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Facilitators and barriers to employment: The perspectives of people with psychiatric disabilities and employment service providers

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Henry, Alexis D.; | Lucca, Anna M.

Affiliations: Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA | Department of Psychiatry, Center for Mental Health Services Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA | The Lewin Group, Falls Church, VA, USA

Note: [] Address for correspondence: Alexis D. Henry, Department of Psychiatry, Center for Mental Health Services Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA. Tel.: +1 508 856 8715; Fax: +1 508 856 8700; E-mail: alexis.henry@umassmed.edu

Journal: Work, vol. 22, no. 3, pp. 169-182, 2004

Received 19 February 2003
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Accepted 2 April 2003
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Published: 2004
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Abstract

This study examined the perspectives of people with psychiatric disabilities and employment service providers regarding factors that most directly help or hinder consumer efforts to obtain and maintain employment. Forty-four adults with serious mental illness (SMI) (consumers) and 30 providers participated in 12 focus groups across Massachusetts. We began both consumer and provider groups by posing two broad questions: 1) what factors most help people with SMI get and keep jobs (facilitators), and 2) what factors most prevent people with SMI from getting and keeping jobs (barriers)? Data were analyzed qualitatively and both person and environmental factors were highlighted. Among facilitators, participants agreed that quality consumer-provider relationships and individualized employment services are most instrumental in helping consumers achieve employment goals. Participants identified a range of environmental barriers, including issues related to the service system, entitlement programs, non-human resources, and social stigma. Implications for services are discussed.

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