The Effect of Social Support on the Employment Process of Students with Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of social support on the process through which students with developmental disabilities find a job by analyzing this process in higher education institutions based on social support functions. In the initial planning stage, instrumental support was collected to identify possible problems. In the next stage, cooperative support for problem resolution in obtaining employment was provided by a work transfer support facility. This included support from a provision of improvement of work performance and an accompanying interview service by a work transfer support facility. The work transfer support facility searched for potential workplaces and accompanied the student for an interview. The findings of the study showed that the social support network involved each support organizations and the family of the subject, and that each had individual functions in the job search. The work transfer support facility played the role of coordinator in the network, and this was effective for assisting the student to obtain employment.