Historically people with significant disabilities were restricted to places such as adult activity centers, sheltered workshops, nursing homes, and institutions. Studies have shown the high school drop-out rate for this population is higher than those who are non-disabled. Policy makers concluded that these individuals needed to be better prepared…

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…

The article briefly describes Project Employability, a job training and placement program for the developmentally disabled in Virginia, and presents three case studies to illustrate the project's job placement process. (Author/DLS)

This project studied the feasibility of implementing nonsheltered supported employment programs for Idaho's moderately to severely developmentally disabled adults. The project researched, developed, and implemented a community-based vocational training model; studied its compatibility with existing delivery systems; identified areas for change;…

Based on the experiences of a job training demonstration project in five hospitals, the handbook describes a rationale and approach for using hospitals (rather than sheltered workshops) as job training sites for mentally and physically disabled persons. Part I reviews advantages for the hospital, the disabled person and his family, the…