CPCIDD Board Member and Self-Advocate Azucena Garcia-Ferro hosts Episode 3 of CPCIDD’s IDD Employment Podcast, funded by Ability Central. Self-advocates Tracy, Joe, and Scott describe their journeys into work—starting early jobs, long-term positions in day programs and restaurants, and moves into advocacy and entrepreneurship. They name persistent barriers such as low expectations, flat-rate pay, benefit concerns, and gaps in supports, and highlight what helps: peer networks, community encouragement, individualized supports, training, and opportunities to demonstrate skills.

This episode offers firsthand perspectives useful to policymakers, providers, employers, families, and self-advocates who want practical insight into improving employment outcomes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Visit cpcidd.org to explore the rest of the IDD Employment Podcast Series.