TOPIC 3.
Development of Technologies to Improve the Transition
from School-to-Work and Employment
for Students and Adults with Disabilities

• Interactive Multimedia to Facilitate the School-to-Work Transition of Secondary Students and Young Adults with Disabilities
• Computer-based Multimedia Interactive "E-Entrepreneur" Training for Individuals with Disabilities

SPONSORING OFFICE:
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services

Abstract:
The U.S. Department of Education has identified the need for new technologies to facilitate the school-to-work transition of persons with disabilities. In response to this need, American Research Corporation of Virginia proposes the development and evaluation of an innovative interactive multimedia program offering training in SCANS-based workplace competencies and foundation skills for secondary students and young adults with disabilities. Phase I technical objectives include development of training content and scripts for video portions of the program, integration of the content with multimedia presentation technology, and evaluation of the Phase I system with regard to usability and knowledge gain potential. Phase I research and development will result in a prototype program offering SCANS-based school-to--work transition training for secondary students and young adults with disabilities; in Phase II, the program will be expanded to include comprehensive SCANS-based school-to-work transition training. Phase II evaluation will entail assessment of changes in knowledge, self-efficacy, skills, and career outcomes as compared to more traditional methods of instruction.

Summary of Anticipated Results and Implications:
Anticipated results of the Phase I effort entail demonstration of the feasibility of an innovative CD-ROM-based program offering workplace-simulated training in SCANS competencies and foundation skills for secondary students and young adults with disabilities. The Phase I program will be an innovative prototype interactive multimedia program on SCANS competencies and foundation skills occupationally situated in a diverse range of employment sectors. The Phase I program will serve as a model for the more comprehensive Phase II program that will include expanded training on SCANS competencies and foundation skills. Since computers have become commonplace in U.S. schools, government agencies, and homes, and since software may be more easily distributed than either text or audiovisual material, the proposed program has high commercial potential among special education program administrators, vocational educators, supported employment providers, and businesses seeking to enhance the transition, performance, and retention of employees with disabilities.

Abstract:
Phase I of the Computer-based Multimedia Interactive "E-Entrepreneur" - Training for Individuals with Disabilities project will research the technical merits and feasibility of a computer-based training system that is accessible "anytime and anywhere" by individuals with disabilities. The goal is to train individuals with disabilities to leverage computing, telecommunication and disability- specific add-on assistive technologies to start, operate and manage businesses electronically - to be successful E-entrepreneurs and business people. The combination of Internet-enabled E-business with assistive technologies is a great democratizing force and provides unprecedented self-employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. In geographically remote rural areas such as the island of Hawaii - the project research site, self-employment is often the only option for employment for individuals with disabilities.

Phase I will research E-business self-employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, latest computing, telecommunication and disability-specific add-on assistive technologies: the costs, support needed to overcome obstacles to self-employment for individuals with disabilities; training needs and specific content topics; training system design, flow and scope; and feasibility factors for success and sustainability of the training system. Phase I research findings will provide the foundation for Phase II research and development of the prototype CD-ROM and Internet/Web-based multimedia interactive training system.

Summary of Anticipated Results and Implications:
The New (technology-driven, knowledge-based, global) Economy is recreating how and the way business is conducted. Computing, telecommunication and assistive technologies have leveled the playing field, making it possible for entrepreneurs with disabilities to compete equally in the New Economy business environment. The anticipated results of successful research and development of the Computer-based Multimedia Interactive "E-Entrepreneur" Training for Individuals with Disabilities training system will facilitate distributing this future that has already arrived to individuals with disabilities. The economic and social implications of this project are immense as the training system will open and sustain unprecedented opportunities for economic self-sufficiency through E-Entrepreneurship/E-Business self-employment for individuals with disabilities. Based on the 1990 U.S. Census over 60% of all working age Americans with disabilities are not working and among those that work, the average earnings are 35% less than workers without disabilities. The 1994 Harris Poll indicates that 79% who are not working want to work. The lack of participation in the workforce of individuals with disabilities costs the U.S. over $200 billion annually. The potential commercial applications of research and development results include licensing and/or sale of the computer-based training system to public and private vocational rehabilitation organizations and individuals, and providing consulting support services to customize and implement the training system to address specific local needs and serve different areas throughout the United States.

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