This study investigated whether sheltered workshops help prepare individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) for competitive employment within the community. Two groups of individuals were compared: (a) 215 supported employees who were in sheltered workshops prior to entering supported employment and (b) 215 supported employees who were not in…

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of supported employment in securing and maintaining competitive employment for people with autism spectrum disorder, a group that has typically been found to be underemployed or unemployed. This prospective study followed and collected data on 33 individuals with autism spectrum disorder as they…

Examined fringe benefits available to individuals in supported employment. Found that 64 percent of supported employees received fringe benefits. Found significant differences in availability of particular benefits across employment models. Medical-health insurance coverage was available more frequently to persons in individual placement models.…

A national survey of 48 state coordinators evaluated use of the Medicaid Home and Community-Based Waiver to fund supported-employment services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Very low utilization was found, primarily due to limits on eligibility. Low reimbursement rates to provider agencies and disinterest of providers in using…

Defines and discusses 10 program-development, research, and policy-analysis needs that are crucial for the continued success of the supported-employment program for individuals with disabilities. These include the following: consumer choice and self-determination, meaningful employment outcomes, employer needs and perceptions, natural supports,…

This study examined current practices and perceptions of 345 supported-employment-provider agencies regarding extended services. Findings indicate that provider agencies were underutilizing natural support networks within consumers' workplaces for essential extended-support needs and that the majority of consumers were only receiving the minimal…

Reports findings from a national survey of 385 day support providers regarding conversion of resources from segregated services to supported employment. Approximately 23% of all agencies and 37% of agencies with both facility-based programs and supported employment indicate that they had converted resources to community-based employment.…

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…