The Bridge to Somewhere: How Practitioners Can UNITE to Support Adults With Extensive Support Needs in Inclusive Employment Opportunities

The transition to employment for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) is a growing field of research and practice in need of increased attention. For many adults with IDD, the transition planning process can seem like a bridge to nowhere. In particular, adults with extensive support needs (ESN) are often excluded from employment opportunities due to lower rates of participation in school or community-based employment preparation experiences and the loss of special education services and collaborative support provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) during the school years. We present an overview of the post-school realities and employment challenges for many people with ESN and introduce a person-centered, collaborative approach uniquely designed to guide educators and practitioners who support adults with ESN. We provide recommendations for self-advocates, teachers, and employers to UNITE (U = Understand, N = Navigate, I = Invest, T = Train, and E = Elevate) to increase opportunities for inclusive work experiences that will sustain throughout the lifespan.