Affiliations: Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Supported Employment, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
Note: [] The development of this manuscript was supported in part by grant #H133B30071 from the U.S. Department of Education, National Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR). The opinions expressed are solely those of the authors. No official endorsement by the NIDRR should be inferred.
Abstract: Community-based supported employment programs, as an alternative to traditional facility-based day programs, have changed the nature of vocational services for adults with mental retardation. Numerous demonstrations over the past two decades have unequivocally documented the employment potential of people with mental retardation. Despite these accomplishments, problems persist that may threaten the ultimate effectiveness of the program. In this article a national agenda for supported employment is delineated. Emphasis is placed on expanding the number of individuals in supported employment, promoting consumer choice, implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act, converting segregated day programs, and expanding the number of qualified personnel.
Keywords: Supported employment, Rehabilitation, Empowerment, Mental retardation, Strategic plan
