People with developmental disabilities depend a great deal on work for their quality of life. For these individuals, working in community-based jobs can make substantial differences in their income, relationships and level of self-esteem. The proposed research will demonstrate the application of WorkSight, a multimedia system for improved job matching for individuals with developmental disabilities. The proposed system will utilize an approach whereby individuals view computer-controlled digital video and audio clips in a self-directed manner to determine preferred job sites and job tasks. A second element of the system will allow vocational counselors to complete a skills assessment, which will then be integrated with the results of the consumer preference testing to yield a hierarchy of work situations in which the individual is both interested in and has skills for. Specific aims for Phase I include prototype development and evaluation of this system. The research focus is on field testing the WorkSight prototype to assess its effectiveness for improving the match between individuals with developmental disabilities and community-based jobs. Two previously prototyped multimedia training systems will be used to develop the WorkSight prototype. The system requirements and initial design o the system will be developed through a series of field interviews with employment professionals. The multimedia approach to job selection is suggested as a cost effective but comprehensive means of facilitating quality of life for people who have mental retardation.Anticipated Results and Implications:The results of Phase I will provide quantitative data demonstrating the technical merit and feasibility of using multimedia to effectively match individuals with developmental disabilities with community-based jobs. Additionally, Phase II will focus on further user testing and development of the system. Phase II will also include testing of virtual reality technology to investigate its applicability to job matching and its useability by adults with developmental disabilities. The WorkSight concept has commercial applications in a wide variety of vocational settings, such as in private supported-employment organizations, state vocational rehabilitation agencies and in school system transition programs.
Keywords: Mental Retardation, Job Matching, Multimedia, WorkSight
