Development of a framework for successful Open Employment (OE) for people with disabilities

While significant efforts have been made in the placement of persons with disabilities in open employment (OE), little is known currently about what are the characteristics that contribute to sustainable and successful OE. Existing literature posits that caregivers and employers as well as the person’s own attributes are pertinent factors to successful OE. This study aimed to investigate these areas further, to identify important characteristics of successful OE for persons with disabilities (with a particular focus on intellectual disabilities) for the purpose of developing a framework for sustainable open employment for persons with disabilities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three participant groups - Persons, caregivers and employers. The interview data were then thematically analysed. The results show four major characteristics and 20 sub-characteristics that are important in successful OE. Survey data from job coaches also yielded four broad factors for open employment sustainability. These specific characteristics provided the structure for the development of a framework for sustainable open employment for persons with disabilities in OE. Policy, practice and research implications are discussed

A study of caregiver support services: perspectives of family caregivers of persons with intellectual disabilities in Singapore

Most people with intellectual disabilities in Singapore live with family and are supported by family caregivers. Many caregivers lack the awareness, skills and resources needed for their caregiving role. A caregiver support service designed to build the capability of family caregivers serving children and adults with intellectual disabilities was evaluated after 2 years of operation to ascertain the level of caregiver coping and resilience, perceived impact of strategies for emotional support, and satisfaction with a range of support services and gaps in service. Family caregivers were surveyed regarding satisfaction with services received using the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8) and feedback from activities and events. Their coping and resilience were measured with the Coping Competence Questionnaire (CCQ). Qualitative data from caregiver interviews and staff focus groups were analysed for key themes that were triangulated and converged with other findings. Satisfaction, better coping and resilience were associated with specific support services. Key themes emerged around several effective supports and areas of unmet needs across the lifespan. Limitations and areas for improvement were identified to meet a broader range of caregivers. Targeted family support services can enhance the well-being of caregivers supporting people with intellectual disabilities (ID) across the lifespan. The results inform policymakers and support agencies that support of the family, not just the person with ID, is an important factor and needs to be incorporated at the heart of the design and development of any inclusive community living in Singapore