A study on job placement for handicapped workers using job analysis data

The current study determined job titles which can be adequately performed b y various types of disabled workers. These job titles were chosen based on their loading scores on a number of critical job elements derived from a fa ctor analysis on job analysis data. The sample of jobs consisted of 1285 oc cupations from the Employment and Vocational Training Administration which were summarized into 112 job titles. For each job title, 41 specific variab les, falling in three major classes (required education and experience, phy sical demands, task environment) were factor analyzed, using principal comp onents analysis with Varimax rotation. The five-factor (occupational hazard , verbal communication education and training, visual acuity, body agility, and manual ability) solution explained 58.4% of the variance. Applying the hierarchical clustering procedure to the loading scores on the five job fa ctors, the 112 job titles were classified into 15 homogeneous clusters. By mapping the loading scores on the five job factors and the handicap profile developed [Bragman, R., Cole, J.C., 1984], job titles which can be adequat ely performed by the visually impaired, wheelchair dependent, learning disa bled, mental retarded, hearing impaired and individuals with emotional dist urbance can be classified. The results can be utilized by the Employment an d Vocational Training Administration to expand both the counselor and couns elee's perspectives about job possibilities and job requirements.