Page 20 - 2014 BestBuddies Massachussetts Annual Report
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Integrated Employment
BESTBUDDIES® Jobs Did You Know?
Best Buddies Jobs continues the integration of people with • Work plays a central role in the lives of many persons with
IDD into the community through employment. Best Buddies IDD, and studies of supported work have shown that these
Jobs is a supported employment program that secures employees desire paid employment to the same degree as
competitive, paying jobs for people with IDD. This program young adults without disabilities. (Cordes & Howard, 2005;
helps individuals with IDD maintain jobs of their own choosing Ferrari, Nota & Soresi, 2008; Griffen, 1996; Reid & Bray, 1997)
by providing ongoing support and training, enabling people
with IDD to earn an income, receive benefits such as health • Many people with IDD want to work in integrated “real world”
insurance, pay taxes and work in an environment alongside employment situations. In 2007, only 26% of those employed
others in the community. were working in integrated employment settings. The rest
were supported in sheltered employment, day rehabilitation
The Jobs program places focus beyond the typical jobs in which services or non work community integration programs. (The
a person with IDD might be placed. Best Buddies focuses on Arc 2012)
white collar jobs such as: receptionist, mailroom assistant, file
clerk, lead fulfillment team member, office assistant, front desk • The majority of adults with IDD are either unemployed or
assistant, courtesy clerk and retail associate. underemployed, despite their ability, desire, and willingness
to engage in meaningful work in the community. The United
Best Buddies prides itself on developing jobs in professional States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that in
environments. Employers range from some of the top law firms January 2010, the percentage of people with disabilities
and talent agencies to well-known retail businesses and luxury in the labor force was 21.8% compared with 70.1% for
hotels. These job placements set Best Buddies Jobs above persons with no disability. (The Arc 2012)
so many other programs because individuals are placed in
careers that they not only enjoy, but also that are competitive • A 2012 report by the Return on Disability Company, stated
and inclusive. The Best Buddies Jobs program is active in the “...a brand that stands for innovations and messaging that
following eight states: California, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, supports greater inclusion of people with disabilities, by
Massachusetts, Nevada, New Mexico and Virginia. extension, stands for innovations and messaging that
support greater inclusion for everyone.” This shows that not
Best Buddies Jobs furthers the integration of people with only are companies supporting people with IDD in gaining
intellectual and developmental disabilities into the community employment opportunities and becoming independent, but
through supported employment. Our focus is on developing also their brand begins to represent an inclusion for everyone
competitive, integrated jobs that allow participants to earn mentality, thus pushing the movement and benefits even further.
an income, pay taxes, and work in an environment alongside
their peers in the community, leading to full inclusion and self Best Buddies Jobs has given me the resources and
independence. Best Buddies Job conducts a person-centered . confidence to work at a great firm like Audi, where I
approach with each participant. Working with the individual to
ultimately achieve their personal employment goals. Coaching receive an amazing sense of inclusion and support from
is provided in essential job interviewing skills, and once a job my co-workers. It makes me feel proud and needed.
is secured, there is assistance with on-the-job training. Job
placement for participants depends on the factors such as their Arjun, Best Buddies Jobs Participant
skills and abilities, location and vocational preference. Once
fully adjusted to their job, Best Buddies supports participants
with job coaching for continued career development.
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