This topical newsletter focuses on ways to convert segregated day programs for people with disabilities into community integrated employment programs. Individual sections cover: common "conversion" myths and appropriate responses; a national status report on conversion; Florida's innovative use of the Medicaid waiver to fund conversion;…

In 1989 Northern Arizona University established a Supported Employment Training Center (SETC) to increase the number of trained job coaches in northern Arizona and provide knowledge and skills in supported employment to personnel from cooperating schools and agencies. First-year SETC activities focused on assessment of the training needs of…

Summarizes the major achievements of the supported employment initiative for individuals with mental retardation and other significant disabilities from 1986 through 1993. Focus is on the number of program participants, consumer characteristics, reduced dependence on Social Security income maintenance, participant earnings, and program…

A British project identified key factors for successful transition to work of people with learning difficulties: manager support, employment as a realistic goal, individualized training packages, and matching of learner interests and employment opportunities. Limited funding for transitional programs made partnerships and strategic planning…

This article explores issues related to the use of supported employment and time-related transitional employment for blind and visually impaired persons. It defines the concepts; describes the characteristics that distinguish these services from others; and discusses the need for these services from ecological, philosophical, fiscal, and learning…

Four strategies employment specialists can use to promote the independent performance of disabled workers in supported employment settings are described: (1) evaluating employee independence on the job, (2) teaching employee adaptability, (3) facilitating assistance by coworkers, and (4) transferring control of employee independence to…

A national survey in which 42 state/territorial systems responded found that a total of 74,960 individuals participated in supported employment in 1991 with 62.8% of participants classified as mentally retarded of which 30.4% were moderately retarded and 8.7% severely or profoundly retarded. The individual placement model was most common. A…

A study examined the effectiveness of coworker instruction, a natural support strategy, in improving the integration of four adolescents with disabilities transitioning into a competitive-employment setting. Results indicated the intervention strategy increased the social integration of the students with disabilities. (Author/CR)

Background: Less than 10% of people with intellectual disabilities are employed. The aim of the present study was to investigate what psychological factors might predict employment outcome for people with intellectual disability who had received a placement in a supported employment service. Method: Sixty people were interviewed whilst they were…

The Montana Supported Employment Demonstration Project is working toward employment of 60 percent of severely disabled adults. The program features demonstration and training centers, supported employment stimulation, job development, single point of access case management, school to community transition, and an interagency coordinating committee.…

Wisconsin's program of supported employment for the disabled stresses local management and supported employment as a generic service. Brief vignettes of successfully employed disabled adults, a description of ways the state encourages local program development, and discussion of economic trends and supported employment are provided. (DB)

The mission of the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) rehabilitation program is to assist injured workers, covered by Federal Employees' Compensation Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act, to return to gainful employment through vocational rehabilitation services. Information that certified counselors who work…

"Work incentives" encourage and support individuals with disabilities in their efforts to seek employment and have been formalized in federal legislation and regulations, including the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act (TWWIIA). In October 2000, Utah received a 4-year federal grant to change the state's systems of work…

A random sample of 197 supported employees with mental retardation was examined in a longitudinal study. Results indicate that intelligence, time spent in the job, prior earnings, and federal job subsidy predicted future earnings. Job placement, job type, and means of transportation had little influence on earnings. (Author/CR)

A study of co-worker involvement among 264 supported employees found that, of 7 types of involvement, "associating" occurred most often, followed by "evaluating" and "training." Employees in mobile work crews experienced less co-worker involvement than those employed in clustered or individual placements, and more…