Supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities means helping them discover inclusive pathways into work and training. Whether you’re a parent, support worker, or advocate, building community connections is one of the most powerful tools available.
Here are practical tips to help create employment and training opportunities in your community:
Set a Specific Meeting Time
Keep It Brief
Prepare Like It’s a Sales Pitch
Make a Strong First Impression
Be Persistent, Not Pushy
Meet in Person When You Can
Look for Natural Fits
Focus on Skill-Building First
Start With Your Existing Network
Stay Hopeful and Professional
Final Thought:
Creating opportunities isn’t always easy, but your effort and optimism can open doors—not just for one person, but for the whole community. Keep at it. You’re making a real difference.
Starting a new job or volunteer role is a big step for anyone. For people with intellectual disabilities, having the right support in place from the beginning can make all the difference. Support might be needed in the early stages to help build confidence, learn routines, and navigate the workplace. The ultimate goal? Greater independence and inclusion.
What Does a Job Coach or Support Staff Do?
A job coach (also known as support staff) works alongside a person with a disability to support them in the workplace. Their role is to help the person learn how to do their job, understand workplace expectations, and build natural relationships with coworkers.
This support can include:
Helping the person learn tasks by breaking them down step-by-step
Supporting time management and routines (e.g., start/end of shifts, breaks)
Encouraging communication with coworkers and supervisors
Ensuring the person knows how to ask for help when needed
Supporting travel to and from work if required
Promoting safety and self-advocacy at work
The job coach’s support is tailored to the individual’s needs, strengths, and goals.
When Does Support Start to Fade?
Good job coaching isn’t meant to last forever. In fact, part of the coach’s role is to “work themselves out of a job.” As the person grows more confident and capable, the coach gradually steps back, giving space for independence and growth.
This “fading” process:
Builds self-confidence and self-reliance
Encourages natural workplace relationships
Reduces reliance on paid support
There’s no set timeline for fading support—it depends on the person, the job, and the environment. The key is to observe when the person starts mastering tasks and interacting comfortably with others.
How to Step Back (Without Stepping Away)
It can be tempting to step in too quickly, especially when you want to be helpful. But too much support can hold someone back. Learning comes through doing—even if that includes mistakes along the way.
Here are some ways support staff (and family members) can step back to promote independence:
Use verbal prompts instead of physical ones
Allow space for problem-solving before offering help
Let the person interact with others without stepping in
Encourage them to ask coworkers for help instead of always relying on you
Teach phrases like, “Thanks, I’d like to try it myself”
Celebrate effort and independence—even when things aren’t perfect
Remember: stepping back allows the person to step forward.
Natural Supports: The Key to Long-Term Success
A natural support is someone already working or volunteering at the same site—like a coworker, supervisor, or regular volunteer—who becomes part of the person’s everyday support system. These relationships are important because:
They reduce dependence on job coaches
They promote belonging and team inclusion
They help the person feel more like “just another employee”
Job coaches can play an important role in helping to build and strengthen these connections early on.
What’s the Role of a Family Member?
Family members often play a vital role in preparing someone for work—but it’s usually best if a job coach provides direct support in the workplace.
Here’s why:
It helps the person feel more independent and confident
Boundaries are easier to maintain between work life and family life
It reduces stress on family relationships
Professionals are trained in job coaching, advocacy, and workplace communication
Families can still offer huge value by:
Encouraging and celebrating success
Helping the person reflect on their workday
Supporting with routines and preparation at home
Staying connected with employment support teams when needed
There’s no one-size-fits-all way to support someone at work. Some people will need support for a short time; others may benefit from longer-term coaching or check-ins. What’s important is that support leads to increased confidence, connection, and independence over time.
Whether you’re a family member, job coach, or employer, your role is not to lead—it’s to walk beside the person as they build their path in the workplace.
Starting a new job can feel overwhelming. Stress is a normal part of work life, but it doesn’t have to control you. Here are 10 practical tips to help reduce stress.
Talk to Someone You Trust
Set Boundaries with Your Time and Energy
Use Your Breaks Wisely
Stay Nourished and Hydrated
Get Organized
Create a Calm Space
Join Social or Wellness Activities
Move Your Body
Celebrate Small Wins
Reach Out for Professional Support
Workplace stress is common, but manageable. These tips won’t eliminate every challenge, but they can help you build routines that support your mental health and help you feel more in control.
Starting a new job is exciting, but keeping it takes effort. These simple tips will help you succeed, build strong relationships, and keep earning money.
Show Up On Time — Every Day
Stay Focused — Put Your Phone Away
Be Ready to Learn — Ask Questions
Be Neat and Professional
Help Out and Stay Positive
Take Responsibility — Call If You’re Late or Absent
Remember:
Being a great employee isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up, trying your best, and being respectful. When you do that, you don’t just keep your job—you grow in it.
Just starting your career? Not sure if you have what employers are looking for? You might be surprised—many of the most valued qualities are personality traits and behaviors you can develop and showcase every day.
Here are 10 characteristics employers look for:
Dependability – Show up on time, follow through on tasks, and be someone your team can count on.
Listening & Following Instructions – Pay attention, ask questions if you’re unsure, and complete tasks as directed.
Time Management – Use time and materials wisely and meet deadlines consistently.
Positive Attitude – Stay optimistic, even during challenges, and be open to feedback.
Teamwork – Be respectful, cooperative, and ready to work with people of different backgrounds and personalities.
Willingness to Learn – Show that you’re eager to grow and take on new challenges.
Professional Appearance – Dress in a way that’s appropriate for your workplace and role.
Flexibility – Be open to change, new responsibilities, or shifting schedules.
Self-Care & Reliability – Take care of your well-being and show up ready to contribute.
Strong Communication – Express yourself clearly, listen actively, and resolve issues calmly.
You don’t need years of experience to be a great employee. Employers appreciate people who take their roles seriously, show initiative, and work well with others. When preparing for an interview, highlight these traits—you already have more to offer than you think!
Gaining work experience is a great way for someone to explore occupations that might interest them in the future. (Working is also a great way for someone to figure out what they do not want to do!)
For people just beginning to think about life after school, part-time or weekend jobs are the most likely place to start. They might be limited in their choices by the opportunities available, but remember—even if a job doesn’t sound like the perfect fit, it can still teach valuable skills that will help them qualify for future opportunities.
Getting Started with a Resume
To begin, a person should have a resume ready to share with potential employers. A school guidance counselor can help, or if the person is not in school, local community resources and employment agencies are often available to assist.
Even without a “regular job,” include informal work like grass cutting, snow shoveling, babysitting, or running errands. These show responsibility and independence. Extracurricular activities can also demonstrate useful skills—sports, clubs, or volunteering are all relevant.
Don’t forget to keep the resume updated, especially if contact information or job experience changes. Also, consider certificates that improve qualifications—like babysitting, first aid, food handling, or swimming training. Include any awards or recognition to showcase accomplishments.
Use AI Tools to Build and Improve Your Resume
Free or low-cost AI tools like ChatGPT can help create or improve a resume. You can:
Get a resume template tailored to your skills or experience level
Receive suggestions for how to describe your work or volunteer activities
Ask for help writing a cover letter or interview answers
Review grammar and wording to make your resume more professional
If you’re not sure how to describe your past experience or skills, AI tools can help you put it into words—just type in what you’ve done and ask for feedback or suggestions. This can be especially helpful for youth, newcomers, or anyone writing a resume for the first time.
Leveraging Social Media and Creating a LinkedIn Profile
In today’s world, being online can help with finding work—especially for youth or job seekers looking to build a network.
LinkedIn is a professional networking site where you can:
List your work, volunteer experience, and skills
Connect with employers, agencies, and coworkers
Follow companies you’re interested in
Find job postings or be noticed by recruiters
A strong LinkedIn profile includes:
A clear, friendly photo
A simple “About Me” section (e.g., “Motivated worker looking for a job in retail or customer service”)
AI tools like ChatGPT can also help you write your LinkedIn bio, summarize your experience, or give suggestions on how to present your skills online.
Other social media platforms—like Facebook, Instagram, or X—can also be helpful:
Follow local businesses, recreation centres, or job agencies
Join local job groups
Watch for posts that say “We’re hiring!”
Be careful about what’s posted on personal accounts. Employers sometimes check public profiles. Keep it positive and professional.
Searching for Jobs
When looking for work, here are some ways to find opportunities:
Enrol with MyJobMatch – a platform designed for persons with disabilities to find employment
Look at community bulletin boards at rec centres, libraries, and grocery stores
Visit government employment centres or websites like Job Bank Canada
Explore job boards on municipal websites or Parks and Recreation departments
Talk to your school, support worker, or employment agency
Sometimes opportunities are right around the corner. A walk through your neighbourhood might lead to “Now Hiring” signs. Ask for applications at stores or restaurants. Even if they’re not hiring immediately, many keep applications on file.
If you’re volunteering or in a co-op placement, let your supervisor know you’re looking for paid work—they might be open to creating a paid position.
Networking and Word of Mouth
Ask family, friends, teachers, neighbours, or anyone in your circle about job opportunities. Most people are happy to help and may know someone who’s hiring. Let others know what kind of work you’re looking for and what you’re good at. Many jobs are found through word of mouth.
Keep an Open Mind
Your first job likely won’t be your last. Early jobs help build confidence, independence, and valuable work habits. Even a short experience in customer service, cleaning, or stocking shelves can help lead to a long-term opportunity.
Stay open to new experiences, be willing to learn, and remember that every job—big or small—is a step toward your goals.
We’re excited to share that The Social Brew will have its very own booth at this year’s Taste of Lawrence Festival, happening July 4th–6th!
At The Social Brew, we’re proud to create high-quality employment opportunities for Canadians living with physical and developmental disabilities. By removing barriers to opportunity, we empower individuals to discover not just meaningful work, but also new social connections, renewed confidence, and greater independence.
Our presence at the festival is an extension of that mission, and we’d love for you to stop by and support the cause.
Find us at the Taste of Lawrence during the following hours: • Friday: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM • Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM • Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
We’ll be serving up some of our Social Brew favourites and handing out exclusive discounts to festival-goers. If you’re in the area, come say hello!
On Saturday July 19th Autism Ontario, in partnership with Silent Events Toronto, will be hosting a Silent Disco at Beaches Sandbox Community Center in the heart of the Toronto Beaches, from 7-8:30pm.
Tickets are just $5 per person. Caregivers and supporters attend free! It’s going to be a great night!
Please note: these meetings are intended for adults who identify as having an intellectual or developmental disability. Support persons are welcome if they are assisting someone to participate in the meeting.
