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John Shepard

John Shepard is a Data Analyst at the Institute for Community Inclusion, University of Massachusetts Boston. He works on various projects related to tracking national and state-level employment trends, and monitoring and improving employment outcomes for people with disabilities. He is responsible for creating and managing databases, analyzing datasets for intervention research projects, recruiting and tracking participants, and secondary data analysis of large datasets. His current work includes tracking and analyzing employment outcomes for people with disabilities in both Massachusetts and Maryland, and analyzing state and national employment outcomes and demographics.

What People with IDD Want You to Know about HCBS Waiver Employment Services

This Research to Practice brief examines the perspectives of people with IDD and their families on Medicaid HCBS waiver employment services through focus groups and interviews. The study explores experiences with employment supports, service delivery systems, and funding structures, identifying key barriers and opportunities to improve access to meaningful integrated employment. Findings highlight the importance of high-quality, person-centered services, improved coordination across systems, stable and skilled employment support staff, and increased access to transportation and technology supports.

Working in the Community—Update 4, The Status and Outcomes of People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Integrated Employment

This Special Issue Data Brief examines the employment experiences and outcomes of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who receive services through state IDD systems. Using data from nearly 17,000 adults across 30 states and Washington, DC, the brief explores rates of community employment, the types of jobs and industries people work in, and how individuals spend their time throughout the week.

What are the Most Important HCBS Waiver Elements for Increasing Integrated Employment Participation? Results of a Delphi Process with IDD Agency Staff

This Research to Practice brief examines how state Medicaid HCBS waiver design affects access to integrated employment for people with IDD by analyzing state funding policies, identifying predictors of better employment participation, and gathering expert input through a Delphi panel. Findings indicate that strong funding incentives and staff capacity are most critical for improving employment outcomes, while transportation remains a major barrier.

The Relationship between State IDD Agency Employment Payment Methods and Employment Service Provision for People with IDD

This Research to Practice brief highlights findings from a study analyzing 101 Medicaid HCBS waivers and national survey data to explore how waiver features relate to integrated employment services. The study identifies policy elements that may enhance employment outcomes for individuals with IDD across the U.S.

Supporting Parents of Transition Age Youths with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Findings from a Facebook Group Using Tools from Charting the LifeCourse

This brief shares findings from a research study conducted with parents of youths with intellectual and developmental disabilities who participated in a 6-month transition planning intervention. This intervention was based on content from Charting the LifeCourse’s (CtLC) Daily Life and Employment Toolkit. We delivered the intervention through a private Facebook group.

Lessons Learned from the Learning Academy: Optimizing Transition Supports for Young Adults with Autism

The Learning Academy (TLA) at the University of South Florida is a 30-week transition program for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) between the ages of 18 and 25. The program provides services, supports, and experiential opportunities, with the aim of enhancing skills that will prepare students to succeed in the workplace and postsecondary education settings.

Beyond Training: Engaging Families in the Transition to Employment

Read the brief here. We conducted an extended search of trainings provided by state agencies and service providers that are targeted towards families. Trainings in the form of written material (handbooks, brochures and computer-based courses) or given in person by service professionals, peers and others have been found to raise expectations that family members with IDD can become employed in their communities.

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