Positive behaviour support and supported employment for adults with severe disability

Abstract

Background Functional assessments and supported employment procedures have the potential to enhance quality of life factors for adults who have historically been isolated.

Method Functional assessments and supported employment procedures were used to assist four adults with severe disability who exhibited challenging behaviour, to achieve community access and employment. Hypothesis-driven interventions were used to decrease problem behaviours and increase access to job-related activities in the community.

Results All participants met criterion on task analysed job performance. When participants were involved in community settings and job training, an immediate and complete absence of problem behaviour occurred within those settings.

Conclusions Findings emphasise the importance of positive behavioural supports and community access in the lives of adults who have historically been isolated.

Keywords:

• challenging behaviour
• adults
• employment
• positive behaviour support
• severe disability