Supported Employment
What is Supported Employment?
Supported employment facilitates competitive work in integrated work settings
for individuals with disabilities for whom competitive employment has not
traditionally occurred, and who, because of the nature and severity of their
disability, need ongoing support services in order to perform their job.
Supported employment provides assistance such as job coaches, transportation,
assistive technology, specialized job training, and individually tailored
supervision.
Supported employment is a way to move people from dependence on a service
delivery system to independence via competitive employment. Recent studies
indicate that the provision of on-going support services for people with severe
disabilities significantly increases their rates for employment retention.
Supported employment encourages people to work within their communities and
encourages work, social interaction, and integration.
Supported employment services should achieve the following outcomes: opportunity
to earn equitable wages and other employment-related benefits, development of
new skills, increased community participation, enhanced self-esteem, increased
consumer empowerment, and quality of life. The types of supported employment
services used depend on the needs of individual consumers. The following are the
basic components of supported employment:
Paid Employment--Wages are a major outcome of supported employment. Work
performed must be compensated with the same benefits and wages as other workers
in similar jobs receive. This includes sick leave, vacation time, health
benefits, bonuses, training opportunities, and other benefits. Employment must
be for at least 18 hours per week.
Integrated Work Sites--Integration is one of the essential features of supported
employment. Individuals with disabilities should have the same opportunities to
participate in all activities in which other employees participate and to work
alongside other employees who do not have disabilities.
Ongoing Support--A key characteristic which distinguishes supported employment
from other employment programs is the provision of ongoing support for
individuals with disabilities to maintain employment.