Do inclusive work environments matter? Effects of community-integrated employment on quality of life for individuals with intellectual disabilities

• Satisfaction did not differ among participants in community-integrated employment, adult day care, or sheltered workshops.
• There were no reported differences in overall happiness or choice and control for participants across daytime activities.
• Community-integrated employees were younger and reported more community integration and financial autonomy than did others.
• These results could be due to generational differences, level of ID, or lack of information regarding opportunities.

More individuals with an intellectual disability now possess prerequisite skills and supports necessary for successful work force integration than did previous generations. The current study compared quality of life of community-integrated workers with those participating in sheltered vocational workshops and adult day care programs. We considered numerous indices of quality of life, including inclusion and community participation; satisfaction within professional services, home life, and day activities; dignity, rights, and respect received from others; fear; choice and control; and family satisfaction. Our data revealed several important differences in quality of life across daytime activities; participants involved in community-integrated employment tended to be younger, indicated a greater sense of community integration, and reported more financial autonomy than did those who participated in adult day care programs and sheltered workshops. However, individuals reported no differences in overall satisfaction across daytime activities. We discuss generational differences across employment status as well as possible explanations to account for high levels of satisfaction across daytime activities.