Inclusion of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in community life requires that viable options be available for meaningful and satisfying participation in productivity roles. The range of possibilities for employment, volunteerism and day programs differs across regions, between urban and rural communities, and based on the level and nature of disability. Currently in Ontario little is known about the occupational patterns of developmental service users, or if the current profile of daily productivity participation reflects best practices in the field. This project will identify trends in this regard across the province, and will examine factors related to choice, independence and experiences of inclusion in the context of productivity. Results will inform the establishment of provincial benchmarks, and highlight a number of indicators to be tracked in order to monitor change over time.

1. Describe the productive engagement patterns of persons with IDD in Ontario, and interpret these in light of evidence gathered through the literature review.
2. Identify the nature of supports and other factors that promote or detract from individuals being able to secure chosen productivity roles.
3. Explore how the various productivity options available contribute to social inclusion and individual/family satisfaction.
4. Suggest program and practice modifications to enhance outcomes, and identify a series of indicators to monitor change over time.

The study began with a scoping review of the international literature on choice, self determination, best practices, and outcomes related to employment and other forms of productivity. Data concerning Ontario practices will be collected through phone interviews with parents of service recipients in our targeted regions, followed by in-depth case studies with a purposeful sample of families across the province.

Rosemary Lysaght, Principal Investigator
Virginie Cobigo, Investigator
Hélène Ouellette-Kuntz, Investigator
Project coordinator (TBD)
RAs in Kingston, Toronto, Thunder Bay & Cornwall/Ottawa

The study will highlight a variety of administrative and service level interventions that could be considered for implementation in Ontario. Indicators that identify how we are doing with promoting self determination and social inclusion through productive activities will be identified, and will offer opportunity for ongoing tracking of progress and benchmarking with other jurisdictions. It will be important as we begin to consider data collection systems already in place, and to identify opportunities for participant recruitment that will result in a broad and inclusive group of study participants.