Using Literacy-Based Behavioral Interventions and Social Stories to Improve Work Behavior in Employees with Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

This study was designed to examine the effects of Literacy-Based Behavioral Interventions and social stories to improve the work behavior of employees with developmental disabilities. Two experiments were conducted. In the first experiment a multiple baseline across subjects was used to examine the effects of the intervention on employees' requests for materials and supplies, and any resulting improvements in their work engagement. The second experiment employed a multiple baseline across time periods, with an embedded ABAB design, to assess whether the intervention would increase independence and improve “on-time” return-to-work. Results showed that employees with developmental disabilities made substantial improvements in their work behavior as a result of the Literacy-Based Behavioral Intervention, and similar improvements were observed in co-workers as well.