This study of supported employment's effects on wages earned by Michigan adults with disabilities found that wages increased after entering supported employment, mostly because of higher hourly rates but somewhat because of increased hours of employment and that individual placement had the largest effect on wages whereas participation in mobile…

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)

Analysis of the employment histories and functional characteristics of 1,411 individuals involved in supported employment programs in 8 states found less than 8 percent had severe or profound disabilities. Further research and demonstration activities and modification of federal and state supported employment policies are recommended. (Author/DB)

This article presents case examples that illustrate strategies for promoting natural job supports for employees with disabilities. Strategies include, among others, collaborating with work-site personnel to develop modifications and providing general consultation on person-environment factors that promote the success of the supported employee and…

This article describes how the Fair Labor Standards Act, recently reauthorized with regulations published in 1989, governs school-based employment and vocational training programs for students with disabilities. It offers case studies of programs for students with severe handicaps to explain situations often misunderstood by educators and…

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…

A survey of 10 states indicated the presence of hiring procedures that discourage or limit public-sector supported employment for persons having severe disabilities. Survey results, and recommendations for state system change to promote supported employment, are presented in 4 areas: civil service examination requirements, job classification…

This paper describes a successful model of supported employment developed by a single small agency previously providing services as a segregated day activity center. Included is discussion of the service agency, program methodology, barriers to successful community-based employment, manner in which barriers were overcome, program outcomes, and…

A survey of vocational rehabilitation agencies in 49 states and the District of Columbia identified 74,657 supported employment participants and 2,647 provider agencies. The survey analyzed disability classifications and severity levels of participants, employment model used, availability of extended services funding, and wages and work hours of…

Four interdisciplinary programs for the developmentally disabled are described: (1) a paraprofessional degree training program; (2) supported employment for institutionalized adults; (3) a service/research program in the area of communication technology and training for nonspeaking persons; and (4) a communication skills program for persons who…