The outcome of this presentation aims to promote dignity of work for individuals with disabilities. We plan to achieve this aim through discussing application of two theoretical perspectives to be applied to employment opportunities including the Psychology of Working theory (PWT) and Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems theory. PWT will be used to discuss how the individual benefits from employment (e.g., survival and power, social connection, and self-determination). Qualitative data from individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities will be shared. We will then extend our conversation on how employment and workplace environments can support an individual’s opportunities with consideration to identities that have traditionally been minoritized and excluded. We will use Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems theory to discuss how systems facilitate or disrupt equitable outcomes by examining the individual’s and business’ interactions with socio-cultural systems. Our presentation will elaborate on the need to adopt a mindset of support that elevates expectations and emphasizes dignity at work. Specifically, we will provide strategies for employers, agencies, and other support personnel to promote an inclusive workplace and welcoming culture for all employees, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. An adapted framework focused on the dignity of work will be shared. Implications for practice will be discussed.

Presenters - James Sinclair & Carly Gilson

James Sinclair, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Special Education in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, within the College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Arkansas. He has degrees in Applied Development and Educational Psychology and Mental Health Counseling. His work has focused on the identification and implementation of in-school practices that support positive post-school outcomes. A central focus of his research efforts is to expand access to space and context for individuals with disabilities and shifting environments to be more accessible and inclusive of individuals with disabilities. Dr. Sinclair has received funding from the United States’ National Institute on Mental Health and the US Office of Special Education Programs. He serves on numerous editorial boards including Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals, Journal of School Psychology, and Learning Disabilities Research and Practice.

Dr. Carly Blustein Gilson is an Associate Professor of Special Education in the Department of Educational Studies at The Ohio State University. She received her Ph.D. in special education from Vanderbilt University, with a focus on Severe Disabilities. Her research interests center on equipping adolescents and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) for integrated employment and inclusive higher education; supporting individuals and families through the school-to-work transition; and equipping strong educational team collaborations among secondary special education teachers and paraprofessionals. Her scholarship has supported the development of an inclusive postsecondary education program for students with IDD and a professional development workshop series for transition educators focused on job coaching.