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Chapter 3: Personal Growth & Development
Chapter 3: Personal Growth and Development
Learning Objectives:
- Explain the role and benefits of employment for personal growth and self-development for people with intellectual disabilities.
- Discuss how employment opportunities contribute to self-esteem, confidence, and overall well-being.
- Introduce strategies for discussing and identifying employment goals and supporting people in exploring and pursuing employment opportunities.
- Highlight how employment and participation in the community contribute to living a life similar to typical Manitobans.
Employment is a catalyst for personal growth and development. It boosts self-esteem, builds confidence, and enhances overall well-being. For people with intellectual disabilities, work provides a sense of purpose and belonging, fostering independence and social inclusion. Employment opportunities enable people to set and achieve personal goals, develop new skills, and gain a sense of accomplishment. The process of learning new tasks and overcoming challenges at work fosters personal growth and self-development. The routine and structure of work contribute to a stable and fulfilling life, similar to that of typical Manitobans. By participating in the workforce, people with intellectual disabilities can lead more independent lives.
We need to plan strategically with people and identify employment goals while supporting them to explore and pursue opportunities that match their interests and strengths. Additionally, involving family members, mentors, and support staff in goal-setting can provide valuable insights and encouragement. Vocational training programs and internships play a significant role in helping people gain hands-on experience and identify their career aspirations. However, vocational training programs should be a temporary step; we cannot lose sight of the ultimate goal of paid employment.
Employment and community participation not only provide financial benefits but also promote social interactions, inclusion, and a sense of belonging, which are essential for living a life similar to typical Manitobans. Through employment, people with intellectual disabilities can build meaningful relationships, expand their social networks, and enhance their overall quality of life.
Resources
- Abilities Manitoba Leading Practice Guidelines
Summary: The Leading Practice Guidelines capture the current understanding of best practice for organizations striving for excellence in services and supports to adults labelled with intellectual disabilities, including with employment.
Link: Abilities Manitoba Leading Practice Guidelines: Employment & Meaningful Activity - Manitoba Supported Employment Network (MSEN)
Summary: MSEN is a collective of organizations and professionals working together to build a Manitoba that welcomes and values the full inclusion of people with disabilities into the workforce.
Link: Manitoba Supported Employment Network (MSEN) - SCE LifeWorks
Summary: SCE LifeWorks' mission is to support people with intellectual disabilities in working and participating in the community by developing individualized plans, fostering community-based opportunities, and providing reliable, flexible support.
Link: SCELifeWorks - Open Futures Learning
Summary: Open Future Learning provides online modules tailored for service providers and people they support, offering engaging, story-driven content to enhance skills and improve outcomes in the field of intellectual disabilities.
Link: Open Futures Learning - The Council on Quality and Leadership Accessible Planning Template
Summary: The free Person-Centered Plan template offers people receiving services and the agencies that support them, a more accessible version of a Person-Centered Plan.
Link: The Council on Quality and Leadership Accessible Planning Template - National Center on Advancing Person Centred Practices and Systems
Summary: The NCAPPS resource page provides a comprehensive collection of materials focused on advancing person-centered practices in human services, including tools, guides, and research summaries. These resources are regularly updated and cover various topics such as education, policy, and service delivery to support effective person-centered planning and implementation.
Link: National Center on Advancing Person Centred Practices and Systems - Skills to Pay the Bills: Mastering Soft Skills for Workplace Success
Summary: A curriculum to teach essential workplace readiness skills to youth, including those with disabilities. Targeted at youth aged 14 to 21, the program offers hands-on, modular activities focusing on six key skill areas: communication, enthusiasm and attitude, teamwork, networking, problem solving and critical thinking, and professionalism.
Link: Soft Skills to Pay the Bills | U.S. Department of Labor (dol.gov)