Seasonal Employment Opportunities: Preparing Adults for Summer Work Experiences
As the weather warms and spring blooms into summer, the job market begins to flourish with seasonal employment opportunities. For adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, these seasonal positions can offer valuable work experiences, fostering independence, building confidence, and creating meaningful community connections. At the Trudeau Center, our Employment Concepts program works diligently to match individuals with positions that align with their interests, strengths, and aspirations.
Take Brenda, for example, Trudeau Group Home resident, whose passion for flowers and gardening blossomed into a fulfilling seasonal position at Home Depot. For several years, Brenda has worked in the gardening section, where her enthusiasm and dedication have made her a valued team member. With support from her job coach Kim and the Trudeau Center, Brenda approaches each workday with infectious joy and determination.
“When we match someone with the right employment opportunity, we’re not just finding them a job—we’re helping them discover a sense of purpose and belonging,” says Charlotte Higham, Vice President of Adult Services at the Trudeau Center. “Seasonal positions can be particularly beneficial because they often align with an individual’s specific interests, like Brenda’s love for gardening, while providing structured support during a defined timeframe.”
Preparing adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities for seasonal employment involves comprehensive planning and support. The process begins months before the summer season, with Trudeau’s employment specialists working closely with individuals to identify their interests, strengths, and goals. This person-centered approach ensures that each job placement reflects the individual’s preferences and abilities.
The next step involves building relationships with employers who value diversity and inclusion in their workforce. The Trudeau Center has cultivated partnerships with numerous businesses throughout Rhode Island, including retail stores, garden centers, tourist attractions, and recreational facilities that typically increase staffing during the summer months.
For employers like Home Depot, hiring individuals with disabilities brings numerous benefits. Businesses gain dedicated employees who take pride in their work and contribute positively to the workplace culture. In Brenda’s case, her colleagues recognize her hard work and enthusiasm, even surprising her with balloons and flowers to show their appreciation. These meaningful connections enhance the overall work environment and demonstrate the value of inclusive hiring practices.
Job coaches play a crucial role in ensuring successful employment experiences. They provide on-site support, helping individuals learn job tasks, navigate workplace dynamics, and build relationships with colleagues. As individuals grow more confident in their roles, job coaches gradually reduce their presence, fostering greater independence while remaining available for support when needed.
“The success of seasonal employment often depends on the quality of preparation and ongoing support,” explains Cody Reidl, Program Manager, Adult Day & Employment Services. “We work with both the individual and the employer to establish clear expectations, identify potential challenges, and develop strategies for success. Our job coaches serve as bridges, ensuring effective communication and providing the right level of support at the right time.”
Beyond the immediate benefits of earning income and building work skills, seasonal employment offers opportunities for personal growth and community integration. For individuals like Brenda, who proudly declares, “I love it, I get paid for it,” the experience provides a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment that extends far beyond the workplace.
Employers interested in partnering with the Trudeau Center’s Employment Concepts program can discover the benefits of inclusive hiring while helping to create meaningful work experiences for adults with disabilities. Together, we can cultivate communities where individuals of all abilities have opportunities to contribute their unique talents and perspectives.
For Brenda and many others, seasonal employment represents more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to grow, connect, and flourish. Just as she nurtures the plants in Home Depot’s garden section, Brenda’s own growth continues to flourish in an environment of respect, support, and meaningful work.
