Survey Research on Recognition of Issues in Employment Support for People with Intellectual Disabilities among Places of Business and Special Support Schools

Abstract

In this study, questionnaires on the skills sought from people with intellectual disabilities in competitive employment and on areas for improvement in employment support were administered to the following: (1) places of business and (2) special support schools (for those with intellectual disabilities) to examine the similarities and differences in their recognition of the challenges of employment support.The results suggested that both sides emphasize general daily life and that the school requires a high level of relationship and communication skills. Concerning challenges in employment support, comparison of the top-ranked response items revealed that businesses sought information on disability characteristics and direct support for the person concerned, whereas teachers at special support schools sought improvements in understanding and information sharing around employment support systems, and indirect forms of support, such as support for parents/guardians. Furthermore, it was found that approximately half respondents in both groups sought improvements in information sharing on post-employment counseling agencies and the person’s own relationships/communication; conversely, they perceived less need for improvement in the use of individualized transition support plans. The above results suggest that it is necessary to further examine the current situation and consider improvement measures for the areas that need improvement.