Affiliations: Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Supported Employment, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
Note: [] The authors express their sincere appreciation to Mr. Ron Inlow, Mr. Randy Morton, and the many employees of the University of Richmond Food Services who have contributed to this and prior reports on supported employment participants and practices. Preparation of this manuscript was supported in part by Cooperative Agreement #H133B30071 from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR). No official endorsement from either DOE or NIDRR should be assumed.
Abstract: This article descn'bes the use of positive behavioral support in the workplace for an individual with severe mental retardation and chronic job-threatening behaviors. Multiple interventions, including differential reinforcement, permanent prompts, and coworker support were used in an AB design for two unappealing behaviors, inappropriate nose wiping and loud snorting noises. Coworker and supervisor assessments of behavioral change were far more positive than the data indicate, likely because of the effect of renewed social contact on perceptions of the individual and his behaviors.
Keywords: Severe mental retardation, Behavior management, Employment, Vocational rehabilitation
