Self-directed career preference selection for individuals with intellectual disabilities: Using computer technology to enhance self-determination

Abstract

Objectives: To conduct a preliminary study investigating the application of a self-directed video and audio software program to assist individuals with intellectual disabilities to express their vocational job preferences. A working software prototype, called WorkSight, was developed and field tested. Study design: The effectiveness of theWorkSight approach was assessed by comparing it to currently used career assessment tools via ratings by educators and agency professionals. WorkSight was also tested in terms of its efficacy to match the job preferences that were predicted by the same educators and agency professionals. A total of 25 adults with intellectual disabilities participated in this study. Results: Adults with intellectual disabilities were able to use the computer-based job preference assessment to determine career and job priorities. Conclusions: The use of technology providing multimedia-based work information has promise to enable persons with intellectual disabilities to express preferences and to improve job placement and matching activities.