Family Perspectives on the Appeals of and Alternatives to Sheltered Employment for Individuals with Severe Disabilities

Abstract

Although calls to expand integrated employment opportunities have permeated recent legislative and policy initiatives in the United States, substantial numbers of adults with severe disabilities still work in segregated settings. We examined findings from events held in eight communities to solicit the views of parents and other family members ( n = 93) on the state’s shift from sheltered to integrated employment. Our interest was in understanding what maintained their attraction to segregated work settings and which factors would lead them to consider community employment as an appealing alternative. The considerations raised by participants were wide-ranging and highly individualized. However, factors related to ensuring safety, the availability of personal supports, and opportunities for relationship development were pronounced across these geographically and economically diverse communities. We offer implications for research and policy aimed at changing the employment landscape for individuals with severe disabilities.

Transitions from school to sheltered employment in Norway – Experiences of people with intellectual disabilities

“…Implicitly, this mapping of preferences should support individuality and flexibility in the transition. This is in line with Carter et al (2018) who found that reasons behind sheltered employment are highly individual from a family member perspective and that there is no single explanation for seeking sheltered employment. One vital prerequisite for reflecting on preferences seems to be the opportunity to try out different work placements.…”

“…Prior studies show that employees working in competitive settings with support and in sheltered settings experience a sense of self‐efficacy, relatedness (Garrels & Sigstad, 2019) and find that sheltered employment can be satisfying (Rustad & Kassah, 2020). Sheltered employment may contribute to inclusion in social networks, provide daily structure (Carter et al, 2018; Olsen, 2009), safety, individualised attention (Carter et al, 2018) and a sense of meaningfulness (Olsen, 2009). However, people with intellectual disabilities desire to work in integrated settings (Rustad & Kassah, 2020).…”

The impact of competitive integrated employment on economic, psychological, and physical health outcomes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities

“…Carter et al (2018) found in their community conversation research that despite an overall preference for CIE, many of the individuals and families who chose segregated options did so based on concerns about economic considerations, safety, job stability, and other factors. Individuals and families make decisions about their career pathways and goals based on a wide range of factors—and a plurality continues to choose sheltered workshops despite compelling research recommendations to the contrary (Carter et al, 2018; Migliore et al, 2008). However, our review presents evidence that these decisions are made without all pertinent information about long‐term benefits of CIE relative to segregated alternatives.…”

“…These additional benefits cannot be understated when engaging with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in planning career goals and supporting job search and development. Carter et al (2018) found in their community conversation research that despite an overall preference for CIE, many of the individuals and families who chose segregated options did so based on concerns about economic considerations, safety, job stability, and other factors. Individuals and families make decisions about their career pathways and goals based on a wide range of factors—and a plurality continues to choose sheltered workshops despite compelling research recommendations to the contrary (Carter et al, 2018; Migliore et al, 2008).…”

“…First and foremost, our review has demonstrated that there is credible evidence for the benefit of CIE extending beyond simply achieving employment in and of itself. These additional benefits cannot be understated when engaging with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in planning Individuals and families make decisions about their career pathways and goals based on a wide range of factors-and a plurality continues to choose sheltered workshops despite compelling research recommendations to the contrary (Carter et al, 2018;Migliore et al, 2008).…”