Helping youth with developmental disabilities live independent, fulfilled, and productive lives

Youth economic advancement

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

Despite a growing focus on employment DEI, people with developmental disabilities remain underrepresented in the workplace.Among people with disabilities, people with developmental and intellectual disabilities are among the most marginalized and have the lowest rate of participation in the labor force as compared to other impairment groups. Although people with disabilities represent an estimated 15% of the global population, they remain significantly less likely to be participating in paid formal sector employment than the general population. Participants who thrive at Mychal’s are often ready to become trainees in a workplace environment. Unfortunately, studies show that the unemployment rate for those with developmental disabilities is a shocking 85%. The conscious and unconscious bias of potential employers is a key barrier that must be addressed as the next step for Mychal’s participants and all youth with developmental disabilities to live independent lives.

Mychal’s Learning Place supports youth and young adults with developmental disabilities to build their independence and pursue their goals and dreams through two primary programs. The After School Program provides a safe and inclusive space where participants (ages 13-22) can thrive and develop essential social and independent living skills that equip participants with practical knowledge and abilities to navigate daily life with confidence and increased independence. Participants who are ready for a greater challenge continue in the Path To Independence (P2I) Program. P2I is a person-centered, adult day program that supports young adults (ages 18-30) as they develop the skills necessary for living a more independent life. That starts with daily living skills, eventually incorporating on-the-job vocational training, and potentially includes facilitating employment opportunities. Mychal’s developed three social enterprises to provide this vocational training environment – a print/embroidery shop, a bakery, and a café. These social enterprises are intended to be training grounds for individuals rather than final employment destinations. The goal is to move trainees to outside employment when they are ready in order to make way for new trainees to have the same opportunity to learn and grow. To build career pathways, Mychal’s develops strategic partnerships with local businesses.

According to the CDC, communities that are attentive to the health of its members can reduce the inequality among their residents. Community health also helps to reduce health gaps caused by differences in race and ethnicity, location, social status, income, and other factors that can affect individuals’ health. By addressing the mental, and emotional needs of people with developmental disabilities, they are empowered to be engaged, contributing community members. As a community, we have the responsibility to promote the inclusion of our differences. Having a people-first mindset creates inclusivity where there have previously been barriers. This shared personal relatedness supports perpetual growth of ourselves, each other, and our community. Mychal’s vision is that youth with developmental disabilities are embraced as the equal members of their communities that they are.

Numbers served is the primary quantitative metric. Qualitatively, ongoing assessments are completed around participant and parent satisfaction as well as participants’ improved self-perception, increased ability to live independently, and overall well-being. In the most recent survey:
100% of students have improved in their general life skills (62% have shown much improvement)
Nearly 100% are safer in their homes and community, and are more communicative, independent, resilient to change, and adventurous
Nearly 100% of parents are confident their student will find and keep a job
It is through this extensive data collection and reporting that participant voices are heard and reflected in Mychal’s programs. Emergent and trending needs, and outcomes from existing programs and services, serve to guide Mychal’s programmatic decisions around what to start, stop, and continue.