Affiliations: Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology
and Special Education, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA,
USA | Institute on Human Development and Disability,
University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
Note: [] Corresponding author: David McNaughton, 227 CEDAR Building,
Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology and Special Education,
Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA. Tel.: +1 814 865
7159; E-mail: dbm2@psu.edu
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Telework, the use of distance communication technologies
to participate in the workforce, has been suggested as a promising employment
strategy for individuals with disabilities. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to obtain a better
understanding of the benefits and negative impacts of telework, as well as the
supports and challenges to telework activities, for persons who use
augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). METHODS: This study used a series of focus group discussions,
conducted on the internet, to examine the employment experiences of nine
individuals with disabilities who used AAC and who held jobs that involved the
use of telework. RESULTS: Four major themes emerged from the discussion: (a) benefits
of telework, (b) negative impacts of telework, (c) strategies for addressing
negative impacts of telework, and (d) recommendations for improving employment
outcomes for individuals who use AAC. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, while participants identified the
elimination of travel time and flexible work schedules as key strengths of
telework, concerns were expressed regarding feelings of isolation and the
difficulty in separating home and work environments. The participants also
emphasized the important role of educational programs in supporting the
acquisition of literacy and self-advocacy skills, and the need for
post-secondary programs to support the school-to-workplace transition.
Keywords: Employment, severe disability, cerebral palsy, autism, assistive technology
