A study used job-trainer logs and two rating scales to investigate social problems encountered by 43 supported employees with mental retardation. Logs indicated 58% experienced one or more incidents of interpersonal difficulty during their employment tenure and 40% of the problems could be described as sexuality-related. (Author/CR)

This study evaluated behavior support training for a residential and vocational support agency. Three training sessions were provided to managerial and direct-care staff, during which trainees worked in teams to plan or complete functional assessments and behavior support plans for focus clients. Frequency of problem behavior was reduced for all…

This issue of "Impact" focuses on employment and women with disabilities. An editorial introduction notes that work is important to women with disabilities for numerous reasons. Among them are feeling successful and important, earning money, being independent, having a reason to get up in the morning, making a meaningful difference in the lives of…

This manual presents guidelines for supervisors of employees with learning disabilities. Guidelines were developed from both the author's supervisory experience and from a research study surveying employers to identify support systems and techniques to enable supervisors to work more effectively with these employees. The survey, which included 65…

This report presents three case studies that are part of a larger study of six organizations which have closed a sheltered workshop or a nonwork, segregated program and replaced them with integrated employment or other integrated, community-based activities for individuals with disabilities. The three organizations reported on are Bonney…

This annual report (fiscal year 1991) summarizes information on mandated federal activities of the Rehabilitation Services Administration and related agencies under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The report is organized following the titles and sections of the Act. Under the Act's General Provisions are activities of the Office of the…

This paper describes the planning of a qualitative research methodology to develop strategies to improve and expand social interaction skills of deaf-blind students in supported employment settings. Characteristics of qualitative research are delineated and include: definition of the domain of the research; an evolving study design; behavior…

The compendium presents a view of 70 programs participating in the Illinois supported employment initiative. A preliminary chapter analyzes the implementation of supported employment in Illinois. It provides a brief history of the Illinois supported employment initiative, describes the Illinois Supported Employment Project, examines the impact of…

Three papers are presented on the benefits and costs of providing supported employment programs in Illinois for persons with disabilities. An introductory section, by Ronald W. Conley, explains the need for and use of cost-benefit analysis, the population in need of supported employment, and some methodological considerations. The three papers…

This study used case closure data to investigate the demographic and disability characteristics, service, and outcomes of 36,497 consumers who are blind or visually impaired served in state-federal vocational rehabilitation (VR) programs. By contrasting key measures reported by separate blindness agencies and general agencies, findings indicate:…

Discusses the misguided emphasis on job placement as a final outcome in supported employment and the need for long-term services and retraining to enable individuals with disabilities to change careers. Proposed alternatives to current job placement strategies that will help foster career development are identified. (CR)

This study describes the use of self-management procedures to improve the productivity of two women with mild mental retardation who worked in restaurants. Substantial improvements were observed as a function of treatment, and the procedures were deemed acceptable by the participants, their coworkers, and their supervisors. (Author/CR)

Data from 13 supported employment programs and 680 employees with developmental disabilities show little or no increase in wages or hours outcomes for people in jobs acquired in the late 1990s compared to the early 1990s. There are, however, improvements in the typical features of job acquisition, roles, and orientation. (Contains references.) (CR)

This article describes a summer work experience program for seven blind rural high school students in Ohio, consisting of two weeks of work evaluation/adjustment and eight weeks of paid work experience using job coaches. Results indicated success in improving participants' understanding of work-related issues in general. (Author/PB)

Existing models of supported employment (individual placement, mobile crew, enclave, and benchwork models) have limited utility in rural areas. The Black Hills Special Services Cooperative (Sturgis, South Dakota) developed an entrepreneurial model that addresses the lack of rural employers and transportation problems by creating new businesses…