Vocational skills training for people with intellectual disabilities: a multi-faceted approach

This paper, from the CD-ROM proceedings of the Pathways 5 Conference, investigates vocational skills training for people with intellectual disabilities, and specifically examines the provision of reasonable adjustments for intellectually disabled students. Whilst reviewing a number of reasonable adjustments, the authors highlight the need to balance support for intellectually disabled students with the students' abilities to performs independently. The use of gradually decreased support allows students to work independently, in preparation for the workplace. The paper draws on experiences of the Disabilities Unit at Sydney Institute Petersham TAFE. Reasonable adjustments are outlined and cover the use of the following: (1) language in verbal and written material; (2) worksheets; (3) feedback; (4) pace of training; (5) task analysis; (6) assistance; (7) student performance accuracy data; (8) student performance rate data; (9) strategies for behaviour management; (10) training duration and student to teacher ratio; and (11) assessment modification. Intellectually disabled students require clear and precise information, regardless of the various reasonable adjustments used in the provision of training.

The CD-ROM from which this paper is taken is indexed at TD/TNC 78.60. Selected papers are indexed from TD/TNC 78.71 to TD/TNC 78.90. Show less