Are young adults with special needs ready for the physical work demands?

Youth and Adolescents with Special Needs (YASN) face many challenges during transition into employment. Although most of their physical challenges are secondary, yet they call for attention since most of them are hired for blue collar jobs. Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) should be adapted to prepare them addressing the physical job-demands, and maintain their jobs effectively and safely.The current pilot study aims to demonstrate the use of standard (FCE) in order to assess performance of basic generic physical activities conducted by YASN, as part of transition to work program. Specifically, it compared subtests of the Physical Work Performance Evaluation of YASN (N = 13) with matched control group (YA) (N = 13). Results revealed slower and reduced performance among YASNs than YA, in basic job demands, like dynamic strength, hand strength, and fine motor skills. Implications and recommendations for research and transition to work practice in the educational setting are discussed.

Research highlights▶ Most Youth and Adolescents with Special Needs (YASN) are hired for blue collar jobs, challenged by high physical demands. ▶ Comparison was administered of Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) of adolescents with and without intellectual disabilities. ▶ Selective subtests of the Physical Work Performance Evaluation were used in the current pilot study. ▶ Results revealed slower and reduced performance among the research group in basic job demands, like dynamic strength, hand strength, and fine motor skills. ▶ Recommendations for further studies and clinical applications for transition programs are discussed.