Breaking Barriers: Employment

Written By Sunnyhill

Empowerment in Every Step: Exploring Employment Options for Individuals with Disabilities in Missouri

In Missouri, employment options for individuals diagnosed with disabilities differ greatly between competitive employment and sheltered workshops, each catering to various needs and abilities. Competitive employment, offering minimum wage and integration into the community, promotes independence and social inclusion. Conversely, sheltered workshops provide a supportive environment for those who may struggle in the competitive market, with an average wage of $5.36 per hour, allowing individuals to engage in meaningful work at their own pace. Both pathways serve vital roles in empowering individuals to contribute to society and find fulfillment, highlighting the need for balance in expanding employment opportunities while ensuring support for those in sheltered settings. At Sunnyhill, we advocate for the empowerment of all individuals, recognizing that every step toward employment is a significant achievement.

Exploring the Wage Gap for Individuals Diagnosed with Disabilities in Missouri: Competitive Employment vs. Sheltered Workshops

In Missouri, employment options for individuals diagnosed with disabilities vary significantly, particularly when comparing competitive employment to sheltered workshops. Each offers distinct opportunities based on the individual's needs, abilities, and personal goals. While competitive employment provides opportunities for those who can thrive in integrated workplaces, sheltered workshops offer a valuable alternative for individuals who may not be suited for the demands of the competitive job market.

Understanding Competitive Wages

Competitive wages are earned in integrated workplaces where individuals diagnosed with disabilities work alongside those without disabilities and receive at least the minimum wage. In Missouri, the minimum wage is currently $12.30 per hour. These jobs, which take place in regular community settings, allow workers to participate fully in their communities, offering a path to personal and professional growth.

Advocates often support competitive employment because it promotes independence, inclusion, and overall well-being. Many individuals benefit from the opportunities that integrated employment provides, including higher wages and increased social integration.

The Role of Sheltered Workshops: Providing Opportunities for All Abilities

While competitive employment may be a great fit for some, it’s not always the best or most accessible option for everyone. Sheltered workshops in Missouri play a crucial role in providing meaningful work for individuals diagnosed with significant disabilities who may face challenges in the competitive job market. These workshops offer a supportive environment where employees can work at their own pace, often with accommodations tailored to their abilities.

In sheltered workshops, individuals diagnosed with disabilities are employed in settings designed to meet their specific needs. The average wage in these workshops is $5.36 per hour, with some workers earning less due to productivity-based pay structures. While this wage is lower than what is earned in competitive employment, sheltered workshops offer individuals the chance to engage in productive work, build relationships, and experience the pride that comes from contributing to their communities.

For individuals with more complex needs or those who require a higher level of support, sheltered workshops provide a safe and understanding environment where they can thrive. Many people find a strong sense of purpose and community in these settings, and families often appreciate the stability and support that sheltered workshops offer. These workshops are especially valuable for individuals who may find the pace or social demands of competitive employment overwhelming.

A Place for Purpose and Growth

Supporters of sheltered workshops emphasize that these environments offer more than just employment—they provide individuals diagnosed with disabilities a place to learn, grow, and feel valued. For many workers, sheltered workshops represent an important source of structure, routine, and social connection. The sense of accomplishment that comes from being part of a team and contributing to a larger goal is something that should not be overlooked.

In Missouri, over 5,000 adults diagnosed with disabilities are employed in 95 sheltered workshops across the state. These workshops provide an option for those who are not yet ready for, or may never transition into, competitive employment but still want to engage in meaningful work.

Striking a Balance: Meeting the Needs of All Workers

The employment landscape for individuals diagnosed with disabilities is not one-size-fits-all, and sheltered workshops provide a critical solution for those who may not succeed in competitive employment. Advocates for competitive, integrated employment continue to push for opportunities where individuals diagnosed with disabilities can earn minimum wage or above in inclusive settings. However, sheltered workshops fill an important gap, offering work opportunities to individuals who may not otherwise have access to employment.

While some debate whether sheltered workshops should continue in their current form, it’s clear that they provide a vital service to many individuals who need more specialized support. Striking the right balance between expanding competitive employment opportunities and ensuring that those who benefit from sheltered workshops are supported is key to creating a more inclusive workforce.

Looking Ahead: Creating Options for Everyone

As the conversation about employment for individuals diagnosed with disabilities continues, it’s important to recognize that both competitive employment and sheltered workshops have a place in the broader landscape. Every individual diagnosed with a disability deserves the opportunity to contribute in a way that is meaningful to them, whether that means working in an integrated community job or thriving in a sheltered workshop environment.

At Sunnyhill, we believe in empowering all individuals diagnosed with disabilities to reach their full potential. Sheltered workshops provide an essential stepping stone for many people, offering a space to build confidence, develop skills, and experience the fulfillment of work. For those able to transition to competitive employment, we encourage and support that path. But for others, sheltered workshops remain a valuable option that provides purpose, stability, and connection.

Navigating Employment and Transportation Challenges: One Woman's Journey

Each October, we recognize National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) to celebrate the many contributions of individuals diagnosed with disabilities to America’s workplaces and economy. The theme for NDEAM 2024 is “Access to Good Jobs for All,” emphasizing the importance of creating equitable employment opportunities. This theme resonates deeply with the experience of one-woman receiving support from Sunnyhill’s Independent Supported Living Assistance (ISLA) program.

A resident of St. Louis County, she has proudly worked at Cardinal Ritter in Shrewsbury for over 12 years. Her work brings her great pride but commuting to and from her job has become a significant daily challenge. Due to concerns about safety, public transportation is no longer a viable option, and she lacks access to services like VIA or OATS. As a result, she now relies on cabs, costing her $51.40 each day—$25.70 per trip.

The high transportation costs are a major financial burden, and alternatives like Lyft and Uber aren’t much better, with prices fluctuating between $18 and $60 depending on factors like demand and weather. While Call-A-Ride offers a more affordable option, it comes with long travel times—up to two hours each way—making a normal workday much longer and more draining. For a 9 AM shift, for example, she must be picked up by 6:45 AM and often doesn’t return home until 6 PM.

Her challenges don’t stop at transportation. Like many others, her situation is complicated by income suppression requirements to maintain her Medicaid coverage. In order to keep her vital healthcare benefits, she must keep her earnings below a certain threshold. The high cost of transportation cuts into her already limited income, making it even more difficult to remain financially stable while also working. This delicate balance between maintaining employment and retaining healthcare access adds additional stress to her daily life.

Her story is a powerful reflection of the barriers many individuals diagnosed with disabilities face in their pursuit of meaningful employment. Despite these challenges, her dedication to her job remains unwavering, embodying the resilience shared by so many across the nation.

As we observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the theme “Access to Good Jobs for All” reminds us of the critical need to address barriers like transportation and income suppression. Individuals like her should not have to choose between maintaining employment and keeping their healthcare.

This October let’s not only celebrate the contributions of individuals diagnosed with disabilities but also work together to remove the obstacles in their way—because everyone deserves access to good jobs, financial independence, and reliable transportation.

Interactions Between Employment and Benefits

One of the most significant challenges for individuals diagnosed with disabilities in Missouri is navigating the complex interaction between multiple benefit programs. Employment can be a double-edged sword; while it provides an opportunity for financial independence and personal fulfillment, earning an income can directly affect eligibility and benefit amounts for essential programs like Medicaid, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), and SSI (Supplemental Security Income). Understanding these interactions is crucial for individuals seeking to balance work and benefits.

The Impact of Income on Benefits

In Missouri, individuals diagnosed with disabilities can face considerable obstacles when trying to enter or maintain employment due to the potential repercussions on their benefits:

  • SSI Payments: An increase in earned income can lead to a reduction in SSI payments. For example, SSI recipients have a $65 monthly income exclusion, meaning the first $65 of earned income does not count against their benefits. However, beyond this threshold, their SSI payments can decrease by $1 for every $2 earned, which may create anxiety about whether the additional income will truly benefit them financially.

  • SNAP Benefits: Similarly, earning income can impact SNAP benefits. In Missouri, the income limits for SNAP eligibility are based on household size and gross income. For a single-person household, the gross monthly income limit is $1,473, and for a two-person household, it's $1,984. If individuals diagnosed with disabilities earn above these limits, they risk losing critical food assistance. This fear often discourages individuals from seeking employment, as the financial gains may not outweigh the potential loss of essential support.

  • Medicaid Coverage: Medicaid in Missouri operates under different programs, including MO HealthNet for Adults and the Ticket to Work Health Assurance Program. If an individual exceeds certain income thresholds, their coverage may transition from standard MO HealthNet to the Ticket to Work program, which comes with a monthly premium that increases with income. This can create financial stress, particularly if the individual is not earning enough to cover these costs comfortably.

Resources for Understanding Benefits

The Disability Benefits 101 Estimator Tool (available at www.mo.db101.org) serves as a valuable resource for individuals diagnosed with disabilities. This tool helps users simulate different income scenarios and understand how earnings can impact their benefits. Despite its usefulness, the complexity of benefits interactions can still create anxiety for many individuals considering employment. The intricate rules governing how income affects each program can be daunting, and individuals may feel overwhelmed by the potential consequences of their choices.

Challenges and Considerations

1. Fear of Losing Benefits

The fear of losing critical health coverage, food assistance, or SSI payments remains one of the most significant barriers to employment for individuals diagnosed with disabilities. Even with work incentives such as the 1619(b) provision, which allows SSI recipients to keep Medicaid coverage despite earning too much for SSI cash payments, the anxiety surrounding potential benefit loss often deters individuals from entering the workforce. Many worry that even small earnings could lead to significant losses in their safety net, creating a reluctance to pursue employment opportunities.

2. Navigating Complex Rules

Understanding the interaction between various benefit programs and their employment rules is a daunting task. Each program has its own set of regulations regarding income and employment, making it challenging for individuals to anticipate how their work will affect their benefits. Missouri's Medicaid and SNAP programs, for instance, have different income calculations and limits, which can create confusion. The lack of clear communication and accessible information about these interactions often leaves individuals feeling uncertain about their options.

3. Need for Support Services

Many individuals diagnosed with disabilities require additional support services to successfully enter or maintain employment. Services such as job coaching, accommodations, and benefits counseling can make a significant difference in helping individuals navigate the complexities of the employment landscape. However, access to these services can be limited, and without proper support, many individuals may struggle to find or maintain jobs.

4. Transportation and Access Issues

Finding reliable transportation and accessible work environments poses another major hurdle for individuals diagnosed with disabilities. In Missouri, transportation options can be limited, particularly in rural areas, making it difficult for individuals to commute to jobs. Furthermore, not all employers offer accommodations for employees with disabilities, which can restrict opportunities for those who are capable and willing to work.

Get Involved: Community & Fundraising Events

🌞 Introducing the Sunny Day Fund! 🌞

We’re excited to unveil the Sunny Day Fund, a vital resource dedicated to providing temporary relief for individuals supported by Sunnyhill who encounter challenges such as health expenses, utility costs, food insecurity, and housing instability. This fund serves as a crucial safety net, alleviating stress from these barriers and enabling individuals to focus on their personal goals and overall well-being.

How It Works:
Starting now, 10% of all donations and fundraising proceeds will be directed to the Sunny Day Fund, ensuring a sustainable impact in times of need. For those inspired to make an even greater difference, donations can also be fully dedicated to the Sunny Day Fund to enhance its reach and assist more individuals in overcoming immediate hardships. Our community requires approximately $250,000 each year in emergency support to help individuals maintain their independence and thrive.

How You Can Help:

  • Make a Donation: Your contribution addresses urgent needs, providing essential resources for health, housing, and daily necessities.

  • Spread the Word: Help us expand our support network by sharing the Sunny Day Fund with friends, family, and colleagues.

  • Get Involved: Participate in volunteer opportunities and events that strengthen the Sunny Day Fund’s impact.

Together, we can make life's challenges a little easier to navigate, one sunny day at a time! 🌞

#SunnyDayFund #SupportSunnyhill #ReliefAndHope

Upcoming Events:

  • Let It Snow Annual Appeal

    At Sunnyhill, we believe in creating a supportive and inclusive community for individuals with developmental disabilities. Your generous contributions play a vital role in ensuring that we can continue providing essential programs and services that empower and uplift those we serve.

Shine your light of generosity on those supported by Sunnyhill’s programs and services this holiday season. For all donations over $250, contributors will receive a custom resin snowflake created by a Sunnyhill artist.

Advocacy Point: Support for Employment

Missouri has made strides in providing protections and incentives for individuals diagnosed with disabilities to maintain their benefits while working, but there is still much work to be done. Key improvements could include:

  • Simplifying Communication: Clearer guidelines on how benefits interact with employment will empower individuals to make informed decisions about their work options.

  • Enhancing Job Accommodations: Increasing access to flexible scheduling and remote work options can help individuals navigate the workforce more effectively.

  • Improving Benefits Counseling: Comprehensive benefits counseling is essential for individuals to understand their options and the impact of work on their benefits. Investing in training for counselors will be beneficial.

By equipping individuals diagnosed with disabilities with the right tools and support, Missouri can foster an environment where more people achieve meaningful employment without jeopardizing their health and wellness benefits.

At Sunnyhill, we are dedicated to supporting individuals diagnosed with disabilities as they navigate employment and the benefits system. If you or a loved one face challenges related to employment and benefits, reach out for guidance. With the right resources, balancing work and essential benefits is possible. We are committed to helping individuals of all abilities find meaningful work that suits their unique needs—whether through competitive employment or sheltered workshops. Together, we can create a more inclusive workforce in Missouri that empowers everyone to thrive and ensures that individuals diagnosed with disabilities have access to fulfilling and dignified employment options tailored to their abilities. Join us in advocating for a brighter future where everyone can contribute to their community.

Wellness Focus: Caregivers Corner

Caregivers play a crucial role in supporting their loved ones with disabilities who aspire to work while ensuring they receive fair treatment. To effectively provide support, caregivers should encourage self-advocacy by helping their loved ones learn about workplace rights and promoting open communication about their needs. It’s also important for caregivers to educate themselves on disability employment laws and available support resources, discussing how employment can impact benefits.

In assisting with job searches, caregivers should identify opportunities that match their loved one's skills and interests, while also providing support in crafting resumes and preparing for interviews. Additionally, caregivers should help determine necessary workplace accommodations and assist in communicating these needs to employers. Monitoring for fair treatment is essential, so caregivers should watch for signs of discrimination and know the proper channels for reporting issues.

Collaboration with employers and support services can enhance job success; caregivers can engage job coaches and maintain communication about their loved one’s needs. Promoting a healthy work-life balance is also vital, as caregivers can help manage schedules and develop coping strategies for stress. Furthermore, caregivers should explore available resources, such as support networks and tools that can provide valuable information on benefits.

Finally, caregivers can advocate for policy changes by engaging with disability rights organizations and reaching out to legislators for inclusive policies. By taking these steps, caregivers can significantly impact their loved ones' employment goals and ensure they thrive in competitive integrated employment. At Sunnyhill, we’re here to support you—reach out for guidance, resources, or assistance because meaningful employment is within reach!

Funder Highlight: Sippin for Sunnyhill Sponsors

On behalf of everyone at Sunnyhill, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who are making Sippin' for Sunnyhill event on November 7, 2024, a resounding success! Your participation and generosity will have a lasting impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities, helping them lead more independent and fulfilling lives.

We would like to give special thanks to our generous sponsors. Our $2,500 Pit Row Sponsors included Cass Commercial Bank, Heffernan Insurance Brokers, and United Heartland. Our $1,000 Garage Sponsors were Busey Bank, Everspring Pharmacy, Heirloom Wealth Partners, and Sean King of Edward Jones. Additionally, our $500 Infield Sponsors included Color Art, Koala Insulation, and Enterprise Bank & Trust, Leslie Miles and Sharon & Bill Dodds. We are also grateful to our silent auction contributors: Chicken n’ Pickle - St. Charles, City Winery, Diane Heck, Jennifer Seiler and Thrivent.

Furthermore, we want to acknowledge the talented artists behind the 2024 Sunnyhill Artwear Collection, which is included with each VIP ticket. Your support through the silent auction and Kendra Scott’s “Shine Bright, Do Good” event has significantly furthered our mission. Together, we are making a difference in our community. Thank you once again for your generosity and commitment to Sunnyhill!

Executive Message: Amy Wheeler, CEO

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time to honor the contributions of individuals diagnosed with disabilities to the workforce. At Sunnyhill, we recognize that the journey toward employment is unique for each person. In Missouri, options like competitive employment and sheltered workshops each play a vital role in fostering empowerment and fulfillment. Competitive roles allow individuals to work alongside others in the community at minimum wage, enhancing independence and social inclusion. Sheltered workshops, meanwhile, provide a supportive environment for those who may need more tailored accommodations, allowing them to work meaningfully at their own pace.

At Sunnyhill, we’re committed to advocating for balanced, inclusive employment pathways. For individuals who can pursue competitive employment, we offer encouragement and support, and for others, we celebrate the stability and community that sheltered workshops provide. As we raise awareness this month, let us work together to remove employment barriers, ensuring that every person has the chance to engage in fulfilling work and contribute to their community. I invite you to join us this month in raising awareness and support for employment opportunities for individuals diagnosed with disabilities. Your involvement—whether through our Sunny Day Fund, Let It Snow Appeal, or by attending events like Sippin’ for Sunnyhill—makes an impact. Together, we can create a more inclusive workforce, where every individual, regardless of ability, has access to the fulfilling work they deserve.

Thank you for your continued commitment to lighting the path to empowered living for individuals diagnosed with developmental disabilities.

This is where the link will jump to Director's Corner

Director’s Corner:

  • Amy Guignon, Applied Behavioral Services
    Update for October 2024.

  • Jayne Grisham, Adventures Camp & Travel
    Update for October 2024.

  • Tamico Jones, Advocacy & Family Navigation Services
    Sunnyhill’s Trunk or Treat was a huge success with over 200 attendees.

  • Becky Mullins, Greater St. Louis ISL & Waiver
    Sunnyhill has had the opportunity to provide part-time employment opportunities to people we support in our 24-hour waiver department. We currently employ 5 people who work to maintain the cleanliness and appearance of our main office. These positions build an array of job skills including physical tasks, appropriate socialization skills, adhering to a dress code, timeliness and the opportunity to improve budgeting skills. We are very proud of the progress that each person has made during their time in the office and look forward to them continuing to learn and grow.

  • Megan Shoults, Jefferson County ISL & Waiver
    We successfully transitioned the management of two additional homes, ensuring a smooth handover. The State Fire Marshal recently visited the Sunnyhill Independence Center, finding no deficiencies and praising its organization and beauty. We are thrilled to congratulate Rachel Gipperich on her promotion to Program Specialist and Krystal Smith on her promotion to Home Manager; both have been valuable team members for over a year, and we look forward to supporting their continued growth in their new roles.

  • Amanda Kehoe, Individualized Supporting Living Assistance (ISLA) and Pre-ISLA
    We are working hard to fill open positions in the ISLA department. The ISLA team is focused on recruiting and maintaining high-quality of care for the people supported.

  • Jennifer Gibbs, Nursing
    Update for October 2024.

  • Kathleen Branson, CFO
    Update for October 2024.

  • Kelly Scarcliff, Human Resources
    Update for October 2024.

  • Interested in learning about employment opportunities at Sunnyhill? Visit our career listings on Indeed.

  • Jim Schmitt, Information Technology & Security Services
    Update for October 2024.

  • Chris Shoults, Facility & Maintenance
    We have been actively working on updating the bunkhouses at Sunnyhill Adventures and getting ready for the 2025 season.

🎁 SPECIAL GIFT: With every snowflake purchase over $250, you’ll receive a stunning handmade snowflake crafted by our talented artist community! This unique piece symbolizes the difference you're making in their lives and serves as a beautiful reminder of the joy of giving. Shine your light of generosity and warmth this holiday season.



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Breaking the Silence: Overcoming Communication Barriers