Affiliations: Department of Special Education, California State
University, Fullerton, PO Box 6868, Fullerton, CA 92834-6868, USA. Tel.: +1
714 278 2097; Fax: +1 949 509 9749; E-mail: jweiner@fullerton.edu | Integrated Resources Institute, 5020 Campus Dr.,
Newport Beach, CA 92660, USA
Note: [] Corresponding author
Abstract: Twelve years of the natural support training consultant model for
three individuals with significant disabilities is briefly reported. A private
country club committed their own employees as initial trainers and long-term
supports in a variety of positions within their organization. A full range of
placement and support services were provided by the corporation including: job
development, on the job training, job site modification, job sharing, job
matching, development of special aids, family communication, case management
and other work related support services. Although the program achieved
significant qualitative success, the corporate partner was prepared to train
and employ a larger number of employees with disabilities than were referred by
the local developmental disability agency. The participants, compared to job
coach supported consumers, experienced superior worker benefits for natural
supports in the areas of job tenure, gross wages, and hours worked per
week.
