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Agnieszka Zalewska

AGNIESZKA “AGNES” ZALEWSKA, MPH is a Research Associate at the Institute for Community Inclusion at the University of Massachusetts Boston. She works on various projects related to improving employment outcomes for people with disabilities. Over the years, Ms. Zalewska’s work included evaluating interventions, researching practices conducive to transition from school to employment, and supporting collection of the state data on employment outcomes. Prior to her work at ICI, Ms. Zalewska worked for three years as a mental health outreach/residential counselor, and then received her Master of Public Health degree at Northeastern University.

What People with IDD Want You to Know about HCBS Waiver Employment Services

This Research to Practice brief examines the perspectives of people with IDD and their families on Medicaid HCBS waiver employment services through focus groups and interviews. The study explores experiences with employment supports, service delivery systems, and funding structures, identifying key barriers and opportunities to improve access to meaningful integrated employment. Findings highlight the importance of high-quality, person-centered services, improved coordination across systems, stable and skilled employment support staff, and increased access to transportation and technology supports.

What are the Most Important HCBS Waiver Elements for Increasing Integrated Employment Participation? Results of a Delphi Process with IDD Agency Staff

This Research to Practice brief examines how state Medicaid HCBS waiver design affects access to integrated employment for people with IDD by analyzing state funding policies, identifying predictors of better employment participation, and gathering expert input through a Delphi panel. Findings indicate that strong funding incentives and staff capacity are most critical for improving employment outcomes, while transportation remains a major barrier.

The Relationship between State IDD Agency Employment Payment Methods and Employment Service Provision for People with IDD

This Research to Practice brief highlights findings from a study analyzing 101 Medicaid HCBS waivers and national survey data to explore how waiver features relate to integrated employment services. The study identifies policy elements that may enhance employment outcomes for individuals with IDD across the U.S.

Lessons Learned from the Learning Academy: Optimizing Transition Supports for Young Adults with Autism

The Learning Academy (TLA) at the University of South Florida is a 30-week transition program for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) between the ages of 18 and 25. The program provides services, supports, and experiential opportunities, with the aim of enhancing skills that will prepare students to succeed in the workplace and postsecondary education settings.

Considering Community Service: Building Self-Determination Skills for Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder

This guide offers practical solutions for transition coordinators, educators, and others who want to implement community service activities that build skills for youth with ASD. This publication addresses building self-determination skills. Other publications in the toolkit focus on career exploration and social skills.

Considering Community Service: Career Development for Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorder

This guide offers practical solutions for transition coordinators, educators, and others who want to implement community service activities that build skills for youth with ASD. This publication addresses career exploration. Other publications in the toolkit focus on social skills and self-determination.
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