by requirements for the degree of (Education) - NCRTM

involvement defined as talking with the subject about problems) were found
to be significantly related to the criterion, expressed in the number of
months employed on the current job. In addition, a multiple regression
analysis on 32 ind6pendent variables indicated that three variables
marital status, and proximity to the State Employment Service Office) had
significant value in the prediction of employment tenure. It was also
found that the total sample had been employed for a mean duration of 28
and were earning over $95 per week. Many were married and living
months
normal and stable lives. In general, the parents were favorably
apparently
satisfied with the current job held by their sons. A somewhat surprising
result is that neither vocational rehabilitation involvement nor the
availability of work-study Programs showed a significant relationship to
employment outcome, only trends toward significance were indicated. Among
his explanations for these particular findings Goldman s.uggests that this
may reflect a deficiency in the referral process in which referrals are not
being made or of those referred, many are inappropriate.
The adjustment process appears to be strongly influenced not only by
characteristics of the person and by the type of training and other mean-
ingful experiences he may have had, but also by the characteristics of the
social scene in which his attempt to adjust takes place. According to Cohen
(1960) an important factor in the ability of an MR student to adjust in the
community is the image the community has of these students, be they institu-
tionalized or from public schools. Havi.ng a label of mentally retarded.or,
even worse, institutionalized mentally retarde.d presents a real problem in
the student's adjustment. Employers and others in the community have been
known to develop a prejudice which does not permit the student the same
opportunity he would have if the label were not applied..
33