Why do so many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) get told to slow down or stop working just when employment matters most? In this conversation, Leslie Quarles—direct service veteran, Employment First Missouri expert, and ICI Boston training associate—joins the show to unpack the intersection of ageism and ableism in disability services.

Rather than treating work or retirement through a one-size-fits-all lens, Leslie challenges providers, case managers, and families to rethink how aging and employment intersect across the lifespan.

Key Themes & Takeaways

• The Power of Continued Employment: Work is about more than just income; it drives identity, connection, routine, self-esteem, and community participation. Assuming someone has "worked long enough" at age 50 ignores what employment actually provides.
  
• Overcoming Institutional Assumptions: The conversation shifts dramatically between age 30 and 50. Leslie explores real-world barriers providers face, why "push versus pull" dynamics nudge people toward premature retirement, and how to address "fake retired" statuses.
  
• Holistic & Technological Support: As life expectancy increases in the IDD population, teams must implement preventative supports for memory, balance, and health changes—leveraging tools like health apps, checklists, and independent travel tech.
  
• Redefining Retirement: Retirement shouldn't mean a forced exit or an abrupt loss of social connection. Just as we ask children what they want to be when they grow up, support teams should help adults "dream" about retirement, utilizing phased transitions and Community Life Engagement models.
  
• Actionable Research & Professional Growth: Leslie shares how her field insights evolved into stakeholder-informed action research, a webinar series, and an online course, highlighting the urgent need for better staff training and cross-system problem-solving.
  

Essential listening for anyone who supports individuals with disabilities, navigates employment services, or wants to build a more thorough next chapter for aging adults.