Despite research that has documented the powerful role of social networks for obtaining employment, only recently has this issue been explored for people with disabilities. Drawing on qualitative data gathered from 38 individuals with severe communication disabilities who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), this study explores the ways in which individuals who use AAC built and used their networks to search for and obtain employment. Thirty-four of the participants used network contacts in their search for employment. The use of “weak ties,” such as colleagues and acquaintances, and participation in professional, disability-related, and social activities emerged as common mechanisms for developing job-related networks and for job searching. Networks were perceived as helping the participants overcome some barriers to obtaining employment and as enhancing the likelihood of obtaining flexible, meaningful, and satisfying jobs.
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