Creating Life-Long Learners Among Youth with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

Woods Services of Pennsylvania and its affiliate, Archway Programs of New Jersey, offer innovative approaches aligned with best practices in the field which help young adults acquire the vocational skills and experience they need to be able to successfully transition to adulthood and the world of work. Young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) need specialized education, vocational training and supports as they progress through an educational path that will help prepare them for employment. According to the American Community Survey, there are nearly 40 million people in the U.S. with disabilities, or 12.6% of the population.1 Economic disparities exist between people with and without disabilities—more than 21.2% of people with disabilities of working age live in poverty, compared to 13.8% of people without disabilities. There is also a dramatic disparity in employment status between people with and without disabilities. In the U.S. only 34.9% of people with disabilities ages 18-64 were employed, compared to 76% of people without disabilities, and this employment gap has been steadily rising since 2008.1 The rates of employment among people with disabilities in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania reflect national rates; the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania published rates that were as low as 20%.2 In fact, since the passage of the ADA in 1990, the number of people employed has dropped from approximately 40%.3