The field of developmental disabilities is as multi-faceted, varied and intricate as anything imaginable. Most of the author's management and professional experience has centered on vocational opportunities and supported employment for people with significant disabilities. The author shares some thoughts and experiences about supporting people in…

This study examined the extent to which employment specialists implemented the job development practices recommended in the research literature when assisting job seekers with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Self-reported data were collected through a Web-based survey from 163 employment specialists from 74 employment programs in 28…

This article presents findings on community-based nonwork (CBNW; activities that do not involve paid employment but take place in the community) from a 2001 survey of state intellectual disabilities/developmental disabilities agency directors. Survey responses indicated that CBNW is a considerable and growing part of the day services mix but that…

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…

A table presents, by state and by year (1988 and 1990), the percentages of individuals reported by mental retardation/developmental disability agencies as being served in segregated and integrated employment programs. Accompanying text analyzes increases in individuals served in integrated employment from 1988 to 1990 and increases in total…

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…

Forty-nine job developers were interviewed to identify the techniques and approaches used in successful job development for individuals with developmental disabilities. The interviews addressed such topics as the source and number of employer contacts, "opening lines" to employers, mention of disability, negotiations, interviews with job seekers,…

Interviews with 34 persons with developmental disabilities in supported employment indicated that the majority liked their jobs, were satisfied with the help that their job coach had provided, had a voice in choosing their job, would rather work in the community than attend a workshop, and reported having friends at work. (Author/JDD)

The successful transition of developmentally disabled persons from school to employment, often supported employment, involves changing the attitudes of both families and businesses. Contacts on state committees on employment of the handicapped are listed as are seven model supported work and school to work transition programs. (DB)

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…

The emergence of supported employment programs in the United States has substantially raised expectations concerning the viability of employment in promoting the integration, productivity, and independence of persons with severe disabilities. Frank R. Rusch and David Braddock, in their article "Adult Day Programs Versus Supported Employment…

This book includes an annotated bibliography of approximately 150 journal articles, manuscripts, books, and audiovisual materials, as well as a listing of some of the parent training groups which have developed workshops and other resources for parent training on the topic of supported employment for persons with disabilities. In addition to…

The current status of state mental retardation/developmental disability agency information systems related to day and employment programs for persons with disabilities is described. Data regarding the number and characteristics of persons served in various day-employment programs and the funding sources are summarized. Suggestions regarding data…