A Report on Competitive Employment Histories of Persons Labeled Severely Mentally Retarded

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to describe the competitive employment experiences of 21 persons labeled severely mentally retarded. Over an 8-year period from 1978 to 1986, 21 persons with measured intelligence levels under 40 were competitively employed with ongoing or intermittent job site support. A cumulative total of over $230,000 of unsubsidized wages was earned. Significant vocational problems included slow work rate and lack of appropriate social skills. The majority of the persons worked in part-time, entry-level service positions. The major suggestions for improving the quality of vocational interventions included (a) more creative and comprehensive job development and (b) more powerful systematic instructional techniques. It was concluded that, while this report extends the concerns of competitive employment literature to persons with more severe intellectual handicaps, much more innovative work needs to be performed with individuals who exhibit profound disabilities.

Developmental and Behavioral Disorders Grown-Up—Intellectual Disability

“…When Moore et al 24 examined outcomes of vocational rehabilitation case closures, they found that the vast majority of individuals with ID could be employed, including over half of individuals with severe ID. When individuals with severe ID are employed, ongoing support at the job site is usually needed, 25 but the Moore et al data do not make clear what percentage of those employed required SE arrangements. When individuals need ongoing support for employment, it is most likely to be provided through state programs for individuals with ID or developmental disability.…”

Improving the Cost Efficiency of Supported Employment Programs

“…The largest cost to taxpayers resulting from funding supported employment involves the day-to-day operating expenditures of these programs Wehman, Hill, Wood, & Parent, 1987). These expenditures include job coach salaries, building maintenance, administrative costs, supplies, and numerous other expenses.…”

Natural Supports in the Workplace: A Reexamination of Supported Employment

“…There is substantial documentation that adults with severe disabilities can achieve community employment (Kieraan & Stark, 1986;Rusch, 1986;Wehman, Hill, Wood, & Parent, 1987). The programs associated with these efforts have become known as supported employRequests for reprints should be sent to Jan Nisbet, PhD, University of New Hampshire, Institute on Disability, Morrill Hall, Durham, NH 03824-3595. ment programs.…”