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Employment & Community Programs for Adults with DD/ID
Amy Allison
Executive Director, The Farmer's House
2024-07-21
Amy Allison is the executive director of The Farmer's House. She will share their approach for Early Work Experience, Employment Services, Community Integration and Social Enrichment Programs.
Notes from July 21st - Amy Allison - The Farmer's House
- Amy served at the Down Syndrome Guild from 2003 to 2021 including as Executive Director and COO. She is now Executive Director of The Farmer's House.
About The Farmer's House:
- Program in Missouri that works with children and adults with IDD to prepare them for the workforce
- Started by 2 sets of parents for their children with IDD
- On a farm everyone has a job and responsibility — that's the philosophy
- Strives to place adults with IDD in the general workforce with meaningful employment where they can contribute, not be "mascots"
- Their "Early Work Experience" program begins in the 6th grade
- They operate a shop in Weston for training and a catering service for parties up to 50
- Placements include Home Depot, Panera, Montessori Schools, etc.
- They employ a "Benefits Specialist" to help clients keep necessary services
Key Resources:
- PASS - Plan to Achieve Self Support
- Autism Waiver in Kansas (0-5yo)
- Medicaid Waiver sign-up — 10 year waiting list in KS. Look for annual opt-in letters.
- Missouri and Kansas are both Employment First States
- Dignity of Risk — let our children make mistakes while consequences are minor
The "Four F's of Disability Employment" to combat:
- Food (prep and service), Filth (cleaning), Flowers (landscaping), Factories (assembly)
- Build relationships NOW with companies in fields your child shows interest
How to Prepare Your Child:
- Give them a job/chore in the house. Never do it for them. Dinner doesn't start until the table is set.
- Volunteer WITH your children
- Keep them active in community — sports, jobs, volunteering
- In middle school push for "transition" planning in IEP meetings
- At age 16: Get an IQ test through the school (free before 18, $2,500 after). Required within 2 years for guardianship.