Building Employers’ Capacity to Support Vocational Opportunities for Adults with Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

Significant research exists on the benefits and potential challenges of employing individuals with developmental disabilities (DD), including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Most of this research has focused on employment preparation and attainment practices targeted at persons with DD. There has been no knowledge synthesis related to building employer capacity. This synthesis review identifies studies that focus on perspectives of services and supports to help build employers' capacity to support vocational opportunities for adults with DD. A total of 15 studies met our inclusion criteria. Findings from this study illustrated that involvement of support workers' was viewed as the main strategy for building employer capacity. In addition, disability awareness training and education and acknowledgment of psychosocial benefits associated with of employing individuals with disabilities were identified as supports. Employer concerns related to employees with disabilities were also identified.

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