The Work Expectations Of Individuals With Developmental Disabilities

Download or read book The Work Expectations of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities written by Jenni Smith and published by . This book was released on 2012 with total page 180 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Abstract: The purpose of the present study was to explore the work expectations of adults with developmental disabilities. Forty six adults with developmental disabilities who received services from the Regional Center of Orange County were interviewed using a forced choice survey regarding concerns about work activities, their awareness of supported employment, and perceptions of the work supports they need in order to successfully obtain and retain employment. Severity of intellectual disability was examined to determine if it influenced work expectations. Descriptive statistics, frequencies, and independent samples t-tests were used to analyze survey responses. Results indicated that adults with developmental disabilities think about work often and would like to be more independent by paying for things on their own with money they earn. Participants also indicated a preference for competitive employment with workplace supports in the service industry or in working class jobs. These individuals expressed a desire to work, on average, 11 to 20 hours a week. Their greatest concern about work activities was receiving appropriate workplace supports, and the work support viewed as most important was provision of a job coach. Responses to the vast majority of survey items did not significantly differ according to the severity of the individual's intellectual disabilities.