Abstract
The objective of this study is to clarify the factors influencing the competitive employment of persons with intellectual disabilities based on the theory of "competence," the ability which effectively allows one to influence the environment. The analysis reveals the following findings: (1) the development of working competence brings out "the development of the will and ability to work," "the development of positive and objective self-recognition," "the development of socialization," and "the promotion of the will to live independently"; (2) the factors obstructing competence development are three-fold as follows: "the supporter-centered support," "the supporters' negative attitude regarding the competitive employment of persons with intellectual disabilities," and "the lack of both supportive system and supportive environment for the supporters." In conclusion, two findings are clarified in this study. First, if persons with intellectual disabilities receive appropriate responses, they will be highly likely to succeed in participating in the competitive workplaces and retaining their jobs. However, secondly, if they receive inappropriate responses, they will be highly likely to fail getting competitive employment and suffer from poor job retention.
