Inclusion of young adults with intellectual disabilities in their transition to employment: Designing the Vocational Fit Assessment - Self Report.

Abstract

To engage young adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) in re-designing the Vocational Fit Assessment, an algorithm-based assessment to support customized employment decisions for people with ID, towards an accessible self-report tool, the Vocational Fit Assessment-Self Report (VFA-SR). A mixed-methods, competency-based approach to assessment and technology design with young adults with ID. We used cross-sectional, cognitive interviews to obtain qualitative and quantitative data on the interpretability of 102 candidate items and tool accessibility. Participants learned the VFA-SR rating scale, answered items while describing performance, and responded to Likert-style usability questions. Community PARTICIPANTS: Eleven young adults (aged 19-23) with mild/moderate ID. N/A MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: N/A RESULTS: Five items on the VFA-SR were modified based on qualitative data from interviews. Participants were highly likely to answer "Yes" to items for which they positively described their performance, with average alignment between "Yes" selections and positive performance calculated at 97% (± 5%). All participants either "agreed" or "strongly agreed" that the VFA-SR was easy to use, and nine reported feeling confident using it. Overall, young adults with mild/moderate ID felt the current iteration of the VFA-SR was easy to use, and they responded to items using the rating scale as intended. We gained valuable insights into how to present information to young adults with ID, specific improvements to items, and considerations for accessibility in subsequent iterations of the tool. Our study generated a version of the VFA that incorporates person-centered measurement principles (e.g., patient-driven, transparent, comprehensible and timely) by encompassing young adults' goals, preferences, and priorities in employment planning decisions.