For over a decade, California’s commitment to an “Employment First” policy hasn’t translated into jobs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). A new report reveals that employment rates for this population have stubbornly remained between 12.4% and 17.2% over the last 15 years—a frustrating standstill that begs the question: what’s holding things back?
A Labor Market Hampered by Systemic Issues
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The problem isn’t a lack of willingness to work, but a fragmented support system that often creates more obstacles than opportunities.
The investigation, funded by Ability Central, points to a core issue: employers are hesitant due to concerns about civil liability and the expense of providing reasonable accommodations. This uncertainty is compounded by a critical shortage of qualified job coaches, and inconsistent quality among those who *are* available, hindering long-term job placement success.
The Benefits Cliff and Transportation Troubles
Perhaps the most unsettling finding concerns the “fear of loss.” Individuals with IDD often avoid seeking employment, or advancing in their careers, out of fear of losing crucial benefits like SSI, Medi-Cal, and IHSS. This creates a perverse incentive, discouraging full-time work. “The systems surrounding employment — transportation, benefits and service structures — are often misaligned,” explained Teresa Anderson, Executive Director of the California Policy Center for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (CPCIDD).
Logistics also play a significant role. Existing public transportation and paratransport options are frequently inadequate for those working non-traditional shifts.
Opportunities for Coordinated Investment
The report argues that addressing these challenges requires a reevaluation of service provider rates and strategic investments to increase flexibility. Griffen Stapp, Executive Director of Ability Central, emphasized that tackling employment inequalities demands “shared responsibility” and policies that remove existing regulatory hurdles. The ultimate goal, he stated, is to translate policy into economic reality, enabling individuals with IDD to fully contribute to California’s GDP.
