Characteristics and professional development needs of staff working in employment services for people with a disability

Abstract

Employment services for people with a disability have undergone significant changes in recent years. There is now a much wider range of employment options for this population than in the past. In addition, many sheltered workshops and adult training centres have moved away from a custodial and welfare approach, to service models that promote the independence and the job skills of people with a disability. However, the characteristics and the professional development needs of the staff in these changed settings are largely unknown. The present study examined these issues in employment services for people with a disability in a regional centre in Australia. The results of the study are discussed in terms of the ability of staff to meet the increasing vocational expectations of people with a disability and their families.