Procedures are outlined for employing a resource components approach to collect and report cost information on training and supported employment programs for adults with developmental disabilities. Examination of the costs of 41 Minnesota programs indicates that costs are functionally related to different consumer and program factors. (Author/JDD)

The social/verbal interactions of six employees with moderate or severe mental retardation and six workers without mental retardation were observed in restaurant settings. Among findings was that interactions between workers with mental retardation and the job coach correlated negatively with the workers' initiation of interactions with co-workers…

Describes the main forms of supported employment and the essential components of effective vocational rehabilitation programs for those with severe disabilities, considers their cost effectiveness, and outlines successful programs in the United States, Britain, and Italy. (JOW)

Presents a cost-benefit analysis of a supported-employment program using natural support strategies to assist 59 workers with severe disabilities in integrated employment settings. Results suggest substantial benefits to participants, the taxpayer, and society resulting from the choice of a natural support approach over the sheltered workshop…

Discusses the following: employment legislation for people with disabilities in Japan; roles of the Ministries of Labor and Health and Welfare; roles of vocational counselors and social workers; and the Third-Sector Project for employment of persons with severe disabilities. (SK)

In King County (Washington) government agencies, jobs were developed for 55 people with severe disabilities through leadership by county officials and developmental disabilities staff. The program was cost effective and also resulted in improved wages for the workers with disabilities. (SK)

This study examined current practices and perceptions of 345 supported-employment-provider agencies regarding extended services. Findings indicate that provider agencies were underutilizing natural support networks within consumers' workplaces for essential extended-support needs and that the majority of consumers were only receiving the minimal…

This study examined existing data on 561 individuals with disabilities receiving supported employment services to evaluate questions about gender equity. It found that, although women were perceived as being generally more socially appropriate, they usually worked in jobs traditionally stereotyped by gender. Women also worked fewer hours than did…

The first of three studies on interagency activity among state agencies delivering or funding employment services focuses on identifying exemplary models and strategies used in interagency agreements to improve delivery of supported employment services. Interagency agreements were most frequent with state agencies that specialized in or had…

Examines the effectiveness of conversational skills instruction in increasing the integration of workers with severe disabilities in supported employment settings. Results demonstrate that conversation script instruction and questioning asking instruction both increased workers' social interactions. (Author/JOW)

A pilot study evaluated the viability of trained co-workers (n=12) providing direct job training and support to 10 individuals with mental retardation. Employment outcomes for consumers with co-worker support were as good as for those with job coach support. Consumers also experienced high levels of involvement with co-workers. (Contains…

A study compared employment factors that influenced 29 organizations currently employing an individual with Asperger syndrome with 40 organizations that are not. Factors relating to support and information regarding the disorder were more important to employing organizations, while non-employing organizations focused on the ability of the…

A study evaluated a prework assignment for predicting work-task preferences among three adults with severe multiple disabilities prior to supported employment. The assessment compared worker selections from pairs of work tasks drawn from their future job duties. The assessment accurately predicted tasks that the workers preferred to work on.…

A study of individuals with severe mental retardation who were trained using the traditional job coach model (n=10), or using a mentoring model (n=10), found individuals with severe mental retardation who were trained using the mentor model had more interactions with typical coworkers than those trained using the job coach model. (Author/CR)

Virginia's program to build statewide consensus and participation in supported employment for the disabled from boards, service providers, counselors, parents, consumers, and the business community is described. Activities have included establishment of offices of supported employment in key agencies and establishment of five technical assistance…