In recent years, more and more people with developmental disabilities are working. Increased productivity of people with developmental disabilities, encouraged by improvements in the human services disability network and more humane attitudes toward people with disabilities, is helping to change the environment of the larger society. The design and management of services must reflect these changes in a way that retains focus on meeting people's needs while enabling independence, productivity and integration. Further, it is the responsibility of society to act affirmatively in making employment opportunities and necessary support services available to persons with developmental disabilities. When providing employment opportunities, certain principles should be observed and implemented.
Individuals are to be involved in all aspects of decision-making that affect their lives.
Choice and decision-making should be well informed, and must include direct experience in the options from which the individual will make a choice or decision. The preferences of people with developmental disabilities must be honored. Their integrity, dignity, growth, and contributions must be encouraged. Career planning, counseling, and work experience for people with developmental disabilities should start in early elementary school years as they should for people without disabilities. Career planning assistance should be made available as desired over the person's lifetime and should include retirement planning.