What Does Sociocultural Learning and Literacy Look Like in an Adult Employment Preparation Program?

After completing his education in classes and schools for students with developmental disabilities at the age of 21, Tom worked part–time in a grocery store as a packer. He got the job after completing a placement organized by his school. Tom worked for five years and would have continued working, but lost his job when the grocery store eliminated the packers' positions. Tom then returned to a school setting and the literacy program for adults with a developmental disability. Although he said he would have preferred to find another job, Tom willingly participated in the school program. He said his goal was to find a full–time job in a grocery store.

Tom said he was excited when an instructor in the literacy program for developmentally delayed adults suggested he transfer to the employment preparation program. He wanted to do this because it would bring him closer to his goal of finding a job. He also wanted to take on new challenges; he said he was feeling bored in the literacy program. Tom proudly explained that he was the first student from the literacy program for developmentally delayed adults to make the transition into the employment preparation program.

Martha

Martha, who was 46 during the study, shared many of the same educational experiences as Tom. She also attended schools and classes for students with developmental disabilities, participated in placements, and even worked for a period of time after completing a placement. She too returned to an adult literacy program for students with developmental disabilities when she was no longer working. Her personal life, on the other hand, is vastly different than Tom's. She lives on her own and had been raising her son by herself. Although she received support from a social worker and one of her sisters, she was the primary caregiver for her son. The responsibilities became overwhelming as her son grew older, and when he was 12 he was placed in foster care. Martha continues to visit him regularly and proudly showed his picture, but became very emotional when talking about him.