Multifaceted interventions are interventions which target two or more individual or environmental characteristics in different domains. For example, many factors affect the outcome of integrated, competitive employment in the community for people with disabilities. Among those factors, there are points of intervention related to the individual…

The importance of employment in society is unmistakable, but for many people sustained employment remains elusive. The unemployment rate for individuals with disabilities is staggering, and the consequences of being unemployed affects those individuals, their families, and society. The effects of performance feedback delivered via covert audio…

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)--now in its 20th year--calls for the full participation of individuals with disabilities in society, including the workforce. Yet, many barriers exist that may prevent them from staying connected or returning to employment. For instance, eligibility requirements for receiving public disability benefits or…

This study explored the effect of utilizing natural supports strategies on the cost of supported employment in the state of Wisconsin. Data presented here suggest that the use of natural supports reduced annual per capita costs by 57.6%. Further, supported employees trained via natural supports generated cumulative costs of $5,063 over 6.04 fiscal…

This study examines the roles of co-workers and job coaches in providing natural supports to a worker with a disability. Review of research related to co-worker involvement in work settings is followed by a proposed framework for a continuum of support strategies for co-workers and job coaches and suggestions for selecting appropriate support…

Numerous studies show that employment, community participation, and postsecondary training rates of students with severe disabilities after leaving high school are the lowest of all disability categories and compare unfavorably to those of their peers without disabilities. In addition, outcomes generally do not improve as these students age. Certo…

The Assistant Secretary of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services discusses the office's initiative encouraging supported employment for the disabled. Accomplishments of the initiative include implementation in all states and territories. Employment trends favoring increased employment of the disabled include the need for…

Focus groups with 26 Alberta agencies and 16 volunteers with disabilities addressed success factors, barriers, and accommodations for fuller participation by persons with disabilities ("supported volunteering"). Results were used to help develop supported volunteering in local agencies. (JOW)

This study investigated the ways in which workplace supports are conceptualized and implemented by four organizations that provide supported employment services. Findings indicate that each agency was driven by strong leadership and a cohesive vision and values with a history of innovation and change. Natural workplace supports were promoted in…

This study investigated the possibility that high levels of direct support in supported employment programs are associated with less typicalness, integration, and wages. The study found that wage and integration outcomes can be increased, even if there is a high level of direct support, if there is coworker training. (Contains references.)…

A telephone survey was conducted of eight rehabilitation organizations pursuing changeover from facility-based to community-integrated services (i.e., supported employment). This paper provides information on the experience of these organizations related to their reinvestment and agency changeover to supported employment and offers…

This article describes how persons with disabilities can be given more control over supported employment services and, thus, their work experiences. Consumer empower issues are examined from various aspects of service delivery (e.g., preferences for training methods) and types of problems. Illustrative case examples show the positive effects of…

Summarizes the major achievements of the supported employment initiative for individuals with mental retardation and other significant disabilities from 1986 through 1993. Focus is on the number of program participants, consumer characteristics, reduced dependence on Social Security income maintenance, participant earnings, and program…

Four strategies employment specialists can use to promote the independent performance of disabled workers in supported employment settings are described: (1) evaluating employee independence on the job, (2) teaching employee adaptability, (3) facilitating assistance by coworkers, and (4) transferring control of employee independence to…

Wisconsin's program of supported employment for the disabled stresses local management and supported employment as a generic service. Brief vignettes of successfully employed disabled adults, a description of ways the state encourages local program development, and discussion of economic trends and supported employment are provided. (DB)