School and Business Partnerships to Support Job Training for Students with Developmental and Other Disabilities: Employers’ Perspectives

Abstract

This study examines partnerships between schools and businesses that are intended to foster training and employment opportunities for secondary students with developmental and other disabilities in Saudi Arabia. A survey was developed to investigate employers’ perspectives on students’ skills, practical strategies for training, and their contribution. Fifty-two employers participated in the survey. The findings revealed the most valued skills on job sites, such as self- determination, social, and job skills, and believed that coordination, job matching, and joint supervision are successful practices that improve training. The employers concluded that some of their contributions to such partnerships include participation in curriculum development, training students in their workplaces under their supervision, and offering financial support.