People with disabilities (PWD) have a significantly higher rate of unemployment in the US (10.5%) compared to people without disabilities (4.6%).  This is due in part to a lack of work skills among PWD, often compounded by difficulties learning new job skills due to cognitive or physical limitations.  Also, the pressure of coping with multiple demands of a new job, and the employer’s expectations for productivity potentially lead to anxiety for the individual with a disability and often results in discontinuation of employment. 

Job tryout (JTO) provides PWD the opportunity to gain work skills as they practice a specific job without the fear of being terminated if they do not immediately meet the requirements of the job.  Essentially, it allows the person with a disability to acquire skills pertaining to the job under non-threatening circumstances and to decide if they like it, prior to commitment as an employee. 

Presenter: Benson Kiyanjui