Impact on quality of life and self-determination of a national program for increasing supported employment in Europe

Abstract

Supported employment in many European countries is spreading somewhat slowly, with specific nationwide programs being required to enable significant progress in integrating people with disabilities and other limitations into the ordinary labor market. This article describes the Caja Madrid SE Program, deployed throughout every province in Spain, for people with disabilities and people who experience social exclusion. We set out the characteristics of the program, the profile of those taking part, and the results achieved in terms of employment between 2005 and 2007. Finally, we include the results of the research related to the participants' quality of life and self-determination.

Facilitating factors for the job placement of workers with intellectual disabilities: supervisors and coworker mentors perspectives

“…Research in Spain runs parallel to international research, although it is fair to point out that SE, after 30 years of the first initiative, basically only received the attention of Instituto Universitario de Integraci on en la Comunidad (INICO) researchers who developed multiple and notorious initiatives. INICO has focused on the results of SE, as well as its impact on the quality of life perceived by workers (Jord an de Urríes et al, 2006; Jord an de Santamaría et al, 2012;Verdugo et al, 2006;Verdugo et al, 2009). Moreover, the studies carried out by INICO also aimed at describing, analyzing and disseminating the situation and advantages of SE (Jord an de Urríes and Verdugo, 2003;Jord an de Urríes et al, 2005).…”

“…Even though in our country several research regarding SE have been carried out, most have focused on the structural aspects (number Miquel À ngel Pellicena, Ignasi Ivern, Climent Giné and Olga M uries are all based at the Faculty of Psychology, Education and Sport Sciences, Blanquerna, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain. of workers, daily worked hours, wages, etc.) as well as on the impact of SE on the perceived quality of life of the workers (Jord an de Santamaría et al, 2012;Verdugo et al, 2006;Verdugo et al, 2009). Thus, it is deemed necessary to gain greater understanding of factors related to management and working culture that facilitate role success.…”

An Exploratory Investigation Into Family Perspectives After the Family Employment Awareness Training

“…Benefits of competitive employment include enhanced self-esteem, independence, and quality of life (Boeltzig, Timmons, & Butterworth, 2008; Verdugo, Martin-Ingelmo, Jordán de Urríes, Vicent, & Sánchez, 2009). Despite these benefits and various policies (e.g., Impairment Related Work Expenses) and programs (e.g., Vocational Rehabilitation) designed to facilitate competitive employment, individuals with disabilities continue to face higher unemployment rates than people without disabilities (Schmidt & Smith, 2007; Schur, Kruse, & Blanck, 2005).…”

Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Family Employment Awareness Training in Kansas: A Pilot Study

“…Competitive employment has numerous benefits for people with ISN, including increased self-esteem, a sense of purpose, positive peer relationships, and independence (Johannesen, McGrew, Griss, & Born, 2007). Competitive employment also enhances independent living (Sharma, Singh, & Kutty, 2006), self-determination (Verdugo, Martin-Ingelmo, Jordan de Urries, Vincent, & Sanchez, 2009;Wehmeyer & Bolding, 2001), mental health (Johannesen et al, 2007), quality of life (Kraemer, McIntyre, & Blacher, 2003;Verdugo et al, 2009), economic self-sufficiency (Boeltzig, Timmons, & Butterworth, 2007), community participation, and life satisfaction (Verdugo et al, 2009). Although research documents the benefits of competitive employment, people with ISN are consistently underrepresented in these positions.…”