Supporting Employment Through Parent Mentorship

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Introduction: 

Many adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) want to work, but families often need support navigating employment services and opportunities. The Employment Pathways Project tested whether parent-to-parent mentorship could help families support employment goals for their family member with IDD.

In this infographic, the term “parent” also includes grandparents, siblings, and other loved ones who supported a person with IDD in pursuing employment goals.

Visual Structure:

Step 1: Parents joined the study

  • 55 supporting adults of unemployed adults with IDD participated in the Employment Pathways Project. 
    • Employment short course 

Step 2: All participants received employment resources 

  • Roadmap to Employment guide 

Step 3: Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups 

  • Group 1: Parent mentorship and ongoing support 
  • Group 2: Services and supports available in the community  

Step 4: Mentor-parent pairs meet monthly over 12 months 

  • Mentorship meetings focused on: 
    • sharing advice 
    • problem solving 
    • discussing next steps 
    • supporting employment goals 

Step 5: Researchers examined outcomes

  • Researchers looked at: 
    • employment outcomes
    • parent confidence 
    • stress related to employment support 
    • participant experiences with the program 

What Did the Study Find? 

  • Greater confidence supporting employment 
  • Meaningful support from other parents 
  • Improved employment outcomes 

“The biggest support we can give is a listening ear and sharing what worked for us… letting someone know they are not alone.” – Mentor parent

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