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Advertisement for the AAIDD book on Direct Support Workforce Solutions that ICI's Amy Hewitt and Susan O'Nell (pictured) edited. The book title also appears, along with the AAIDD logo and the wordmarks of ICI and the University of Minnesota.

Help for the Caring Crisis

The workforce that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities has long been plagued by low wages, high turnover, and high vacancy rates. Edited by ICI's Amy Hewitt and Susan O'Nell, a new guidebook by the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities offers hope. "You can reduce turnover, despite many people thinking it is not possible.”

Learn more about the book.

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A woman with long, wavy blonde hair and glasses is smiling at the camera. She is wearing a denim jacket over a dark t-shirt that has a white graphic design and the words 'Lucky Trails - Arizona.' The background features a modern indoor setting with soft, neutral colors and some colorful furniture, suggesting a casual and welcoming environment.

Let's Not Let Decades of Disability Progress Be Erased

Programs like ours have long enjoyed strong bipartisan support because they work. They are cost-effective, rooted in community, and results-driven. They prepare professionals, empower families, support self-advocates, and help shape the policies that keep people with disabilities out of institutions and living with dignity in their communities.

We must act before this progress is undone. Without continued federal support, the systems that empower people with disabilities to live, learn, and thrive in their communities are at serious risk.

Read the full article.

Brady Berg, who has disabilities, works part-time as a busser at an Olive Garden restaurant.

Square One, and Back

As states move away from center-based day programs and sheltered workshops paying subminimum wages to people with disabilities, service provider agencies trying to shift to meaningful day services and competitive employment face frequent challenges, including reluctant employers and family members wary of the changes.

ICI's Minnesota Transformation Initiative assists providers looking to move away from subminimum wages and center-based models

Learn more about competitive employment.