Strategies for Effective Interaction with People with Intellectual Disabilities

In the 25 years since the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), we have seen substantial improvements in including people with disabilities into many aspects of our society. The ADA has spurred initiatives like No Child Left Behind and disability employment programs in the public and private sectors. Today, more people with intellectual disabilities are included in school, work and community activities than ever.

Amy Dwyre D'Agati, an employment placement specialist for those with intellectual disabilities with TransCen, Inc.  will discuss approaches to interacting with people with intellectual disabilities to encourage inclusion and reduce the discomfort that people with and without disabilities may have. The presenter will interview an employed person with an intellectual disability to glean her perspective on the topic and provide a variety of examples to illustrate successful interaction.