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Baby Steps: Launching A New Work Experience Project

© Keenan Wellar

It all started about two years ago. I was having a rather ordinary day at the Special Needs Network (which is never ordinary of course) when I took a break to read some news that popped in via e-mail. It was yet another announcement about youth employment initiatives from Human Resources Development Canada. With all the programs out there to stimulate employment opportunities for young people, I thought "hey, maybe our clients should have access to programs like that".

Well, my first call to the 1-800 number didn't go too well. When I explained that our organization was interested in developing an employment project for people with developmental disabilities, the response was a bit underwhelming. But after a little persistence, I was eventually put in touch with some folks who were willing to listen, and although it took about 18 months to arrange, Special Needs Network is now set to launch a 48-week employment training and job development program.

Just to back up a bit, I've been involved with a group of 15 young adults with developmental disabilities for close to two years now, meeting on Wednesday nights to explore activities evenly split between social, recreation, life skills, and work experience opportunities. They are a very interesting group. They have all dealt remarkably well with the fact that society treats adults with developmental disabilities in the worst fashion possible: we ignore them.

While the group is supposed to be providing support for people with intellectual disabilities, after 5 or more years of being out of school and in the basement watching TV, it's the resulting emotional difficulties that are probably the most serious problem to be dealt with. The idea of getting out in the world as a volunteer or member of the work force is challenging enough for people with developmental disabilities, without having to cope with the effects of depression and poor self-image! And yet, most members of this group persevere, and are quite capable of articulating their desires: "I want someone to give me a chance" is a common refrain.

But do they really know what they want? Do they really want to work? Will they really want to get out of bed everyday and punch a clock? Do they understand that you can't just work when you are in the mood?

These questions and more will soon be answered. For the next 48 weeks I will be working with a group of six of these individuals to develop a community thrift store, and set up a variety of work experience opportunities in private sector placements. They are required to attend the program from 10-4 every day, and they will be busy. But will they like it?