Bagging groceries (almost lost to technology which allows customers to scan and bag their own items), mopping floors, cleaning bathrooms or assembling office supplies in factories ... these are a few types of jobs available to people in the disability community.

That level of work is expected of them. Now some people in the community really thrive at these jobs and that's wonderful for them. However, not everyone finds lasting purpose in doing that work. The usual attitude to this notion is "at least they have a job."

Outside of these types of jobs, there are very few options offered to people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD). During the past few posts, I have addressed a theme of treating every disability (regardless of its complexity) and every person who has it the same. This certainly extends to employment as well.

Relying on these outdated assumptions (like everyone with autism is low functioning, for example) is keeping people with disabilities from being part of the workforce and that is not only depriving them of finding purpose in their lives, but also is keeping employers from untapped potential. The end result if unchanged will continue to rob the national workforce of much needed diversity.

Taking a moment to address the attitude mentioned above, people should be less critical about what type of work they do and be thankful to have a job! Times are tough and I get that. However, even if times were not so tough in the country right now, those jobs would still be the norm for people with I/DD. This cultural assumption has been around for quite some time. Any accommodation to aid in doing work is not seen as reasonable, but rather an "undue hardship." Basically, it's great expectations or none at all. Take it or leave it.

Some employers embrace hiring people with disabilities and doing things differently. They recognize that diversity in the workforce allows the mission and vision of their company to expand. Everyone has something to offer and just because it may take someone a bit longer to do something or if they do it differently should not be an impediment to their employment. Everyone deserves a chance to become a productive partner in the community and it is through that chance that untapped and hidden potential can be fully realized and appreciated.

Only 13 percent of the I/DD community in New York is employed at this time and such a low number is certainly a cause for concern. The great expectation that should be on the forefront of every employer's mind is that untapped potential should not be wasted.