The Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities affirms the right of all people with severe disabilities to full participation in community life with support tailored to individual abilities and needs.
Integrated employment is a critical element of community living.
Even though individuals with severe disabilities repeatedly demonstrate success in integrated employment, the vast majority of individuals with severe disabilities do not have access to integrated jobs. Most individuals with severe disabilities continue to be isolated and segregated in developmental achievement centers and rehabilitation facilities or are unemployed and unserved on waiting lists. Opportunities for frequent and ongoing interactions and the development of friendships are crucial outcomes of employment. Employment must result in meaningful compensation for work performed and include benefits comparable to coworkers in similar positions. Job selection, retention, and number of hours of employment must be based on choice by the individual with a severe disability.