Vocational outcomes for persons with severe physical disabilities: Design and implementation of workplace supports

Abstract

Clearly, the need for a skilled labor pool is great in today's economy. Yet, many people with significant disabilities are struggling to find jobs with the majority of them unemployed or underemployed [6]. There is a need to develop strategies that can effectively empower these individuals to become part of the nation's labor force.This article describes one model project that used personcentered career plans, supported employment, and on-thejob assistive technology assessment and training to assist 21 individuals to become competitively employed. Customers worked an average of 15.66 months earning an average of $7,271 in total wages. They were hired by both small and large businesses to do a variety of tasks to include data entry, customer service, clerical assistance, as well as food prep. While the findings are preliminary, the results indicate that individuals with severe physical disabilities can maintain employment by combining supported employment and assistive technology within the workplace.

Perceptions and practices of mental health professionals regarding the employment of people with serious mental illness

“…The supported employment process assesses a person's ability and interests and then identifies viable work opportunities. Assistive technology may enhance the consumer's abilities while job-site training reinforces and strengthens these abilities (Inge, Strobel, Wehman, Todd, & Targett, 2000). Together, this package of supports can facilitate employment for people with the most significant disabilities (Inge et al, 2000).…”

“…Assistive technology may enhance the consumer's abilities while job-site training reinforces and strengthens these abilities (Inge, Strobel, Wehman, Todd, & Targett, 2000). Together, this package of supports can facilitate employment for people with the most significant disabilities (Inge et al, 2000). Funding for supported employment services remains a serious problem, and the persistent lack of funding for long-term support will severely limit those who can benefit from supported employment (Brooke, Revell, & Wehman, 2009;Inge et al, 2000;Karakus, Frey, Goldman, Field, & Drake, 2011).…”

“…Research conducted by Inge, Strobel, Wehman, Todd, and Targett (2000) indicated that successful employment outcomes (including supported employment) can only be achieved when adult employment programs become efficient and effective selling their services to meet employers' priority needs. When employment programs for people with the most significant disabilities approach businesses with the idea of creating jobs, businesses often fear they will increase costs rather than company efficiency.…”

“…When employment programs for people with the most significant disabilities approach businesses with the idea of creating jobs, businesses often fear they will increase costs rather than company efficiency. Therefore, the researchers emphasized the need to view the effort from a job restructuring approachmeeting an employer's priority needrather than the notion of creating jobs for people with the most significant disabilities (Inge et al, 2000).…”

“…Twenty-one individuals secured competitive employment after the project used person-centered career plans, supported employment, and on-the-job assistive technology and training. The study was conducted at a major university research center; the team worked with local rehabilitation counselors and social workers at a nursing home to select participants, whose demographics included: 43% with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy, 38% with spinal cord injuries, 14% with traumatic brain injuries, and 5% with other developmental disabilities (Inge, et al, 2000).…”