The study measured employee independence in 146 individuals with mental retardation in supported work settings. Results indicated little change in the amount of direct training over time. Significant differences were found for the ratio of hours of direct training to hours worked for level of disability and type of supported employment.…

The survey of 31 coordinators of supported employment programs for the disabled in Illinois found a high rate of job turnover by employment specialists, with salary identified as the primary reason for the turnover. Individuals hired often did not meet educational qualification standards. (DB)

Thirty studies on supported employment for people with disabilities were evaluated using a proposed Social Validity Matrix. Results suggested further research should investigate alternative strategies for assessing social validity, develop systematic procedures for collecting and using social validity data, and establish functional variables…

A benefit-cost analysis of the first year of a statewide supported employment initiative involving 394 Illinois individuals with handicaps found that society received a $.75 return for every $1.00 invested, taxpayers received a return of $.66, and supported employees earned an average of 37 percent more in supported employment than in alternative…

A study compiled the reports of 12 Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services demonstration projects to examine services for individuals with severe disabilities and patterns of emphasis. Results showed a consistently greater emphasis on the program level and a lesser emphasis on other levels, particularly at the community level. The…

Across nations, sheltered workshops for people with disabilities follow several models: therapeutic (protection vs. employee status), intermediate (disabled worker as "quasi-employee"), mixed/dual, and wage employment (protection and labor legislation). Impairment should present no insurmountable obstacle to integration into working life. (SK)

Defines and discusses 10 program-development, research, and policy-analysis needs that are crucial for the continued success of the supported-employment program for individuals with disabilities. These include the following: consumer choice and self-determination, meaningful employment outcomes, employer needs and perceptions, natural supports,…

A study evaluated an off-site/on-site program for reducing job coach assistance provided for three adults with severe multiple disabilities in a part-time community job. On-the-job assistance was reduced, while the individuals received more traditional day services when not at work. No adverse effects on productivity were observed. (Contains…

Challenges to supported employment programs for people with disabilities include conversion of day programs to integrated work options, expansion of program capacity, the need to ensure consumer choice and self-determination, and the achievement of meaningful employment outcomes. Specific recommendations are offered for each challenge. (Author/DB)

This longitudinal study examined satisfaction with supported employment jobs and services with 32 disabled individuals receiving services between 1992 and 1997. Analysis of interview data indicates participants were consistently satisfied with both their chosen supported employment jobs (including the work, friendships made, and money earned) and…

A survey of 82 supported-employment program managers in Louisiana (52 responses) provided demographic information and found that the length of time the agency had provided services, the respondent's job title, and the respondent's experience with supported employment affected preferred training formats and/or preferred training needs. (Author/DB)

The current study sought to discover whether workplace support provided by Army Family Team Building (AFTB) of the Department of the Army was associated with changes in individual knowledge of basic Army lifestyle information, and whether such changes influenced a sense of fit and satisfaction with the Army. Data were collected from 69 Army wives.…

This literature review discusses supported employment as one aspect of the transitional linkage between school and work that can augment the quality of life for individuals with moderate and severe disabilities. It then focuses on job matching, one aspect of supported employment training programs within public school settings, with an emphasis on…

The study reported in this paper investigated the type and level of co-worker involvement reported by employment specialists who placed 264 Illinois supported employees individually, in groups, or in mobile work crews, and also investigated the relation of level of disability to type of placement. The study found that co-workers associate with…

The "place-train" model of supported employment, appropriate for developmental disability, must be replaced by a "choose-get-keep" model for supported employment of people with psychiatric disabilities. Key model concepts include client job choice, development of job seeking skills, and application of appropriate job behaviors. (Author/DB)