RS1: Employment Pathways Project
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Finding a job can be challenging for youth and adults IDD and the people supporting them. The Employment Pathways Project explored how parent mentorship could support employment goals, confidence, and connection.
Support from other parents mattered
- Participants valued learning from someone with lived experience who understood their challenges and could offer practical advice.
- “The mentorship component was extremely helpful… the connections have helped a great deal.”
Parents gained confidence over time
- Many participants reported feeling more confident navigating services, communicating with employers, and supporting employment goals.
- “There were way more resources than I knew about… the course gave us tools to guide our job search.”
Job seekers in the mentorship group were more likely to find jobs
- About 69% of adults with IDD whose parent participated in mentorship became employed, compared to 41% in the comparison group.
Mentorship helped participants navigate next steps
- Participants valued having someone explain what to expect and help them move forward through the employment process.
- “[My mentor] explained what to expect and what would happen next… I really appreciated that perspective.”