When access to formal employment services like Utah Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD) is limited or unavailable, supporting meaningful employment doesn’t stop. So how can providers, support coordinators, and natural supports continue helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) succeed? This session provides practical strategies for supporting employment outside traditional systems—especially during service gaps such as waitlists, funding limitations, or orders of selection. Drawing on real examples, participants will explore:
- Creative, low-cost job development strategies that don’t rely on formal services
- How to leverage community connections, including local businesses, events, and personal networks
- Effective approaches to building employer relationships and customizing opportunities based on individual strengths
- Practical tools for immediate use, along with strategies to empower individuals and document progress outside formal systems
Whether you are navigating a service gap or expanding your toolkit, this session will provide actionable ideas to help individuals take greater control of their employment journey and be better prepared to maximize opportunities when services become available.
