Document Type

Presentation

Publication Date

4-7-2026

Faculty Mentor

Nadine Hanner

Abstract

This capstone project aimed to address the gap in community-based vocational opportunities for adults with disabilities within a day program setting. It was identified that participants lacked consistent opportunities to engage in real-world work experiences, which limited their ability to develop vocational skills and explore meaningful roles within the community. This gap was further compounded by a limited number of local businesses willing or prepared to establish partnerships with the program. Additionally, staff reported having insufficient resources and tools to effectively develop and sustain these partnerships, creating a significant barrier to expanding vocational opportunities.

The purpose of this project was to develop a practical, accessible, and sustainable toolkit to support staff in building and maintaining partnerships with local businesses. The toolkit was designed to include structured outreach strategies, communication templates, and step-by-step guidance to reduce barriers to business engagement and promote consistency in partnership development.

Project objectives included increasing the number and diversity of community-based work opportunities, enhancing participants’ vocational skill development and role exploration, and promoting the long-term sustainability of community partnerships. Implementation involved collaboration with program staff and stakeholders, as well as the introduction of the toolkit through education and ongoing support.

Outcomes with a staff survey indicated improved staff confidence in initiating and maintaining business partnerships, reduced perceived barriers to outreach, and increased potential for sustainable community engagement. Overall, this project highlights the effectiveness of structured resources in supporting staff and expanding meaningful vocational opportunities for adults with disabilities.

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