The research project “Creating Perspectives Together (GPS) – A Project on the Participation of People with High Support Needs in Vocational Training and Employment” was initiated by the recognition that there is a clear need for research and action to enable people with complex disabilities to have appropriate access to vocational training and employment. To date, there is no reliable information on the needs and requirements of people with complex disabilities regarding their orientation in the world of work.

For this reason, BAG WfbM, together with Dr. Caren Keeley and the members of the
association’s internal working group on people with high support needs, has launched this research project. 

At its core, the project focuses on identifying the needs and requirements of people with high support needs regarding participation in working life and vocational training, and thus on a user perspective. In addition, the perspective of the (work) environment will also be incorporated, meaning that close research collaboration with on-site professionals is sought. 

The objectives are:

1. Scientifically substantiated and well-founded statements on the importance of and need for vocational training, as well as on the participation in working life of people with high support needs
2. Development of a survey instrument for professionals in support centers/workshops to assess needs, incorporating the perspective of people with high support needs in the context of vocational training and participation in work
3. Starting points for designing programs to facilitate participation in vocational education and employment for people with high support needs
4. Development of exemplary design options for workplace orientation for people with high support needs

The research methodology is based on participation-oriented research and is conducted using a circular and participatory process. This means that participating professionals are involved in the research project and, in a first step, are interviewed about their experiences and perspectives in the context of participation in work and vocational education. Subsequently, (research) methods will be (further) developed in joint research workshops to enable the inclusion of people with complex disabilities in the research process. These methods will be implemented with and by the professionals to identify the work-related needs of people with complex disabilities. At the end of the joint research process, findings will be available that not only provide starting points for designing person-centered work and educational programs but also fundamentally highlight opportunities for participation in work and work-related education for people with complex disabilities. 

In parallel with this research project, a quantitative status quo survey of the current situation is being conducted. The goal here is to obtain a systematic overview of the institutional framework, the access regulations for participation, and the group of people with high support needs. 

Further information can be found on the project homepage and on the BAG WfbM website.

You can contact the project team at the University of Cologne at the following email address: gps-projekt@uni-koeln.de