GOALS - Goal Oriented Automated Learning System to enhance the communication of task assignments from supervisors to employees with an intellectual disability - 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. Phase I demonstrated the technical merit, feasibility, and cost effectiveness of combining available web-based tools, AI, and an innovative approach to create the GOALS system, and tested with 10 employees with ID and their job coach or supervisor. Phase II Objectives include: 1) adding powerful new features to automate task instruction, 2) completing the development to prepare for commercialization, and 3) administering an extended field evaluation of GOALS with employees with ID and their job coach or supervisor (n=20 pairs) compared with a control group (n=20 pairs). Summary of Anticipated Results and Implications of the Approach and Commercial Applications: Evidence supports that employees with an ID are not being adequately supported 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. 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.
