and ensure the person's experiences, ideas, and preferences are heard.

There are no right or wrong answers. We simply want to learn from people with lived experience! Please contact Leslie Quarles at leslie.quarles@umb.edu.