person has no reference for choosing work (has no work experience), they should have an opportunity to do work assessments to see what it is like. Those who are not currently working should have frequent opportunities to learn about work, the types of jobs people do, and to be exposed to working people within their interest areas. Work: What’s your role? Adopt the belief that everyone can work. Support a person in believing that he/she can work in the community. Talk to the person about what he/she wants to do for a job. When out in the community, talk about the tasks people are doing in their jobs. Ask if the person would like to do any of those tasks as a job. Encourage the employment team to look at a person’s gifts and abilities and what they can offer an employer. Think creatively about the types of organizations and jobs that could match a person’s skills and strengths. Document the type of supports a person will need to be successful on a job. Familiarize yourself with services that specialize in job development and job support. Believe in the person. Believe in his/her dreams, and be supportive if things don’t go right the first time. The Value of ALTERNATIVES TO ISOLATING PROGRAMS With the focus on community life, there is no longer a need for specialized programs that exclude people from an ordinary or extraordinary life. Using paid supports does not mean a person with a disability has to participate in specialized programs or groups of people with similar disabilities, with little to no access to ordinary activities. Alternatives to isolating programming refers to supporting a person in natural settings, with families and friends, by providing flexible supports that work well for them. People with
person has no reference for choosing work (has no work experience), they should have an opportunity to do work assessments to see what it is like. Those who are not currently working should have frequent opportunities to learn about work, the types of jobs people do, and to be exposed to working people within their interest areas. Work: What’s your role? Adopt the belief that everyone can work. Support a person in believing that he/she can work in the community. Talk to the person about what he/she wants to do for a job. When out in the community, talk about the tasks people are doing in their jobs. Ask if the person would like to do any of those tasks as a job. Encourage the employment team to look at a person’s gifts and abilities and what they can offer an employer. Think creatively about the types of organizations and jobs that could match a person’s skills and strengths. Document the type of supports a person will need to be successful on a job. Familiarize yourself with services that specialize in job development and job support. Believe in the person. Believe in his/her dreams, and be supportive if things don’t go right the first time. The Value of ALTERNATIVES TO ISOLATING PROGRAMS With the focus on community life, there is no longer a need for specialized programs that exclude people from an ordinary or extraordinary life. Using paid supports does not mean a person with a disability has to participate in specialized programs or groups of people with similar disabilities, with little to no access to ordinary activities. Alternatives to isolating programming refers to supporting a person in natural settings, with families and friends, by providing flexible supports that work well for them. People with