Rosemary Lysaght is an Occupational Therapist and

Assistant Professor in the School of Rehabilitation

Therapy at Queens University. Her area of clinical and research expertise relates to productivity roles in adults, including the integration of people with intellectual or

acquired disabilities into competitive work

settings, and environmental

accommodation of disability. She also holds a degree in

program evaluation, and has been involved in research, teaching and consultation in

this area.

Rosemary Lysaght, Ph.D. OTR, OT Reg (ON)Hélène Ouellette-Kuntz, M.Sc., Director,

SEO CURA in IDCarole Morrison, B.A., Project Coordinator,

SEO CURA in ID

Rosemary Lysaght is an Occupational Therapist and

Assistant Professor in the School of Rehabilitation

Therapy at Queens University. Her area of clinical and research expertise relates to productivity roles in adults, including the integration of people with intellectual or

acquired disabilities into competitive work

settings, and environmental

accommodation of disability. She also holds a degree in

program evaluation, and has been involved in research, teaching and consultation in

this area.

Work plays a central role in the lives of many persons with ID

Most workers with ID are looking for the same rewards from work as other people: enhanced income, social interaction, and to stay busy

Employment rates for people with ID are low, estimated at anywhere from 9 – 28%

The majority of jobs held the SEO region are part-time in the service industry

Many individuals hold volunteer positions in addition to, or instead of, paid work

Rosemary Lysaght is an Occupational Therapist and

Assistant Professor in the School of Rehabilitation

Therapy at Queens University. Her area of clinical and research expertise relates to productivity roles in adults, including the integration of people with intellectual or

acquired disabilities into competitive work

settings, and environmental

accommodation of disability. She also holds a degree in

program evaluation, and has been involved in research, teaching and consultation in

this area.

What is the meaning of productivity to people with ID? What rewards are associated with productivity?

What factors reduce satisfaction with participation?

Is there a difference in the benefits derived from paid and unpaid work?

What roles do choice and self determination play in selecting productive roles for this population?

Rosemary Lysaght is an Occupational Therapist and

Assistant Professor in the School of Rehabilitation

Therapy at Queens University. Her area of clinical and research expertise relates to productivity roles in adults, including the integration of people with intellectual or

acquired disabilities into competitive work

settings, and environmental

accommodation of disability. She also holds a degree in

program evaluation, and has been involved in research, teaching and consultation in

this area.

Screening interviews with 43 individuals to collect basic demographics, nature of work

Subjects were recruited through through agencies that provide employment placement and training programs for adults with ID

Interviews with 25 subjects (15 male/10 female) 16 held paid jobs 16 held volunteer jobs 7 held both paid and unpaid positions

Interviews recorded and transcribed Qualitative analysis to identify key

themes relative to research questions

Rosemary Lysaght is an Occupational Therapist and

Assistant Professor in the School of Rehabilitation

Therapy at Queens University. Her area of clinical and research expertise relates to productivity roles in adults, including the integration of people with intellectual or

acquired disabilities into competitive work

settings, and environmental

accommodation of disability. She also holds a degree in

program evaluation, and has been involved in research, teaching and consultation in

this area.

Paid workers were slightly older than those who worked as volunteers only (average paid = 33.6 yrs, volunteer = 30.7 yrs)

Job titles were similar for paid and unpaid work

Paid workers worked an average of 12.3 hrs/week, unpaid 6 hrs/week

Most positions were obtained with the help of agency staff and/or parents

Awareness of jobs was narrow, often arising from social contacts and familiar locations

Many respondents had a hard time stating what they would choose to do beyond the current job

Rosemary Lysaght is an Occupational Therapist and

Assistant Professor in the School of Rehabilitation

Therapy at Queens University. Her area of clinical and research expertise relates to productivity roles in adults, including the integration of people with intellectual or

acquired disabilities into competitive work

settings, and environmental

accommodation of disability. She also holds a degree in

program evaluation, and has been involved in research, teaching and consultation in

this area.

The primary motivators for both paid and unpaid workers were socialization, learning new skills, staying busy, and making a contribution. Both groups saw pay as important.

Main dislikes were high work demands, distasteful work conditions (e.g. cold, rain, smell), stress on the job, boredom, feeling left out, and low (or no) pay.

Other factors like transportation and disability income rules limited the amount of work people did

Rosemary Lysaght is an Occupational Therapist and

Assistant Professor in the School of Rehabilitation

Therapy at Queens University. Her area of clinical and research expertise relates to productivity roles in adults, including the integration of people with intellectual or

acquired disabilities into competitive work

settings, and environmental

accommodation of disability. She also holds a degree in

program evaluation, and has been involved in research, teaching and consultation in

this area.

Transportation; travel during bad weather

Job prospects limited due to physical and mental limitations

Lack of training No opportunity for advancement Can’t get enough hours/pension

rules don’t allow them to work more

Rosemary Lysaght is an Occupational Therapist and

Assistant Professor in the School of Rehabilitation

Therapy at Queens University. Her area of clinical and research expertise relates to productivity roles in adults, including the integration of people with intellectual or

acquired disabilities into competitive work

settings, and environmental

accommodation of disability. She also holds a degree in

program evaluation, and has been involved in research, teaching and consultation in

this area.

Stronger efforts at broadening the skill base and career awareness of youth with ID will enhance vocational choice

Disincentives to employment should be explored to increase opportunities for paid work

The role of volunteerism as a productivity option should be further explored and understood

To achieve satisfaction the job match should ensure Competence Congruence with individual interests Appropriate inclusion & social reinforcement