UCLA

Most of the current developmental disability research focuses on childhood prevention and intervention. However, there is a substantial need for more research to focus on practical adaptation issues for adults with developmental disabilities. Working age individuals with developmental disabilities exhibit significantly lower employment, higher underemployment, higher “malemployment,” and higher job switching rates as compared to the general population. The current study aimed to investigate: (1) the past and current vocational and support experiences of the participants according to parent report (2) the participant outcomes as a result of engaging in an apprenticeship model employment program, and potential factors associated with outcomes (3) whether the novel “Secret Shopper” observational assessments are able to measure change in vocational skills. Data from the current study suggests that the apprenticeship model of employment as well as the Secret Shopper observational assessment are both promising, and in need of further study with a larger sample size. Parent interview data regarding past and current experiences of the participants in the program suggest 6 major themes: 1. With the right supports, difficulties associated with disabilities may be fostered into great benefits 2. Fierce and prolonged advocacy from parents 3. Greater independence in daily living activities 4. Previous positive work experience 5. Collaboration occurring between educational and vocational service systems, and 6. Unprompted negativity. Information gained from the current study provides this population, in desperate need of better supports, with preliminary information regarding the effectiveness of the apprenticeship model of employment for the greatly underserved population of adults with developmental disabilities.