Beyond the Workshop: National Trends in Integrated and Segregated Day and Employment Services

Abstract

Survey data from a national, random sample of643 service providers were analyzed to examine past, current, and future utilization of integrated and segregated day and employment services. The percentage ofpersons in integrated employment increased to 30% in 1991,from a total of17% documented during 1986. However, the average number of persons served in segregated, facility-based work programs has also increased since 1986, and half the respondents (N = 643) either planned to start new facility-based programs, maintain the current service capacity, or increase the number served by 1997. Implications of a dual system of integrated versus segregated services and potential incentives for stimulating conversion of facility-based services are discussed.DESCRIPTORS: day program, employment, public policy, sheltered workshops, supported employment During the 1980s,the philosophical underpinnings of community-based day and employment services for individuals with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities shifted from sanctioning facilitybased services to a preferred endorsement of integrated, supported employment (Kiernan, McGaughey, & Schalock, 1988). The advantages of integrated employment over segregated day and employment programs for persons with disabilities, families, employers, and society at large have been well documented, including higher wages and their accompanying tax contributions, social interaction with persons who do not have disabilities, and expanded opportunities for career choice

Employer Attitudes and Satisfaction with Supported Employment

“…The federal/ state supported employment program initiated by the U.S. Congress through the 1986 rehabilitation amendments has enabled tens of thousands of individuals who were previously viewed as unemployable to enter the labor market (McGaughey, Kiernan, McNally, Gilmore, & Keith, 1994;Wehman, Parent, & Sale, 1992). Since 1986, the number of people with disabilities receiving services from the program has increased from fewer than 10,000 in 1986 to nearly 100,000 in 1991 (Revell, Wehman, Kregel, West, & Rayfleld, 1994).…”

Natural Supports in the Workplace: Defining an Agenda for Research and Practice

“…As supported employment services have become available and gained recognition, the number of individuals in supported employment has grown to over 200,000 nationally (McGaughey, Kiernan, McNally, Gilmore, & Keith, 1994). Concurrently, the use of job coaches or employment specialists has achieved widespread use as an approach to employment support in the community (Moon, Inge, Wehman, Brooke, & Barcus, 1990;Powell et al, 1991;Wehman, Sale, & Parent, 1992).…”

A Comparison of Supported Work versus Center-Based Program Services on Selected Outcomes for Individuals with Multiple Severe Disabilities

“…To date, the advantages of supported work relative to center-based programs for individuals with multiple severe disabilities have not been investigated. It is generally recognized though that supported work involves more social integration (McGaughey, Kiernan, McNally, Gilmore, & Keith, 1995) and increased income (Thompson, Powers, & Houchard, 1992). Other variables characteristic of the two types of programs that may effect the quality of participant experiences have not been investigated.…”

“…Other variables characteristic of the two types of programs that may effect the quality of participant experiences have not been investigated. Investigations of such variables seem needed in light of disagreement among agencies over whether to provide center-based versus supported work programs (McGaughey et al, 1995).…”