FIDDLE - Fit (for) Intellectual Developmental Determinations (for) Long-term Employment - CreateAbility Concepts, Inc. 5058 Evanston Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana 46205 Principal Investigator: Stephen M. Sutter, President Technical Abstract The US is experiencing workforce shortages in sectors such as manufacturing, hospitality, food service and health care. Ironically, these are areas that could be filled by job seekers with intellectual disabilities (ID), such as those with an autism spectrum disorder, Down Syndrome, and those who have had an acquired brain injury. Yet people with ID are under employed. New evidence supports the concept of new tools can help the job seeker with an ID, their employment-related staff, and potential employers of employees with an ID. This study explores the benefits of web-based tools to enhance key steps in the pre-employment and employment process. Without FIDDLE, employment specialists must rely on traditional approaches. Combined with the critical shortage of employment specialists and job developers, and other trained professionals, this will exacerbate the strain on scarce resources. This project will demonstrate the technical merit, feasibility, and cost effectiveness of combining available web-based tools and an innovative approach to create the FIDDLE system. Specific Phase I objectives include: 1) determine end user requirements, 2) develop a proof-of-concept prototype of the system, and 3) evaluate of the utility of the prototype with job seekers with an ID, their job developers, and potential employers. Anticipated Results and Implications of the Approach: Evidence supports that job seekers with an ID are underserved by existing technology. FIDDLE will help adult aged job seekers with an ID to have an increased informed choice regarding their job interests, help them be aware of job postings relative to their interests and skills. FIDDLE will result in a standardized, cost-effective option to guide the employment process, resulting in better and more sustainable job placements. The built-in natural support mechanisms will enhance self-esteem, reduce anxiety, increase efficiencies, and create opportunities for self-direction using a respectful, and fun approach. Potential Commercial Applications: The primary potential commercial markets for FIDDLE are 1) employment specialists and job developers at providers of employment services for people with intellectual disabilities, and Speech Language therapists who are seeking new ways to engage their younger clients that are on the autism spectrum, 2) state agencies who wish to standardize the employment processes and improve efficiencies for individuals on a Medicaid waiver, or for job seekers who are approved to receive services from Vocational Rehabilitation.
