Interactive E-Learning to Promote Successful Postsecondary Employment Outcomes for Students with Intellectual Disabilities

This project creates a Web-based Occupational Resource Kit (W.O.R.K.), the first self-paced, adaptive job skills intervention designed specifically to meet the learning styles and social-emotional needs of students with intellectual disabilities. W.O.R.K. enhances students’ preparedness for postsecondary employment, optimizing the likelihood of success in the workforce following completion of high school. Project objectives include: (1) conduct iterative software development and testing with key stakeholders to inform the development of the program content and interface; (2) develop implementation materials, such as the Online Implementation Center, where providers can access program functions and implementation support tools; and (3) conduct pilot testing of the product with secondary students with intellectual disabilities to assess the usability and feasibility of the product in its intended educational delivery setting. In developing W.O.R.K, the project (1) engages secondary students with intellectual disabilities in a customized online interactive environment for scaffolded learning and practice, (2) increases educators’ access to the intervention through easy-to-use and feasible technology, (3) strengthens the home-school partnership through integrated resources, reports, and activities for easy sharing with parents, and (4) enhances educators’ skills for implementing the intervention through online professional development tools. The W.O.R.K. product provides instruction, support, and interactive exercises based on individual needs to promote the development of critical employment, self-determination, and advocacy skills of students with intellectual disabilities thereby supporting these individuals in achieving and maintaining employment.