Create more employment options

The door is going to close on the Options of Linn County sheltered workshop after 40-plus years of serving a real need in our community.

This program was started by parents of adult children with intellectual and developmental disabilities because of a legitimate need. As it grew, it was moved under management and operation by the county.

There are not enough words to describe the depth and the breadth of good produced by this single program. It will be sorely missed.

Many of the workers at Options were there because they could not work in an integrated setting, whether because of behavioral issues, physical limitations, safety concerns or other reasons. Options staff addressed all of these issues and concerns within the workshop. In the future, these workers will have to compete with minimum wage employees without developmental disabilities. Many of the current workers at Options will be unemployed.

There is only one question left: what can we do now?

Visit one of the local sheltered workshops like Options and see for yourself how they work. Volunteer at one of the agencies that advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Demand elected officials change laws that limit employment choices for this community. Write letters to your congressman, the governor, the Secretary of Labor, the newspaper and others.

Next time you are in a place of business, ask if they employ people with intellectual disabilities. If they say no, ask, 'Why not?”

Business owners and managers, find some work to send to a sheltered workshop, or hire an employee with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

As it has been said, when one door closes, another opens. Although the door at Options is closing, it is now up to all of us to open the next door; these workers cannot do it alone.

' Craig Harwood lives in Cedar Rapids and is married with three children, his oldest is an intellectually disabled adult working at Options of Linn County. Comments: optionsadvocate@gmail.com