Is Supported Employment Cost-Effective in Minnesota?

Abstract

This paper reports on the application of a benefit-cost accounting framework to evaluate the economic outcomes of supported employment in Minnesota. Data were collected on the costs and economic outcomes of 1,892 individuals being served in 11 supported-employment agencies offering programs in habilitation training, on-site employment, and community-based group and individual supported employment. From these data net benefits and benefit-cost ratios were estimated to explain possible efficiency effects resulting from the programs. The results reported in this study generally support the policy assertion that supported-employment programs yield financial benefits for society and taxpayers, as well as individuals with disabilities.

Can Community-Based High School Transition Programs Improve the Cost-Efficiency of Supported Employment?

“…As has been noted by other authors (Lewis et al, 1992), costs of supported employment vary considerably within and between states. So it may be that results documented here do not coincide with what is transpiring elsewhere.…”

The Cumulative Cost-Effectiveness of Supported and Sheltered Employees with Mental Retardation

“…Further, Lewis et al (1992) found that costs of services for supported employment vary widely from agency to agency. Consequently, the results of this study may have been different had the data been gathered in another locale.…”

The national cost-efficiency of supported employees with intellectual disabilities: The worker’s perspective

“…Indeed, the majority of the available literature is derived from data collected in either Illinois [8,10,19,20,26,29] or Virginia [12,13,31]. Numerous studies have identified variations in employment outcomes between states [2,18,25]. Therefore, previous studies conducted in one state may not be predictive of outcomes achieved by supported employees in other states or across the entire country.…”

“…Recent evidence has suggested that cost of supported employment fluctuates significantly across and within states [6,18]. However, there has yet to be a nationwide examination of cost-efficiency from the workers' perspective.…”