Informing the development of employment programs for persons with
disabilities: A case study analysis of the definitions, uses and implications
of the idea of suitable employment
Affiliations: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New
Brunswick, NJ, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Debra L. Brucker, Associate
Director, Program for Disability Research, Rutgers, the State University of New
Jersey, 303 George St., Suite 405, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA. Tel.: +1 732
932 3420; Fax: +1 732 932 1894; E-mail: brucker@rci.rutgers.edu
Abstract: Persons with disabilities may be involved with a number of public
programs that use the idea of "suitable employment" to determine initial
eligibility for services, guide service delivery planning, assess program
compliance, and/or provide guidelines for case closure. Using documentary and
interview data, the author conducts an embedded case study analysis of
unemployment insurance, workers' compensation, vocational rehabilitation, and
welfare programs across three states to provide insight into variations in
definitions and uses of the idea of suitable employment. The author discusses
implications for developing employment programs for persons with
disabilities.
Keywords: disability policy, suitable employment, Early Intervention, social insurance
