Increasing Community Inclusion through Workforce Development

Everyone Deserves the Chance to Thrive

Opportunities to participate fully in the workforce remain severely limited for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Yet the desire, ability, and determination to work are stronger than ever among people with IDD.

For more than 76 years, TNC Community has provided customized IDD services rooted in dignity, belonging, and joy. Now, we’re expanding our impact even further through a new Training Academy and Employment Services, designed to equip individuals with the skills, confidence, and support they need to succeed in today’s workforce.

The Challenge: A Persistent Employment Gap

Across all age groups, people with disabilities are much less likely to be employed than those without disabilities. For those who are employed, the earnings gap is astonishing. Many individuals with IDD are willing, able, and wanting to work. Although evidence shows that supported employment intervention enables individuals with IDD to get and keep jobs, national integrated employment rates remain low.

Despite clear evidence that supported employment helps individuals with IDD secure and maintain jobs, national integrated employment rates remain low, leaving an enormous pool of talent and potential untapped.

Expanding What’s Possible: Training Academy & Employment Services

In 2026, we are broadening our reach with the Community Connections Training Academy and Employment Services—a comprehensive program that helps individuals prepare for, obtain, and succeed in competitive employment.

Employment Services support individuals by providing:

• Career exploration, including job shadowing and temporary roles
• Assistance in completing applications, resumes, and mock interviews
• On‑the‑job coaching to support success in new roles

The Training Academy will serve as a hands-on learning hub, featuring:

Featuring a full kitchen and specialized life‑skills equipment, the Academy serves as a hands‑on learning hub. Training focuses on both hard and soft skills, emphasizing high‑demand fields such as:

Building Inclusive Workplaces Through Community Collaboration

Lauren Smith, TNC Community’s dedicated Business Liaison will connect with local employers and community groups to highlight the value of this talented and often overlooked workforce.

The Business Liaison will provide:

• Direct consultation
• Inclusion‑focused education
• Support for creating accessible, welcoming workplaces

Together, we can help individuals with IDD achieve their full potential—while strengthening local businesses with reliable, motivated employees

Our Expected Outcomes

With a small but mighty team in 2026, TNC Community anticipates:

• Supporting 20–25 individuals in reaching their employment goals
• Conducting in‑depth inclusion education with up to 15 businesses
• Fully mentoring up to seven businesses to become inclusive employers

Thank You for Supporting Inclusion

Your support fuels life‑changing opportunities for individuals with IDD. Together, we are building a Kansas City where everyone belongs—and where everyone has the chance to thrive.