Start with a vision: our thoughts on the Disability Royal Commission’s Recommendations for employment for people with intellectual disabilities

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People with intellectual disabilities find it difficult to find meaningful work, to feel safe in the workplace, and to feel like they belong. In this article, two self-advocates with intellectual disabilities and two of their supporters discuss what meaningful work for people with intellectual disabilities means to them. Several recommendations from the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation (the Commission)) on employment for people with disabilities are discussed. The authors also call for better working conditions, more choice in the types of employment, and equitable wages. The Australian Government needs to have a vision of employment for people with intellectual disabilities and they need to involve people with intellectual disabilities in making the changes that are needed.