Abstract:

This presentation will examine the ways that peer support, normalized campus work experiences and off campus internships, influence the development of specific job skills, work related social skills, self determination and career choices in young adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. The presentation will demonstrate how typical on campus work experiences are task analyzed and how iPad/smart phone technology is used to provide visual support to job coaching. The use of peer mentors as job coaches will be discussed including training issues and the benefits of peer delivered support in natural work settings. A student case study will be presented from his perspective, in his words.

An important outcome of post-secondary education is the development of a career path, the skills to obtain employment and adapt to complex and changing workplace demands. Employment outcomes for young adults with Intellectual Disabilities lag far behind their non-disabled peers. This presentation will explore how a program of career exploration and work experiences on a college campus can provide opportunities for skill development. The presentation will describe how peer mentors may be used for employment support and will evaluate the experience from the perspective of mentors and students with disabilities.

The presentation will include information regarding the preparation of mentors providing job support. It will provide examples of the use of iPad/smart phone technology for instruction, evaluation of student performance and visual feedback to students to improve the development of skills. This information may be used to improve college high school and community employment supports.

Keywords:

Intellectual Disability, career exploration, peer mentors, iPAD/smart phone technology.