Comparing Telehealth-Based vs. In-Person Soft Skills Training for Persons with Disabilities During COVID-19: A Pilot Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Work-related soft skills (e.g. requesting help and problem solving) are critical for employment success. This pilot study evaluated the feasibility of a Direct Skills Teaching (DST) group intervention to teach work-related help-seeking skills to persons with disabilities. The four-session group intervention (“Asking for Help”) was delivered in person or via telehealth to 74 participants with disabilities during COVID-19. Participants reported increased confidence with asking employers for help and reported high intervention satisfaction. In-person and telehealth soft skills groups achieved similar positive outcomes, and findings support their use to teach groups help-seeking skills with a preplanned curriculum.