The Effects of Consumer Characteristics and Type of Employment Model on Individual Outcomes in Supported Employment

Abstract

Although recent federal legislation has led to a proliferation of supported employment programs throughout the country, little information is available that documents the success of these programs. In the present study, we examined the effect of different consumer characteristics and alternative supported employment service delivery models on key employment outcomes including hourly wage, hours worked per week, increase in earnings after supported employment participation, and level of integration on the job. The employment outcomes of a sample of 1,550 individuals receiving supported employment services through 96 local programs in eight states were analyzed to determine the effects of the key independent variables of primary disability and type of employment model. Results indicate that all groups of individuals, regardless of their primary disability, benefited significantly from supported employment participation. Further, data indicate that the individual placement model generated employment outcomes superior to those resulting from group employment options, particularly work crews. Implications of the results for future program development activities are discussed.

Effectiveness of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Approaches for Employment of People with Severe Mental Illness

“…Wehman demonstrated the feasibility of an individual placement model using job coaches at work sites to train clients to perform job tasks. Within the SE field, individual placement has become the most popular placement strategy, with 79% of placements nationwide falling into this category (Kregel, Wehman, & Banks, 1989;Wehman & Revell, 1996). Moreover, proponents of normalization have argued against mobile work crews and enclaves as violating the spirit of true integration of people with disabilities into mainstream society (Wehman & Moon, 1988).…”

Employer Attitudes and Satisfaction with Supported Employment

“…Available evidence indicates that supported employment has had a significant impact on the lives of individuals with significant mental and physical disabilities. Supported employees have realized wage increases of 250% to 500% over their previous earnings (Kregel, Wehman, & Banks, 1989). Face-to-face interviews conducted by Parent and Kregel (1994) and by Petty, Fussell, and Kregel (1994) indicated that individuals with disabilities employed through supported employment programs feel included in the workplace by their supervisors and coworkers.…”

A Systems Analysis of the Case Coordinator Model and an Outcomes Analysis in Supported Employment

“…IQ was chosen as the first predictor variable because of the substantial research literature indicating that individuals with less severe mental retardation are receiving the bulk of supported employment services (Coker, Osgood, & Clouse, 1995;Kregel, Wehman, & Banks, 1989). ABL was chosen as the next variable to be entered into the prediction equation because it is also an indicator of level of mental retardation.…”