Individual Social Skills Training and Co-Worker Training for Supported Employees with Dual Sensory Impairment

Abstract

Two case studies examined the efficacy of two social enhancement procedures--individual social skills training (SST) and co-worker intervention for two employees with dual sensory impairment who were working in competitive employment settings but who were socially isolated from contact with their nondisabled co-workers. A variety of measures, including direct behavioral observations and social validation ratings, examined social interaction and the formation of social networks in the workplace. Results showed that the number and duration of social interactions improved with each of the social enhancement programs. Social validation data and anecdotal reports indicated that the employees with disabilities became more socially competent, interactive, and included in the social network of the workplace. Interestingly, SST followed by co-worker training resulted in greater increases in social responding as compared to co-worker training followed by SST.

Social relationships in the workplace

“…Chadsey et al [1997], Gaylord-Ross et al [1995], and Park et al [1991] asked co-workers to provide suggestions on ways to socially integrate workers with disabilities in supported employment settings. Chadsey et al [1997], Gaylord-Ross et al [1995], and Park et al [1991] asked co-workers to provide suggestions on ways to socially integrate workers with disabilities in supported employment settings.…”

“…Chadsey et al [1997], Gaylord-Ross et al [1995], and Park et al [1991] asked co-workers to provide suggestions on ways to socially integrate workers with disabilities in supported employment settings. In the Gaylord-Ross et al [1995] investigation, the effects of the co-worker advocate program were less noticeable than those of the social skills training program. When a strategy was selected, it was implemented by co-workers and then evaluated in subsequent sessions with a research team.…”

The Audibility of Low Vision Devices with Speech Output Used by Older Adults with Dual Sensory Impairment

“…Rehabilitation has been shown to be effective in terms of social interaction and prevention of depression in individuals with dual sensory impairment, although very few studies have addressed the subject. 18,21,22…”

Continuing to Describe the Natural Support Process

“…The job coach continued to monitor the interactions and occasionally gave additional suggestions about promoting positive interactions. Chadsey et al (1997), Gaylord-Ross, Park, Johnston, Lee, and Goetz (1995), and Park et al (1991) asked co-workers to suggest ways to integrate supported employees socially. During these studies, the investigators guided co-workers in the use of a problem solving approach to develop social integration intervention strategies.…”

“…In the sessions, coworkers responded to the social behaviors of the supported employees according to scripted social routines. Gaylord-Ross et al (1995) implemented training for the supported employees using either constant or progressive time delay procedures.…”