This monograph presents the philosophy of the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Supported Employment (Virginia) concerning consumer advocacy and supported employment for persons with disabilities. An introductory chapter looks at origins of supported employment, its relationship to consumer advocacy, and challenges facing these fields. Eleven issues are then addressed, including: (1) career advancement; (2) choice and empowerment; (3) systems barriers; (4) families; (5) consumer and professional partnerships; (6) recognition of qualifications separate from education; (7) affordable and accessible housing; (8) access to assistive technology; (9) consumer feedback to professionals; (10) supported employment group options; and (11) referral and/or resource systems. Another chapter looks at implications of a consumer empowerment approach to the design of human service systems. A final chapter uses a case study format to describe the organization and development of a consumer advocacy organization, including selecting a leader, developing a communication system, establishing a funding base, and identifying funding options. (DB)