Community Employment
Employment is key to independence, purpose, and a sense of belonging in adulthood. We provide meaningful and competitive employment opportunities for individuals with diverse abilities to live the most fulfilling lives possible.
Our employment support fully integrates into the community, where individuals work alongside their peers without disabilities, creating inclusive opportunities and meaningful relationships. Through employment discovery, work experience, job search, on-site job coaching, and vital partnerships with employers in the community, we are prepared to help at every stage of the employment journey.
EMPLOYMENT SERVICES FOR EMPLOYEE
Looking for employment, internships, or opportunities to join our growing workforce? We welcome adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Please fill out the employment interest form below.
We support individuals ready for employment by connecting them with paid job opportunities and providing job coaching across a variety of industries. We believe every individual deserves the dignity of meaningful employment—earning fair wages, gaining life skills, and working alongside neurotypical peers in truly fulfilling jobs.
A program that partners with local businesses to provide short-term work experiences - helping individuals build skills and confidence to prepare for future employment opportunities.
An educational program that includes a diverse range of classes taught by our highly trained team of educators, specialists, and therapists to promote skill building and independence. ACE Academy classes are an essential stepping stone to successful employment. Learn more on the Adult Continuing Education page.
EMPLOYMENT SERVICES:
FOR EMPLOYER
Implementation
We carve and customize positions to fit the needs of your company and provide job coaching assistance to set individuals up for success and sustainable employment.
Recruitment
We assess skills and abilities and match people in the corresponding jobs.
Staff Training
We educate, equip, and empower your staff with a toolkit of practical ways to support individuals with diverse abilities so they feel comfortable and confident working alongside them.
HR Consulting
We assist with updating hiring and onboarding processes in support of people with diverse abilities.
MEET OUR TEAM
Amanda Meyers
CESP
Director of Employment Services
Amanda Myers serves as the primary point of contact for individuals seeking vocational training and community employment opportunities, and for employers interested in employing adults with diverse abilities. Amanda earned a Bachelor’s degree in Family Studies with an emphasis in Counseling from Manhattan Christian College. She is a Certified Employment Support Professional who has developed nationally recognized, award-winning employment programs in her career, including building Down Syndrome Innovations’ employment services from the ground up with her team.
Brandi Apperson
Skills Specialist
Bio coming soon...
Paige Pivovar, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist, Employment Services
Paige Pivovar is an occupational therapist supporting individuals with Down syndrome with strategies and skill development in vocational training programs and competitive integrated employment within the community. Paige holds a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from the University of Kansas Medical Center. She is certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), and she is licensed in Kansas and Missouri. (Credentials are OTD, OTR/L if you’re wanting to include those somewhere). As a sibling of an individual with a disability, Paige carries a passion for supporting self-advocates and their families in pursuing their goals. She places a high value on developing meaningful relationships to best understand the unique needs of each individual.
