Think Work Stories

Welcome! ThinkWork Stories highlights the employment successes of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and the innovative employment support practices that lead to successful, paid jobs. Employees with IDD earn money, form networks, and participate in our communities.

Explore our ThinkWork Stories to learn more about what works! Search stories by selecting a region on the colorful map on this page.

  • Scroll down this page for current featured stories, or use the menu at left to browse all stories by category.
  • Go to the blue box with links to other websites that showcase more success stories
  • Watch videos of people working in their communities

ThinkWork

Featured Stories

Christina: Mastering a Job with Remote Supports During COVID-19

photo of christinaChristina is an energetic young woman who works at Bothwell Hospital in Sedalia, Missouri as a part-time dietary aide. She enjoys her job and earns well above minimum wage. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Christina’s work conditions and responsibilities changed. As a result, the nature of her supports also shifted from having an on-site job coach to remote supports via iPhone. With the support of her provider, the Center for Human Services (CHS), Christina was able to alter her position and supports and maintain employment.

Nikolas: Understanding the Risks and New Routines of Being an Essential Worker During COVID-19

Nikolas at work in Whole FoodsNikolas is 22 years old and works for Amazon at Whole Foods in Providence, Rhode Island as a personal shopper. In this job, he uses an Amazon phone that receives the customers’ orders and payments. Nikolas fulfills the customers’ requests, bags the items and labels the bags in preparation for delivery. He began working in this position before COVID-19 hit, finding the job after participating in a one-year school-to-work program called Project Search.

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