DRC advocates for people with disabilities to hold jobs in typical workplace environments with coworkers who do not have disabilities.

Bill Chandler worked in a sheltered workshop earning less than $6.00 a week. He knew he was capable of holding a more satisfying job in the community and one that would help him support his family. DRC Advocate Rebecca Hoyt helped him get a job he enjoys, doing maintenance work at a Sam’s Club. Bill is one example of how DRC helps people with disabilities receive a competitive wage at jobs that employ people without disabilities.

DRC also collaborated with three state agencies to develop policies so more people with disabilities can work in the community rather than in sheltered workshops. The final five-year blueprint – “Employing Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Developmental Disabilities in California—Real Work for Real Pay in the Real World” – was released in May 2017. The Blueprint is focused on improving how the state agencies work together, getting people more employment preparation services and other training, and helping people to make informed decisions to support a transition to work in the community.

“We are pleased the state is committed to helping people achieve their employment goals,” said Connie Chu, DRC managing attorney. “We look forward to seeing how improving services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities will lead to real jobs in the community.”