This 2-year pilot study aimed to investigate the effects of a job coaching application (i.e., Job Coaching on Demand) on the knowledge and competencies of teachers and job coaches that work with young adults with developmental disabilities. Due to the global pandemic, this research was conducted virtually over a 2-year period. During the first…

Objective: In order to increase employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs), professionals are tasked with designing and implementing job training services to youth preparing to enter the job market. Having a better understanding of desirable employability skills aids in allowing professionals…

Background: Although United States employment policies have increased support for people with disabilities working in community settings, the unemployment rate for this population remains very high, particularly for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Research shows that job developers (direct support professionals who assist…

The field of developmental disabilities is as multi-faceted, varied and intricate as anything imaginable. Most of the author's management and professional experience has centered on vocational opportunities and supported employment for people with significant disabilities. The author shares some thoughts and experiences about supporting people in…

This study examined the extent to which employment specialists implemented the job development practices recommended in the research literature when assisting job seekers with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Self-reported data were collected through a Web-based survey from 163 employment specialists from 74 employment programs in 28…

Intended for persons establishing job development programs for developmentally disabled individuals, this training manual details the structure and procedures of Project PLANTWORK, a 21-month demonstration program which placed approximately 70 workers with developmental disabilities into employment in horticulture industry firms or into…

Forty-nine job developers were interviewed to identify the techniques and approaches used in successful job development for individuals with developmental disabilities. The interviews addressed such topics as the source and number of employer contacts, "opening lines" to employers, mention of disability, negotiations, interviews with job seekers,…

A survey of job developers at 11 community-based adult service facilities and 2 major public school systems in rural South Dakota revealed that delivery of supported employment services to persons with developmental disabilities is affected by the rate of unemployment, community size, and percentage of service jobs. Discusses solutions to problems…

The report examines the state of the art in personpower planning for developmental disabilities (DD) services. Part 1 is a review of the literature concerning personnel in the following fields: special educators, nurses, physicians, dentists, therapists, social workers, vocational rehabilitation counselors, speech pathologists/audiologists,…