On Topic - Supported Employment: A tool for innovation, cost saving, and community engagement

The Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Advisory Council (IDDAC) is a Chamber-affiliated group made up of local businesses, self-advocates, supported employment providers, and others affiliated with the Whatcom County disability community. Our mission is to connect businesses to information and resources on hiring people with IDD to better reflect their community and benefit from inclusive workplaces.

 

Supported employment describes the employment of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who receive long-term support from an Employment Specialist, in a community setting. Supported employment has benefitted employers like Microsoft, Walmart, Fred Meyer, and mom and pop shops for decades, through decreased turnover, morale boost, and marketing opportunities.

 

Attendees will be taught about the process, community impacts, and other benefits of supported employment from three different perspectives. Local speakers will include:

 

This is a presentation-style event and will include Q&A with the speakers