Employment is about more than earning a paycheck. It can provide purpose, independence, connection and the resources people need to build lives of their own choosing.

In this episode, host Jean Winsor, Senior Research Associate and Project Manager at the Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI), talks with self-advocates Sarah Carmany and Molly Kirkham about what meaningful employment looks like for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Drawing on their own work experiences, Sarah and Molly discuss choosing a career, being valued for their skills, receiving equal pay and working alongside people with and without disabilities.

The conversation also examines the barriers that continue to limit employment opportunities, including ableism, low expectations, subminimum wages and the “benefits cliff.” The guests discuss ABLE accounts, person-centered planning, workplace accommodations and the importance of setting measurable goals for expanding competitive integrated employment.

Above all, Sarah and Molly offer a clear message: People with disabilities want to work, contribute to their communities and be recognized for what they can do. They need employers and support systems willing to give them the opportunity.

Technology can open doors to communication, employment, independence and belonging—but only when people have access to the tools and support they need.

In this episode of 35 Years of Community Living, State of the States researcher Kaylee Day talks with self-advocates Jocelyn Bowen and Mikelle Learned about how technology has shaped their lives and their connections to the community. They discuss everything from smartphones and communication devices to simple low-tech tools, as well as the training, programming and ongoing support that make technology truly useful.

The conversation also looks at what the data tells us about public investment in technology for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities—and why expanding access means investing not just in devices, but in people.

As Mikelle puts it: “Technology doesn’t create belonging—people do. Technology just removes barriers so we can find one another.”