A Community-Based Vocational Model for Deaf-Blind Youth: Assessment of Student Behavior Change and Employer/Co-Worker Attitudinal Change

Project ADVANCE (Action for the Development of Vocational Alternatives and New Concepts in Education) has served 27 deaf blind students (16 to 22 years old) through on the job training at local community businesses. Students have been involved in such positions as greenhouse workers, food service workers, maintenance personnel, and bakery production assistants. Analysis of student change through observations of 18 participants revealed an increase in independent performance of the task and decreases in the amount of instructional interaction required, the amount of time seeking help, and inattentiveness to task during work time. Ss showed a marked increase in student productivity and less dependence on supervision. Both coworkers and employers indicated positive responses, with many learning a variety of ways to communicate with the students. Results demonstrated that there are more viable work alternatives for deaf blind individuals than had previously been thought. (CL)