Development and evaluation of a video CD-ROM program for individuals with developmental disabilities to determine job preferences

Abstract

How do individuals with developmental disabilities identify job preferences? They may first receive information on various jobs, then identify preferred ones. Preferences jobs could then be considered in relation to job skills, job requirements, resources, limitations, job availability, and other variables to make a job placement. This article describes a video-based job preference program developed for individuals with developmental disabilities. Using a computer and CD ROMs, individual participants and a facilitator (e.g., rehabilitation counselor, transition specialist) initially watch video to identify preferred working conditions. At this stage, an individual watches 20 jobs in 10 pairs matching preferred work conditions and identifies preferred jobs. After two sets of pairings involving the same 20 jobs, preferred ones are inferred based on repeated selection. The article reviews the program's development and initial reliability and validity research. Use of the program is discussed as part of the vocational assessment process.