This dissertation explores the theme of applying video-based instruction on employment skill acquisition among secondary students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). It consists of an introduction, three stand-alone papers, and a research statement. Chapter 1 presents the overview of the current competitive integrated…

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have a significantly lower employment rate than those without disabilities. One promising intervention for improving employment outcomes is video-based instruction. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the application of video-based instruction (VBI) to teach…

Teaching job-related problem-solving skills may increase the likelihood that individuals with developmental disabilities obtain and maintain employment (Kaye et al., 2011; Peck & Kirkbride, 2001; Unger, 2002). In this study, we evaluated the use of electronic-based flowcharts on an iPod Touch as a form of self-instruction to increase problem…

Job coaches are not typically trained to implement systematic instructional strategies to teach vocational skills to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This study replicated and expanded the evaluation of a job coach behavioral skills training program designed by Brock et al. (2016) to teach participants to implement…

This study incorporated a modified gap analysis to evaluate a health and human service agency in developing qualified workers. Specifically, the purpose of the study was to evaluate the degree to which the agency prepared direct care workers to meet state required proficiency on Virginia's DSP Competencies Evaluation tool, Section One…

This meta-analysis analyzed 39 studies that met the inclusion criteria for employment-related interventions for individuals with developmental disabilities. Each experiment included in this analysis either met or met with reservations all of the basic design standards (Kratochwill et al. 2010, 2013). Tau-U effect sizes were calculated for each…

Recent research has shown the effectiveness of literacy-based behavioral interventions (LBBIs) as an instructional strategy for a host of skills and routines, including employment skills. This study compared the effects of three LBBI storybook formats (print, e-book, and e-book enhanced with video clips) on the accuracy and independent completion…

Precision teaching (PT) is an instructional method that aims to build fluent responding, characterized by accuracy and speed. Fluent behavior is associated with enhanced skill retention and maintenance, endurance, stability, and easy application to novel settings and stimuli. The current paper presents a systematic review of the extant literature…

Effective vocational instruction is an essential aspect of preparing students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) for the world of work. We systematically reviewed research on instructional methods used to teach employment skills to secondary students with IDD. We identified 56 studies involving 766 participants with IDD. Four…

A modified pre/posttest control group design was used to measure the effectiveness of video modeling on the maintenance of vocational tasks for six students with autism spectrum disorder and/or developmental disabilities. Each student was assigned two vocational tasks at their employment settings and their independence with each task was measured…

This booklet, based on the Transition Through the Arts project developed by Very Special Arts, describes the successes that project instructors have achieved in using the arts to assist individuals with developmental disabilities reach employment. The project uses the arts as a vehicle to teach and reinforce the social and personal skill…

These guidelines were prepared to provide direction toward implementing a functional instruction curriculum that leads to independence and occupational skills for Ohio's developmentally handicapped and multihandicapped students. The curriculum uses a three-part definition of adaptive behavior, involving independent functioning, personal…

Written for Adult Basic Education teachers of developmentally disabled adults reading at or below a second grade level, this resource curriculum contains materials in the employability behaviors area. The curriculum is divided into the four domains sections of Communication, Intra/Interpersonal, Worker Habits, and Appearance. Under these four…