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.)…

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…

The literature on parental attitudes towards supported employment for adults with mental retardation is reviewed, and issues needing further research are raised. The role of expectations in service delivery and research is pointed out. (Author/DB)

This 24-month study of 302 supported employees with mental retardation found that approximately 30 percent continued to be employed in their original employment situation; 20 percent were employed in subsequent employment situations; over 31 percent had lost their employment and were awaiting replacement; 4 percent no longer needed services; and…

This study investigated co-worker involvement between 341 supported employees with various levels of mental retardation and their nondisabled co-workers. Results indicated that co-workers interacted extensively with the employees who had mental retardation, especially in advocacy, evaluation, and training roles. (Author/JDD)

This study examined existing data on 561 individuals with disabilities receiving supported employment services to evaluate questions about gender equity. It found that, although women were perceived as being generally more socially appropriate, they usually worked in jobs traditionally stereotyped by gender. Women also worked fewer hours than did…

This paper reports results of a qualitative study of the workplace experiences of eight young adults with developmental disabilities. Four characteristics of supportive workplaces were identified: (1) multiple context relationships; (2) specific social opportunities; (3) a personal and team-building management style; and (4) interdependent job…

This study investigated the use of "natural supports" in the workplace in tandem with supported employment services for employees with severe disabilities. Analysis of data from 462 people in eight states on how "typical" the individual's employment setting was found that incorporating "typical" employment features in workplaces was associated…

The success of supported employment for persons with mental retardation is discussed. Major implementation issues including long term funding, technical assistance needs, transportation availability, and the need to serve the most severely handicapped are identified. (Author/DB)

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…

Monetary costs and benefits of supported employment to individuals with mental retardation (n=20), taxpayers, and society were assessed, as was the quality of life of supported employees. Supported employment was found to be cost-effective over a five-year period during which programs moved from sheltered to supported employment. (DB)

A survey of 13 vocational programs that used natural supports as one of their strategies for securing and supporting people with disabilities in community jobs found that people with more severe disabilities had fewer wage- and integration-outcomes and fewer typical features of employment compared to those with less severe disabilities. (CR)

Discusses the misguided emphasis on job placement as a final outcome in supported employment and the need for long-term services and retraining to enable individuals with disabilities to change careers. Proposed alternatives to current job placement strategies that will help foster career development are identified. (CR)

Data from 13 supported employment programs and 680 employees with developmental disabilities show little or no increase in wages or hours outcomes for people in jobs acquired in the late 1990s compared to the early 1990s. There are, however, improvements in the typical features of job acquisition, roles, and orientation. (Contains references.) (CR)

Twenty-four adults with mental retardation were assigned to a supported work program and were compared with 25 control subjects receiving conventional workshop services. Clients assigned to supportive work did significantly better in the competitive labor market than did clients in extended sheltered employment. (Author/JDD)