Training Work Skills for Students with Severe and Multiple Handicapping Conditions

Abstract

The present study outlines the procedures and results of training 7 adolescent students with severe handicaps to work in various community based jobs. A series of A-B with follow-up designs were implemented as each student was placed in a work-experience site. Except for one subject, whose job was changed during the study for reasons beyond the teacher's control, all subjects reached a minimum level of 80% independent performance, in an average of 11 on-site visits. These results were achieved with the majority of subjects spending only 1 hour per week at a worksite. The outcomes of the study are encouraging given the anecdotal reports of staff and employer attitude changes towards performance and life-style expectations for people with severe and multiple handicapping conditions.