An Exploratory Investigation Into Family Perspectives After the Family Employment Awareness Training

Abstract

Competitive employment (i.e., employment in community settings among people without disabilities for minimum wage or higher) improves quality of life for people with disabilities who have individualized support needs (ISN). However, attaining competitive employment can be challenging for people with ISN. This study used a mixed methods design to evaluate the perspectives of 68 families who attended the Family Employment Awareness Training (FEAT). Findings indicated that families who attended FEAT (a) accessed competitive employment resources following FEAT and (b) reported competitive employment outcomes for their family members with ISN following FEAT. We discuss implications of these findings and recommendations for future research.

Parent Perceptions of Transition Services Effectiveness for Students with Intellectual Disabilities

“…In summary, the results of this study are consistent with research substantiating best practices in transition services [2,5,37,38]. Specifically, preparation for employment, family involvement, social skills training, daily living skills training, and community and agency collaboration were all emphasized as key elements of effective transition service programming.…”

A Conceptual Model for Parent Involvement in Secondary Special Education

“…Francis, Gross, Turnbull, and Parent-Johnson (2013) found that parent training on competitive employment options for people with disabilities through the Family Empowerment Awareness Training (FEAT) increased parent expectations for competitive employment. A follow-up survey found that parents reported accessing competitive employment resources following the trainings with nearly one fifth reporting competitive employment outcomes for their son or daughter (Francis, Gross, Turnbull, & Turnbull, 2014).…”

Enhancing cross-agency collaboration through the use of a universal discovery instrument: Introducing the Life and Career Assessment Matrix

“…For many people with disabilities and other significant life barriers, their support systems tend to be overly represented by "paid supporters" and underrepresented by volunteer supporters and friends (Amado, 2013;Francis, Gross, Turnbull, & Turnbull, 2015;Hochman, Carter, Bottema-Beutel, Harvey, & Gustafson, 2015). This may primarily be due to society's tendency to shelter, protect, "take care of" and, intentionally or inadvertently, isolate people with disabilities.…”