And, still laughing.
There’s a particular kind of laughter that shows up when people have lived through enough systems change to know two things at once: that the work matters deeply—and that taking ourselves too seriously won’t get us very far.
That spirit framed our recent conversation with Cary Griffin, a longtime leader and truth-teller in the field of customized employment. We came together to discuss what’s shifting at the federal level, what those changes mean on the ground, and how individuals with disabilities and families can continue to shape meaningful employment journeys in an increasingly uncertain environment. https://theshiningbeautifulseries.com/podcast/
Current Realities
The headlines can feel heavy. Policy priorities change. Funding structures wobble. Programs are renamed, restructured, or reduced. Families and self-advocates are often left translating vague language into very real, very personal decisions.
And yet—this conversation wasn’t rooted in fear.
It was rooted in perspective.
Cary reminded us that customized employment was never about fitting people into tidy systems. It has always been about creativity, alignment, relationships, and listening deeply—to individuals, to businesses, and to communities. Those fundamentals don’t disappear when administrations change. In many ways, they become even more important.
We talked about what it looks like to:
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Stay grounded when policy signals are confusing or discouraging
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Reframe employment as an evolving journey rather than a fixed outcome
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Help individuals and families focus on strengths, contributions, and relationships instead of program limitations
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Keep joy, humor, and humanity at the center of serious work
There was laughter—real, unfiltered laughter—because sometimes humor is how we tell the truth gently enough to hear it ourselves.
What emerged most clearly was this:
Customized employment isn’t fragile. It’s resilient.
It adapts. It stretches. It invites people to build with their communities rather than waiting for perfect conditions that never quite arrive.
For individuals with disabilities and families navigating employment right now, the message was steady and reassuring: you are not behind, you are not failing, and you are not alone. There are still pathways forward. They may look different than they did a few years ago—but difference does not mean defeat.
This moment calls for creativity, courage, and connection. It calls for honest conversations, shared laughter, and practical strategies that meet people where they are.
We’re still working.
Still believing.
Still building what comes next—together.
Here is a checklist to keep you motivated and powerful.
✅ Employment Journey Checklist
For Self-Advocates and Families — Navigating Change Together
Employment journeys are stronger when people and families are aligned, listening to one another, and moving at a shared pace. Use the sections that apply to you—and come back to them often.
1. Start With the Person
For Self-Advocates
☐ What do I enjoy doing?
☐ What am I good at—or learning to do better?
☐ What makes me feel proud or useful?
For Families
☐ What brings energy, joy, or calm to my family member?
☐ What strengths do I see others often overlook?
☐ How can I listen more and assume less?
2. Define What “Good Work” Means
For Self-Advocates
☐ Do I like working with people, animals, things, or ideas?
☐ Do I prefer quiet or busy spaces?
☐ Do I like routines or variety?
For Families
☐ How can we focus on environments and tasks—not just job titles?
☐ Are we open to non-traditional roles or customized tasks?
☐ How can we honor preferences even if they change?
3. Identify Support That Works
For Self-Advocates
☐ What kind of help makes work easier for me?
☐ Who supports me well and listens to my ideas?
☐ What tools help me communicate or stay organized?
For Families
☐ Which supports are effective right now?
☐ Where are there gaps—and how can we address them without blame?
☐ Are supports adapting as the person grows?
Use Your Voice and Ask Questions
For Self-Advocates
☐ What helps me do my best work?
☐ What makes work harder than it needs to be?
☐ Who can help me explain my needs?
For Families
☐ Are we asking empowering, plain-language questions?
☐ Do we separate program limits from personal potential?
☐ Are we making space for the person’s voice to lead?
5. Prepare for Change Without Panic
For Self-Advocates
☐ It’s okay to try, change, or move on
☐ A job ending is not a failure
☐ I can learn from every experience
For Families
☐ What do we know for sure—and what is still unclear?
☐ Who can help us understand system changes?
☐ How do we stay flexible without losing direction?
6. Build and Lean on Relationships
For Self-Advocates
☐ Who encourages me?
☐ Who listens when I share ideas or worries?
☐ Who helps me think about next steps?
For Families
☐ Are we connected to other families, self-advocates, and allies?
☐ Where can we share stories and learn from others?
☐ Who reminds us we’re not alone?
7. Protect Hope and Humor
For Self-Advocates
☐ My work matters
☐ I bring something important to the world
☐ There is more than one path to a good working life
For Families
☐ Are we celebrating small wins?
☐ Are we allowing room for laughter in serious moments?
☐ Are we holding hope alongside realism?
A Shared Reminder
Customized employment is not fragile.
It grows through listening, creativity, and connection.
You are not behind.
You are building something real—together.