Challenges to supported employment programs for people with disabilities include conversion of day programs to integrated work options, expansion of program capacity, the need to ensure consumer choice and self-determination, and the achievement of meaningful employment outcomes. Specific recommendations are offered for each challenge. (Author/DB)

A study of individuals with severe mental retardation who were trained using the traditional job coach model (n=10), or using a mentoring model (n=10), found individuals with severe mental retardation who were trained using the mentor model had more interactions with typical coworkers than those trained using the job coach model. (Author/CR)

A study evaluated a pre-work assessment for predicting task preferences during supported work with an individual with profound mental retardation as well as deafness and blindness. Results of the workers' choices indicate the pre-work assessment predicted tasks that the worker preferred to perform during his routine job. (Author/CR)

This study provides longitudinal analysis of day program and work activities of 61 individuals leaving Minnesota state institutions and a comparison group of 71 people remaining institutionalized. Only 13% of movers experienced integrated employment. As a group, the people who remained institutionalized actually earned more money. (Author/CR)

This study investigated effects of a self-operated auditory prompting system on work performance of two supported employees with severe disabilities in community employment settings. Musical tapes embedded and interspersed with the auditory prompts increased work performance for each employee. Future research for implementing such systems in…

Fifteen studies were reviewed and compared to document the contribution of strategies based on the concept of natural supports to supported employment and consumer outcomes. Results indicate that strategies based on the concept of natural supports are improving supported employment procedures or outcomes. (CR)

Effects of supported work versus center-based program services were evaluated with four adults with multiple severe disabilities. Results found most participants displayed more alert and active behavior and were involved in more purposeful activity in supported work than in center-based programs. Differences in expectations and staff competence…

This paper defines natural workplace supports for individuals with severe disabilities and proposes a working model for future research and practice. Emphasis is placed on natural supports as an outcome of successful employment rather than a distinct model for support and as a contributing factor to the quality of life. (Author/CR)

This commentary on "Natural Supports in the Workplace: The Jury Is Still Out" (Test and Wood), argues that the differing definitions of natural supports are constructive because of the evolving nature of the research, and that progressive policy is often ahead of documented knowledge, but concurs that additional research is needed. (CR)

This commentary on "Natural Supports in the Workplace: The Jury Is Still Out" (Test and Wood), argues that the principles of natural supports should not be subject to empirical testing because they function as a guide to strategy development and strategy selection. Discusses the difficulties in examining natural support strategies. (CR)

This study evaluated behavior support training for a residential and vocational support agency. Three training sessions were provided to managerial and direct-care staff, during which trainees worked in teams to plan or complete functional assessments and behavior support plans for focus clients. Frequency of problem behavior was reduced for all…

This article responds to critiques of "Natural Supports in the Workplace: The Jury Is Still Out" (Test and Wood) by focusing on what was on trial, the need to define natural supports, the interaction between policy and practice, and implications of natural supports on personnel preparation. (CR)

This commentary on "Natural Supports in the Workplace: The Jury Is Still Out" (Test and Wood), discusses existing research on the effectiveness of natural supports. Describes job development and training approaches that facilitate natural supports and how supports can be responsive to the changing needs of supported employees and…

This commentary on "Natural Supports in the Workplace: The Jury Is Still Out" (Test and Wood), criticizes natural supports as a concept that is premised on the notion that people with disabilities are the only ones who need "support" and perpetuates the notion of control over persons with disabilities. (CR)

Ways that 17 Massachusetts schools and 16 adult agencies promoted natural supports in employment of people with severe disabilities are discussed, along with the barriers they experienced. Results indicate wide use of some practices and confusion about the concept of natural supports and the role of service providers in facilitating involvement.…