A new employment model for autistic people with intellectual disabilities?
A new employment model for autistic people with intellectual disabilities has been proposed in California. Given the context, we can analyze this new employment model to see if it is an advancement in the socio-economic structures of society, or if it’s just capitalism attempting to find more low-wage workers to satisfy its non-stop quest for profit growth.
Consider this: over the past two decades, more than 60,000 autistic students with intellectual disabilities have graduated from high school in California, but most of them are unemployed or underemployed. This scenario is symptomatic of a society that hasn't fully recognized or accommodated the unique skills and capabilities of these individuals, leading to their marginalization in the job market.
UC Davis MIND Institute's Associate Director, Marjorie Solomon, has been granted $552,000 by the California Department of Developmental Services to pilot test a new employment model known as Individualized Placement and Support (IPS). The IPS model, which has been used with other conditions but not widely for autistic people, may be a significant step towards rectifying these socio-economic disparities.
Employment, as a key aspect of societal participation, is critical not just for financial independence but also for mental well-being, purpose, and social integration. However, the employment rates for autistic individuals and people with other developmental disabilities are low, with only 19.6% of working-age consumers of the state's regional centers earning wages in 2020. The average monthly wage for those working was also low at $816. This highlights the economic inequality experienced by this demographic.
In the past, many people with developmental disabilities were employed in “sheltered workshops” where they were legally paid less than minimum wage and had limited interaction with non-disabled employees. However, a 2021 California law aims to phase out this practice and mandates that disabled workers be paid at least minimum wage by 2025, which indicates a societal and legislative shift towards fairer work practices.
The IPS model emphasizes that mental health and work go hand in hand. It aims to help people develop the skills they need to live and work in the community. Now, some U.S. states have adapted this model to assist adults with developmental disabilities in finding and maintaining employment. This adaptation illustrates how societal structures and policies can evolve to better accommodate individuals with unique needs, thus promoting social integration and economic equity.
The 18-month pilot test of IPS in California involves collaboration with four Sacramento-area supported employment agencies. The IPS model includes a commitment to competitive integrated employment, individual preference and skill-based job customization, advice on retaining social security benefits, long-term job support, and integration with other services like housing and transportation. This comprehensive approach addresses various aspects of an individual's life, reflecting a holistic view of employment and well-being.
The pilot program aims to help each person find a job that allows them to use their strengths and skills, with a job developer acting as a coach. This model, by focusing on the strengths and abilities of the individuals, seeks to reverse the systemic neglect experienced by autistic people.
By collecting data on various job-related parameters and ensuring the correct implementation of IPS, the researchers aim to measure the program's success. This reflects a scientific and materialist approach to social change, underscoring the importance of empirical evidence in driving systemic improvements.
Read about the effort here. Let me know what you think in the comments below.