GOALS - Goal Oriented Automated Learning System to enhance the communication of task assignments from supervisors to employees with an intellectual disability. - 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 logistics. Ironically, these could be filled by employees with an intellectual disability (ID), such as those with autism, Down Syndrome, and those who have had a brain injury. Yet people with ID are under employed. To help fill the gap left by the shortage of job coaches, new evidence supports the concept that AI-assisted task analysis tools can help employees with ID better understand the job task to be performed at the appropriate detail. Without GOALS, supervisors must rely on traditional approaches. Combined with the critical shortage of job coaches, and job trends (increased mobility, increased flexibility and changing work assignments) this will exacerbate the strain on scarce resources and threaten employment sustainability of many employees with an ID. This project will demonstrate the technical merit, feasibility, and cost effectiveness of combining available web-based tools, AI, and an innovative approach to create the GOALS 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 employees with an ID, their job coaches, and supervisor at their employer. Anticipated Results and Implications of the Approach Evidence supports that employees with an ID are under served by existing technology. GOALS will help adult aged employees with an ID to have increased informed choice regarding how task assignments are presented to them. GOALS will result in a standardized, cost-effective option to guide the employee through the steps in the accomplishment of job goals, resulting in better understanding of what is expected of them, and more sustainable employment. 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 GOALS are 1) employers of people with ID, 2) employment support providers, and 3) state agencies who wish to standardize the employment support processes and improve efficiencies for individuals on a Medicaid waiver, or for job seekers who are approved to receive services from Vocational Rehabilitation.
