Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation - Volume 61, issue 2

Authors: Downey, Angelica | Dukes, Charles | Kearney, Kelly B. | Ramasamy, Rangasamy | Torres, Ayse | Carey, Gwendolyn | Adams, Kaley | Kenney, Stefanie

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: College students with Intellectual Disability (ID) are afforded many educational opportunities through Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (IPSE) programs, including employment training. Competitive employment can contribute to a rich independent life, thus more employment training opportunities can be beneficial. Low employment rates for adults with ID have motivated these efforts to develop proper employment training. In the past, on-the-job (OTJ) training with a job coach was one of the only supports for adults with ID in the workplace. Now, there are a variety of evidence-based strategies that can be used in the workplace or in other community settings, such as Covert …Audio Coaching (CAC), to teach adults with ID the skills they need to maintain a job. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine if CAC would increase on-topic workplace communication skills for college students with ID. METHODS: This study used a multiple probe design to examine the effects of CAC on teaching workplace communication skills to college students with ID in a real-world setting. In this study, students interned in an office setting and spoke to a co-worker at their work setting while the interventionist used a two-way radio system to provide coaching statements to the student during their conversations. RESULTS: All students in this study increased their on-topic communication exchanges and these results demonstrate that CAC is an effective intervention for this population. CONCLUSION: CAC can be used as an employment support for adults with ID, specifically in the community setting. Limitations and implications of this study were further described at the end of the article. Show more

Keywords: Covert audio coaching, intellectual disability, communication, employment

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-240038

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 61, no. 2, pp. 289-301, 2024

Authors: Vincent, Jonathan | Harkry, Lisa | Hamilton, Lorna G.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Autistic individuals face challenges accessing employment, particularly as a result of limited knowledge and understanding of autism. OBJECTIVE: This mixed methods study aimed to measure levels of knowledge of autism and examine hiring attitudes in the workplace. METHODS: To determine knowledge of autism, N = 101 professionals in the United Kingdom responded to a survey that included the Autism Stigma & Knowledge Questionnaire (ASK-Q). Open-ended and closed-ended questions were used to examine hiring attitudes and particularly perceived barriers or drivers to employment for autistic candidates. Nine respondents took part in further semi-structured interviews. RESULTS: Findings …report adequate knowledge with a lack of stigma endorsement. Data also indicate a significant relationship between self-reported autism knowledge and the overall ASK-Q total. Autism knowledge was statistically significantly higher in participants who knew an autistic individual through work and where professionals or their companies had knowingly employed an autistic person. Qualitative data provide nuanced understanding about barriers and the possibilities for more inclusive autistic employment. CONCLUSION: A strong case was made for understanding the needs and strengths of individuals in order to generate a diversity climate in the workplace. Show more

Keywords: Autism, diversity, employment, knowledge, hiring attitudes, workplace

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-240039

Citation: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 61, no. 2, pp. 303-314, 2024