Communication Ability Profile for Employees (CAPE) : Inclusion of Individuals with Communication Disabilities in the Work Force

Abstract

This research investigated how the tool Communication Ability Profile for Employees with Disabilities (CAPE) may support the inclusion of individuals with communication disabilities in the work force. The tool is designed to support adults with complex communication profiles to effectively communicate with employers and co-workers to maximize productivity. Previous research shows that only 29% of Americans of working age with disabilities were employed as of July 2018, compared with 75% of those without a disability, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (Hyland & Connolly 2018). Self-advocacy has been identified as a key facilitator to employment and accommodations regarding workplace accommodations among people with disabilities (Nevala & Pehkonen, 2015). Procedures included gathering contact information for individuals with disabilities, employers/companies who hire individuals with disabilities and transition specialists and sending a survey to gather information on inclusivity within the workplace as well as feedback on the CAPE itself. While the analysis of the results is still in the preliminary stage, respondents are finding the CAPE to be supportive of communication in the workforce between individuals with disabilities and their employers.