Title

The importance of employability skills for students with disabilities

Abstract

A misalignment exists between instruction provided in schools for students with disabilities preparing for employment and the employers’ expectations for entry-level employees. Task-related social behaviors are one set of necessary skills individuals with and without...
Show moreA misalignment exists between instruction provided in schools for students with disabilities preparing for employment and the employers’ expectations for entry-level employees. Task-related social behaviors are one set of necessary skills individuals with and without disabilities need to maintain employment. This study compared descriptions of task-related social behaviors provided by employers’ and educators’ through an online survey. Additionally, employers’ and educators’ importance ratings for the same task-related social behaviors were analyzed. Results show employers and educators agree on descriptions and importance ratings for some of the task-related social behaviors included in this study and have differing opinions for others. An employee that can exhibit appropriate task-related social behaviors will strengthen coworker relationships, demonstrate personal growth, and add to business success. Results of this study may provide a starting point for restructuring secondary transition programming for students with disabilities to include more direct instruction of necessary social skills during work-based learning experiences.
Show less

Year Issued

2023

Author

Eppley, Karen

Sub-title

a comparison of employer and educator perspectives