Research Database: Article Details
| Citation: | Brown, L., & Kessler, K. (2014). Generating integrated work sites for individuals with significant intellectual disabilities. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 40 (2), 85-97. |
| Title: | Generating integrated work sites for individuals with significant intellectual disabilities |
| Authors: | Brown, L., & Kessler, K. |
| Year: | 2014 |
| Journal/Publication: | Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation |
| Publisher: | IOS Press |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.3233/JVR-140675 |
| Full text: | https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-vocational-rehabil... |
| Peer-reviewed? | Yes |
| NIDILRR-funded? | No |
Structured abstract:
| Background: | Many individuals with significant intellectual disabilities are able to enter supported employment in the real world with a real job. However many do not and end up in sheltered workshops or activity centers away from the community. This is mainly due to poorly trained professionals and a lack of opportunities for competitive employment; this has little to do with intellectual capability. More opportunities for competitive employment of individuals with significant disabilities must be generated. |
| Purpose: | The purpose of this article is to propose an 8 step plan to generate real work opportunities for people with significant intellectual disabilities. |
| Findings: | Step 1-Generate a comprehensive integrated worksite inventory. Each year more and more worksites see individuals with significant intellectual disabilities function effectively in them. Someone must take inventory of those sites and make that information available. Step 2-Generate a comprehensive work task inventory. Similar to the above step, with work tasks this time. Step 3-Generate integrated work sites. As increasing numbers of people with significant intellectual disabilities gain access to integrated work sites those sites must become accessible to even more individuals. However the site must not be “overloaded” or it will terminate the employment of persons with significant intellectual disabilities. A good rule is to limit persons with significant intellectual disabilities to 2% of the workforce at that site. Step 4-Conduct a work skill analysis. Determine what work is being produced and if an individual with significant intellectual disabilities can do that work in a way that contributes to the business. Step 5-Make a personalized worker to work site match Step 6-Provide authentic assessment and instruction Step 7-Maximize natural supervision. Natural supervision refers to supervision that would be provided if the individual was not disabled. Step 8-Arrange for long term supports |