Informing inclusive management practices for employees with developmental disabilities: A supervisor training needs analysis.

Abstract

Individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) face significant barriers limiting their opportunities for competitive integrated employment. Given the critically low employment rates and the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals with DD, there is an urgent need for research that investigates ways to eradicate existing barriers to improve the employment outlook for this population. To address significant gaps in both research and practice, the present study involved a supervisor training needs analysis informed by four different sources of employee support representative of both hiring organizations and supported employment (n = 113). Results identified skill and knowledge gaps across various supervisor duties relating to onboarding, socialization, training, feedback and evaluation, health and well-being, general management, goal setting, job accommodations, career development, and disability awareness. Hence, each perspective provided valuable insight into the current skill and knowledge gaps of supervisors of employees with DD and indicated the need for training that extends beyond traditional disability awareness topics. Evidence gained from this study is expected to significantly shape inclusive organizational practices in preparing supervisors to more effectively manage and support employees with DD.