Employment preferences of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities: An evaluation of gender and age differences.

BACKGROUND

Employment is often central to individuals' lives. However, individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities are often absent from the workplace, and little research has examined their interest in working.

AIMS

This study examined whether people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities want jobs; why they do or do not want jobs; and, if they want to work, what types of jobs they would like to have.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Our analyses consisted of 629 participants (379 male, 248 female, 2 unspecified) who participated in an interview.

RESULTS

Results suggested that many individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities want jobs. Our study identified gender differences in vocational interests and motivation for employment. There were no significant differences between age groups.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

In the future, research could expand upon these findings by exploring how various factors, such as other social identities, affect vocational interests of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.