[Conference Paper] Perceptions of Inclusion Professionals on Employability of Individuals With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: a Transnational Study

Title: Perceptions of Inclusion Professionals on Employability of Individuals With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: a Transnational Study

Abstract: Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) face significant employment barriers, driven by societal biases, a lack of recognition of their abilities, and inadequate institutional policies. Addressing this requires transforming training professionals and the education system to embrace inclusive and adaptive practices. This transnational study aims to explore the perceptions of professionals in the field of inclusion of people with IDD about employability, investigating three specific aspects: (a) the pedagogical needs of trainers in this field; (b) reasonable accommodation as a structuring factor for a more inclusive world of work; and (c) the assessment and monitoring models in the labour context for people with IDD. With these objectives in mind, 43 professionals working daily with people with IDD in Italy, Portugal, Sweden and Türkiye were surveyed using an online questionnaire, with a set of multiple-choice questions based on previous comprehensive research on the employability of individuals with IDD. The obtained results highlight the importance of social skills and interpersonal communication in vocational training for individuals with IDD, particularly in Türkiye, while also noting Sweden's focus on problem-solving skills and Italy's emphasis on adaptive and self-care skills. The research reveals a preference for adaptive and personalized learning plans, especially in Portugal, Italy, and Sweden, indicating a shift towards customized educational strategies for learners with IDD. Furthermore, the study underscores the challenges in workplace accommodation due to a lack of employer awareness and the need for targeted training in countries like Türkiye, Italy, and Portugal, advocating for a broader adoption of assistive technologies to foster inclusive work and learning environments.

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