A Survey of Wireless Technology Supporting Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in the Workplace

Abstract

Despite the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act and its amendments, there are still barriers to successful employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Known barriers include lack of accommodations; negative stigma; and lack of investment in education, on-the-job training, and work experiences. Although many young adults with IDD want to fully engage in community-based employment, they often require supports that employers are unable or unwilling to provide. Wireless or wearable technologies in the workplace have the potential to provide necessary supports to employees with IDD and their employers. In the present study, we conducted a web-based survey of employees with IDD ( n = 66), service providers ( n = 54), and family members ( n = 19) to determine which technologies individuals with IDD use in the workplace, and how these technologies influence their employment experiences. We analyzed survey data using quantitative and qualitative descriptive analyses. All survey respondents endorsed the use of technology in the workplace to enhance employment outcomes for individuals with IDD. The three groups of respondents varied in their identification of barriers; however, the most commonly identified barriers to effective technology use at work were Lack of Knowledge and Instruction on Device Use/Adaptations and Employer-imposed Barriers. Study findings have the potential to influence workplace decisions and training for people with IDD and their employers, families, and other service providers.