The availability of trainees, service providers, private employers, and low effective costs attest to the success of the Massachusetts Supported Work model, a state-funded transitional employment program for mentally retarded persons, featuring graduated stress and performance requirements, intensive supervision, supportive services, easy…

Supported employment for severely developmentally disabled adults emphasizes a full range of normal job benefits and recognizes the need for support to enable successful job performance. Supported employment requires opportunities to be created before service commences, targets immediate employment outcomes, and values employment in the same…

This brief paper reports on an evaluation of 10 community rehabilitation providers, six that successfully closed a facility-based program between 1989 and 1994, and four who are currently involved in a change process. Data collection consisted of participant observation, in-depth interviews, and document analysis. Findings indicated: (1)…

Fifteen studies were reviewed and compared to document the contribution of strategies based on the concept of natural supports to supported employment and consumer outcomes. Results indicate that strategies based on the concept of natural supports are improving supported employment procedures or outcomes. (CR)

In South Carolina, 10,169 individuals with mental retardation were served by the state disability agency and 22.7% were employed during 1997-2000, with 68% keeping their job for more than 1 year. Food service, manufacturing, disability services, grocery, and retail companies employed the majority of those who worked at least 3 years. (Contains…

The article reports on a survey of 27 states that received major systems change grants from the Rehabilitation Services Administration to convert traditional day activity programs to supported employment for developmentally and other severely disabled persons. Results indicate states are taking a cautious approach toward converting existing…

Investigated attitudes of rehabilitation service providers, private sector representatives, and people with disabilities toward the employment provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Found significant differences among the groups, especially in areas of cost, effectiveness, and attitude toward federal legislation. Most differences…

Perceived quality of life was compared among 10 individuals with disabilities in supported community employment, 10 individuals in sheltered workshops, and 9 individuals without disabilities. Supported community employment was positively related to number of leisure activities, self-esteem, use of leisure time, involvement in activities, mobility,…

A more businesslike approach to job development, which stresses meeting employer needs, is encouraged for growth in supported employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Seven job development guidelines are offered, including research businesses to identify personnel needs and problems, and define services so employers understand…

This study examined the social interactions and activities of 15 workers with mental retardation employed in supported competitive employment positions and 15 co-workers. Although the supported employees and co-workers did not differ in the total number of interactions, co-workers interacted more frequently during breaktime whereas supported…

This paper notes developments in supported employment practices and the manner in which support organizations, employees with disabilities, and companies interact. The paper then reconceptualizes supported employment and the role of employers. The reconceptualized approach involves such techniques as extending support to employer personnel and…

This paper examines current issues in supported employment in the areas of assessment, job analysis, instructional technology, and management. How supported employment can be implemented more effectively is discussed along with areas in which further policy implementation and research are needed. (Author/DB)

The "Open Road" project is a three-year supported employment program for adults with severe mental handicap in Dublin, Ireland. This paper describes the program's development of integrated day services; job development; program participants; and issues in program effectiveness such as family concerns, staff development, organizational…

Questionnaire responses from 65 supervisors in human service agencies and interviews with 27 employers, supervisors, and vocational program administrators indicated that employees with moderate special needs (in this case specific learning disabilities and low intelligence) surpass others in several positive work habits. Supervisors valued…

This paper reports on a process analysis of a three-year research and demonstration project evaluating a supported-employment program serving 20 adults with psychiatric disabilities. Staff were found to have frequent, brief contact with participants at varied times of day and through varied means of contact, with much of this contact spent…