The purpose of this project is to assess the feasibility of two forms of targeted job creation, both of which employ telecommuter concepts. Jobs that can be done from the home using a computer or computer terminal with appropriate communications hardware and software are the focus of this project.The target groups are one or more of the following: physically handicapped persons, welfare recipients, and the elderly. Each of these groups suffers in varying degrees from barriers to their employment (for example, need for special equipment, transportation limitations, need for part-time employment) that can be alleviated or eliminated through the appropriate use of technology.To accomplish project objectives, the following tasks will be performed: (1) review prior research; (2) identify required characteristics of target populations and specify training requirements; (3) perform a market analysis; (4) develop business plans; and (5) present Phase I findings and recommendations.The results of this project will be a feasibility assessment of the following two telecommuter employment possibilities: (1) word processing jobs with large private-sector firms that are highly automated; and (2) creation and staffing of a company that provides word processing support to small businesses that cannot afford their own word processors.Either the method or the word processing support company could be franchised commercially.Office Of Human Development Services
