There is life after childhood, of course. Many mentally retarded individuals are quite capable of maintaining part-time or full-time employment. Mental retardation has a wide spectrum of severity, and individuals within this spectrum vary greatly in ability. Fortunately, numerous employment opportunities are suitable for this wide range of abilities. Mentally retarded employees have proven to be punctual and reliable, and they have successfully fulfilled job responsibilities in a number of vocations. Common jobs include but are not limited to: factory workers (machinists, automotive detailing, assembly, and refinishing furniture), maintenance, laundry workers, and clerks (store, mail, and data entry). The list continues to grow as more individuals with mental retardation enter the work force.
Many communities make job coaches available to mentally retarded individuals. Job coaches work directly with these individuals as they are introduced to their job duties. Job coaches may assist with job training as well. Additionally, they advise employers on ways to accommodate mentally retarded employees to help them work to their greatest capacity. As mentally retarded individuals learn the routines and techniques required by their jobs, the job coaches gradually lessen the amount of assistance they provide. Coaches generally remain available for consultation, however, even after they have ceased to work actively alongside any given client.
In addition to any income from employment, mentally retarded adults in America may also be eligible for disability benefits. Title II Social Security benefits are provided to adults who are dependent on caretakers who have retired, become disabled themselves, or have died. Additionally, mentally retarded individuals may receive benefits if they are declared unable to work because of their condition.
