Using community conversations to expand employment opportunities of people with disabilities in rural and urban communities

BACKGROUND:Expanding competitive, integrated employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) has remained an enduring emphasis of policy, advocacy, and research. OBJECTIVE:The purpose of this study was to examine the pathways identified by two diverse communities for expanding employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Our particular interest was in comparing and contrasting rural and urban communities. METHODS:We used a mixed methods approach to examine (a) the ideas generated at two distinct “community conversation” events involving a diverse group of 146 stakeholders and (b) the findings from end-of-event and follow-up surveys. RESULTS:Although attendees at both events suggested actions surrounding a common set of themes (i.e., developing employment opportunities, undertaking community-wide efforts, enhancing inclusive workplaces, equipping competitive applicants, strengthening school and transition services, supporting families in transition), they varied somewhat in how they proposed applying those actions locally. Most attendees affirmed the value of this structured approach to community dialogue and many later reported enacting ideas they learned at the community conversation. CONCLUSIONS:We offer recommendations for guiding communities in identifying local pathways for increasing competitive, integrated employment opportunities.