A Supported Work Approach to Competitive Employment of Individuals with Moderate and Severe Handicaps

Abstract

This article describes the key features of a supported work approach to providing vocational placement and support to persons with moderate and severe handicaps in competitive employment settings. This approach is based on an ongoing longitudinal study of persons with mental retardation who are competitively employed through the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center at Virginia Commonwealth University. The importance of competitive employment is emphasized and the four major components of the supported work approach (job placement, job-site training, ongoing monitoring, and follow-up) are outlined in detail. Specific proposals are made for integrating a supported work approach into community-based adult services and secondary special education programs.

An Analysis of the Procedural Components of Supported Employment Programs Associated With Employment Outcomes

“…This study examined the relation between the procedural components of supported employment programs established through the Utah Supported Employment Project and employment outcomes for (Mank et al, 1986;Vogelsberg, 1986;Wehman, 1986).…”

“…Some of the procedures that have been identified as being the most important to the successful implementation of supported employment are (a) using systematic marketing strategies to de-417 1989,22,417-428 NUMBER4 (WINTER 1989) velop job opportunities (Bellamy et al, 1988;Gardner, Chapman, Donaldson, & Jacobson, 1988;Johnsen & Schalock, 1989; Kiernan, Carter, & Bronstein, 1989;Shafer, Parent, & Everson, 1988), (b) matching worker strengths and weaknesses to the demands ofthe job (Johnsen & Schalock, 1989;Martin, 1986;Moss, Dineen, & Ford, 1988;Vogelsberg, Spaulding, Patterson, Schenck, & Phillips, 1984;Wehman & Kregel, 1985), (c) basing the design of training programs on a comprehensive analysis of the job site (Bellamy, Horner, & Inman, 1979;Connis, Sowers, & Thompson, 1981;Hanley-Maxwell, 1986;Rusch & Mithaug, 1980;Wehman, 1981), (d) using systematic training procedures to bring the individual's responses under control of the natural antecedent and consequent stimuli found in the job site (Bellamy et al, 1979;Connis et al, 1981;Hanley-Maxwell, 1986;Rusch & Mithaug, 1980;Wehman, 1981), (e) using observational data to modify training procedures and to maintain job performance (Bellamy et al, 1979;Connis et al, 1981;Rusch & Mithaug, 1980;Wehman, 1981) and (f) using program management and accounting procedures that meet the unique needs of small businesses (Bellamy et al, 1988;Boles, Wald, & Xiaoyan, 1989;Gardner et al, 1988 (Mank et al, 1986).…”

Effects of co-occurring disorders on employment outcomes in a multisite randomized study of supported employment for people with severe mental illness

“…The experimental condition was always a form of enhanced best-practice supported employment [35] that was compared with either services as usual or an "unenhanced" version of the experimental model (see the next section "Control Conditions"). The Maryland, Connecticut, and South Carolina sites tested the Individual Placement and Support model, in which multidisciplinary provider teams engage in minimal prevocational assessment, rapid job search, placement into competitive jobs, and provision of training and ongoing follow-up supports [36].…”

Effect of Supported Employment on the Vocational Outcomes of Persons With Traumatic Brain Injury

“…This approach requires the use of skilled professionals who can provide specialized job placement and training support. As noted in Table 3, the major components in this model include (a) job placement, (b) job site training, (c) ongoing assessment, and (d) permanent follow-along throughout the subject's employment (Wehman & Kregel, 1985). Major differences from traditional job placement practices include the placement of individuals who are not "job ready," as well as the presence of an on-site employment specialist or job coach to provide training and advocacy support.…”

“…This approach focuses primarily on people with severe disabilities by providing vocational intervention at the point ofplacement through use of an employment specialist or job coach. Although there are several types of group supported employment models, such as work crews or enclaves, we used the individual placement model of supported competitive employment (Rusch, 1986;Wehman & Kreutzer, in press Wehman and Kregel (1985). ability of transportation services, and family support.…”