Supported Employment: Promises Deferred for Persons with Severe Disabilities

Abstract
The extent of supported employment participation by individuals with severe or profound disabilities was investigated through an analysis of the employment histories and functional characteristics of 1,411 individuals involved in supported employment programs in eight states. Results indicated that individuals currently participating in supported employment possessed very limited previous employment experience, yet did not possess functional characteristics indicative of individuals with severe or profound disabilities. Persons with severe or profound disabilities were found to be minimally represented in current supported employment efforts, representing less than 8% of all individuals investigated. Based upon the results of the study, recommendations are offered to enhance the opportunities of individuals with severe or profound disabilities to benefit from the national supported employment initiative, including the need for further research and demonstration activities and the necessity of immediate modification of federal and state supported employment policies.

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