Are individuals with severe physical impairments underserved in supported employment?

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Mast, Melinda | West, Michael

Affiliations: Employment for All, 1212 S. Grand Ave W. #224, Springfield, IL 62704, USA. Tel.: +1 217 787 7639; Fax: +1 217 787 0966; E-mail: melmast@aol.com | Virginia Commonwealth University, Rehabilitation Research and Training Center, 1314 West Main St., PO Box 842011, Richmond, VA 23284, USA. Tel.: +1 804 828 1851; Fax: +1 804 828 2193

Abstract: This paper uses two data sources, the National Supported Employment Policy Survey and the UCP National Employment Survey, to examine the extent to which individuals with severe physical impairments are served in supported employment. Although members of this group constitute a small fraction of supported employment participants nationwide, growth in raw numbers has been in evidence. Supported employment is increasingly being utilized within UCP affiliates, and these affiliates are emerging as a primary point of access for members of this population.

Keywords: vocational rehabilitation, physical disabilities, mobility impairments, supported employment, severe disabilities

Journal: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 3-7, 2001