The present study was supported by a Grant from FONADIS (Fondo Nacional de la Discapacidad.CHILE))
Abstract
Even though international and national regulations have proclaimed equal opportunities for people with special needs, statistical data reveal that a high percentage of disabled subjects have not actually had access to education to work, This situation is especially relevant for the mentally retarded population affected by a condition that has been defined as chronic and mainly affecting cognitive functions.
In other field, the Chilean Northern Regions have experienced a booming tourist development. With this fact In mind, a project considering training and inclusion (in hotels) of fifteen mild-to-moderate mentally retarded subjects (age 15 and over) has been carried out.
The present study considered: a) generating and publishing instruments for public awareness of the problem (brochures, papers, radio messages); b) a diagnosis and selection process for subjects to be inserted into a work place; c)a selection of job opportunities; d)the potential worker training and teaching; e)employers and employees training; f) subject's parents training; g) subject insertion into a job post; h) evaluation.
Eventual results of this experience are discussed, mainly about those aspects considered as helpful for changing policies and promoting a change of roles for inclusion and integration for special education.
Even though international and national regulations have proclaimed equal opportunities for people with special needs, statistical data reveal that high percentage of disabled subjects have not actually have access to education nor to work. This situation is specially relevant for the mentally retarded populations affected by a condition that has been defined as chronic and mainly affecting cognitive functions.
In other field, the Chilean Northern Region have experienced a booming touristic development. With this fact in mind, a project considering training and inclusion (in Job sites) of thirteen mild-to moderate mentally retarded subjects (age 15 and over) has been carried out.
This project was executed during sixteen months (1999/2000).
The present study considered:
1) Generating and publishing instruments for public awareness of the problem ( brochures, posters, radio messages)
2) A diagnosis and selection process for subjects to be inserted into a work place
3) A selection of job opportunities
4) The potential worker training and teaching
5) Employers an employees training
6) Subjects parents training
7) Subject insertion into a job post
8) Evaluation
Chilean Law 19.284
Specify that we must considered a disabled person as somebody who, as a consequence of one or more chronical physical, psychic, sensory, genetic or acquired condition, is diminish in one-third of his/her educational, work or social integrative capacity.
Instrument Design & Media
a) Selecting information related to disability through national and international literature & publication.
b) Designing posters, brochures & radio messages, taking into account the intended audience.
c) Multidisciplinary approach and discussion to select material, content format, logo, diagram and colour (Journalist, Psychologist, Special Ed. Teacher, Instructional Designer).
Production of Printed Media
a) 500 posters were produced
b) 1000 brochures were printed
c) 4 time packages of 20 sec. each were produced.
Posters and Brochure:
- Summarize the law 19.284
- Describe the project
- Outline the instructions involved
- Give recommendations to the general public preventing myths and false beliefs related to disabilities.
3.- Distribution of Printed Media
a) Posters and brochures were distributed in Region IV to 75 hotels & resorts. Printed media, was also distributed along banks, restaurants & public places. (insert figure Nº1)
b) Radio messages were delivered through the University radio station for 4 months ( six times a day during 20 sec.).
c) After three days, the researchers checked to ensure the printed media was posted.
4.- Matching Person to Potential Job.
a) 20 job sites were selected at hotels & resorts through interviewing Hotel Association Representatives (HOTELGA)
b) 6 different potential jobs were defined:- Chamber maid: room cleaning
- Gardner: watering, planting & maintaining the garden.
- Janitor: office cleaning
- Carwash attendant: clear after rental
- Playground attendant: supervising children in play area.
- Fast food outlet helper: assisting cooks and servers with food preparations and cleaning.c) A detailed job description was defined.
5.- Selection Aptitude Test
a) Job task analysis
b) Design of instrument for subject evaluation and matching fit with job requirements. Four areas were covered: general & demographic data, family history, medical conditions and psychological & psychomotor skills.
c) 63 potential mentally retarded subjects age 15 and over were assessed.
d) 13 mild and moderate mentally retarded subjects were selected for fulfilling 6 different job posts (insert fig. 2 & 3).
6.- Participants Training
a) Visiting job sites with the participant and a special education teacher
b) Work process explained by manager (researcher, participant and teacher were present)
c) Interviewed employees with whom the participants would works.
d) Pilot work experience was arranged
e) Special education teacher served as mediator/coordinator for each pilot work experience.
f) Monitoring activities in situ
7.- Parent/ Guardians Training
a) Focus Group discussed project expectations.
b) Work site requirements were outlined by manager (clothing, personal appearance, etiquette.)
8.- Work site employees training.
a) Interviewing employers
b) Project explanation
c) Potential workers description
d) Focus Group with employers and employees
e) Training employers considering "special workers".
9.- Working in Service
a) Participants start working
b) Monitoring daily in different working places
c) Modifying working characteristics taking into account employers suggestions.
10.- Evaluation
- 14 subjects trained to perform different jobs.
- 95% of the sample was placed successfully in a work site (one was rejected due to health conditions)
- High sensitisations, awareness and satisfaction expressed by job partners.
- Excellent matching between job post & subjects.
- Increased community sensitisation of the need to include disabled persons in the work place
- Opening of job places for participants.
Conclusions
The participants in the project acquired valuable experience in the
workforce, and were capable of developing the following habits and traits;
responsibility, socialization skills and respect for others.
At the same
time the employers and fellow employees become sensitized to individuals with
mild to moderate mental retardation.
Factors not considered in the study include:
The in situ research demonstrates that one of the most crucial obstacle
to the insertion of handicapped individuals in the work place is not their
ability or lack of skills to perform an specific task, but the attitudes and
preconceptions of the society at large. This observation is supported by the
positive feedback provided by all of the individuals involved in the project.
Furthermore, the present study demonstrates that the gradual insertion of
the handicapped individual in an environment where guidance and support are
readily available can be a positive experience for both the employee and the
participant.
Figure 2:
Figure 3:
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