Communication Supports by Job Coaches of People with Developmental Disabilities

Job coaches are integral members of the interdisciplinary team who support the communication of persons with developmental disabilities in the workplace. This research measures job coaches’ knowledge of quality communication indicators adapted from policy documents of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the National Joint Committee for the Communication Needs of Persons with Severe Disabilities. Results suggest job coaches favorably regard communication supports, specifically forms and functions, service delivery parameters, and self-evaluation of skills. Job coaches competently describe communication difficulties, strategies to enhance communication, communication assessment, and augmentative/alternative communication options. Job coaches are less able to describe intentional and symbolic communication, and communication breakdowns. Clinical implications are discussed regarding training and collaborative opportunities for speech-language pathologists among individuals with developmental disabilities.