Choosing employment: factors that impact employment decisions for individuals with intellectual disability.

Little is known about the factors that shape the employment-related decisions of individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Findings from qualitative interviews with individuals, their family members, and employment-support professionals from four community rehabilitation providers throughout Massachusetts were reported. Recognizing the value of participatory action research, we also included a co-researcher with intellectual disability who participated in all facets of the research process.

Retaining the older workforce: social policy considerations for the universally designed workplace.

Even in the midst of massive layoffs that come with an economic downturn, employers must remain aware of the pending impact of their aging workforce. Losing older employees to retirement drains knowledge and expertise. In response, employers are looking at new ways to retain older workers at the same time that older workers are reevaluating the traditional approach to retirement.

Maximizing potential: innovative collaborative strategies between one-stops and mental health systems of care.

Barriers to seamless service delivery between workforce development and mental health systems of care have kept both entities from maximizing their potential in regards to employment for job seekers with mental illness who are capable of work and seeking employment. Using a multiple case study design, this study examined the nature of collaboration between workforce development and mental health systems to understand the policies and practices in place to assist individuals with mental illness to find and keep work. The paper presents innovative strategies that involved staff from both workforce development and mental health agencies.

Broadening opportunities for job seekers with disabilities: strategies to effectively provide assistive technology in One-Stop centers.

The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) of 1998 mandates that partners in the One-Stop Career Center (One-Stop) system be prepared to serve a diverse customer base, including job seekers with disabilities. For many such individuals, effective service delivery depends in part on the existence of appropriate and efficient assistive technology (AT) options. This article presents challenges experienced by One-Stop partners related to AT provision as well as strategies for providing effective AT support.

Maximizing competence through professional development: increasing disability knowledge among One-Stop Career Center staff.

The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (USA) mandates that partners in the One-Stop Career Center system be prepared to serve a diverse customer base. Effective service delivery depends in part on a focus on human resources and professional development. This article presents innovative strategies for One-Stop Career Center staff training related to serving customers with disabilities.

The impact, meaning, and challenges of work: perspectives of individuals with HIV/AIDS.

This study used a qualitative methodology to examine the work needs and experiences of 29 individuals with HIV/AIDS. Findings revealed the value and significance of employment, concerns related to social security benefits and discrimination, informal and formal supports and barriers, and the needs of unemployed compared with employed individuals. Implications consider the best methods of helping individuals with HIV/AIDS obtain or maintain employment.