---
date: "2024-07-21"
speaker: "Amy Allison"
organization: "Executive Director, The Farmer's House"
topic: "Employment & Community Programs for Adults with DD/ID"
blurb: "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."
---

# Amy Allison - Employment & Community Programs for Adults with DD/ID

**Date:** 2024-07-21  
**Organization:** Executive Director, The Farmer's House

> 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](https://kcdsi.org/about-us/) from 2003 to 2021 including as Executive Director and COO. She is now Executive Director of [The Farmer's House](https://thefarmershouse.org/).

### 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](https://www.ssa.gov/disabilityresearch/wi/pass.htm)
- [Autism Waiver in Kansas (0-5yo)](https://kdads.ks.gov/kdads-commissions/long-term-services-supports/home-community-based-services-(hcbs)-programs/programs/autism)
- [Medicaid Waiver sign-up](https://kancare.ks.gov/kancare-ombudsman-office/hcbs-waiver-fact-sheets) — 10 year waiting list in KS. Look for annual opt-in letters.
- Missouri and Kansas are both [Employment First States](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/initiatives/employment-first)
- [Dignity of Risk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/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.

### Programs in Kansas & Johnson County:
- [YMCA Challenger](https://kansascityymca.org/programs/adaptive-challenger)
- [Special Olympics Kansas](https://soks.org/)
- [Johnson County Developmental Supports](https://www.jocogov.org/department/developmental-supports)
- [Willow Tree Supports](https://www.willowtreesupports.com/)
- [Goodlife Innovations](https://mygoodlife.org/)
- [Easter Seals Midwest](https://www.easterseals.com/)
- [Lakemary Center](https://lakemary.org/)
- [Sherwood Center](https://sherwoodcenter.org/programs/)