The paper addresses the issues involved in helping severely developmentally disabled individuals become placed in competitive employment. Based on the placement experiences of Project Employability, factors in job selection and in working with employers are described. (Author)

Although studies of the labour market have concentrated on employment and unemployment, there have been few Australian studies of job search experiences. This study focused on the methods used by people to obtain jobs. It examined the hypothesis that informal job-seeking methods are more likely to lead to employment and that most jobs are obtained…

A study was conducted in 1974 to determine how professional, technical, and managerial males obtain the information that leads to getting a job. Data were gathered by selecting a random sample of 457 men in Newton, Massachusetts, who had changed jobs within the previous 5 years. Personal interviews were conducted with 100 men and 182 mailed…

This issue brief describes the outcomes of a study conducted by the Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) that investigated the effectiveness of a training workshop on using a networking approach to job development for people with disabilities. The two-day workshop focused on teaching how to identify and use connections such as family members,…

This packet of materials contains the pieces needed to create brochures, flyers, and handouts to market the abilities of persons with disabilities to potential employers. A "how to" section includes a glossary, instructions for reproducing brochures, tips for working with the media, and ideas and suggestions for using the videocassette,…

Forty-nine job developers were interviewed to identify the techniques and approaches used in successful job development for individuals with developmental disabilities. The interviews addressed such topics as the source and number of employer contacts, "opening lines" to employers, mention of disability, negotiations, interviews with job seekers,…

Staff (N=369) and consumers (N=191) from a national sample of community vocational rehabilitation providers and independent living centers were surveyed concerning effective job search practices. Consumers were also asked to report on job satisfaction, job search support, and how the obtained job equated with job preferences. The majority of…

Investigates the relationship among demographics, vocational service, and job placement among refugees from the former Soviet Union. Tracked vocational service and employment history for 12 months for 379 employable, adult refugees under age 55, and whose first visit to Jewish Vocational Service Chicago occurred between October 1 and December 31,…

This document is intended for use by adult job seekers and their employment counselors. It provides names and addresses for more than 1,200 journals that regularly carry ads announcing job and career vacancies. The journals are listed in alphabetical order. An extensive index links 138 occupations to appropriate periodicals. Other information in…

A mentally handicapped woman's experiences in making the transition from school to work are described by her mother. Discussed are the National Employment and Training Program, job search, and job training. The mother's concerns about transportation, informed consent, employers' expectations, co-workers' views, and jobs in fast food restaurants…

Designed for professionals in the field of mental illness and staff involved in providing on-the-job support for persons with mental illness, this book provides an overview of employment issues relevant to such workers. The 23 chapters of the book are organized in 5 sections. The first two sections provide background information about the clients…

Studies show that the most frequently used public or private job search method among job seekers is checking with friends and relatives. This method also generates the most accepted jobs. Direct applications without referral and newspaper ads are also used relatively frequently. Less-skilled employees and minorities use the U.S. Employment Service…

A research project addressed the high unemployment rate of Workers' Compensation claimants by the formation of a job-seeking club. Unemployment statistics for this population were compiled. Five percent of the workers were skilled, 14 percent semiskilled, and 60 percent unskilled; 84 percent were male, 91 percent were white, and almost half lacked…

This article describes the activities of two consortia that consist of individuals who assist people who are blind and visually impaired to secure employment. Consortia members are direct service employment specialists who focus on five critical activities: preparing consumers for job seeking, job development, placement, follow-up, and job…

This article examines the role of the vocational counselor in the job-seeking process for learning-disabled adults. It covers assessment of clients' interests and abilities and matching with job opportunities; teaching of job-seeking skills; use of volunteer jobs to assess clients' work habits; job-hunting procedures; and dealing with work…