Systems Change to Supported Employment

Issue title: Supported Employment

Subtitle: An Analysis of States' Technical Assistance Needs

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Mank, David | Buckley, Jay | Rhodes, Larry

Affiliations: University of Oregon

Abstract: Supported employment has focused on both individual outcomes and systems change since its beginnings in 1984. There have been significant increases in the number of people benefiting from and changes in the systems that fund and regulate day services across the country. States in all parts of the country have addressed policy and regulation change, developed incentive systems, and provided local training and technical assistance. This report represents an assessment of the technical-assistance needs of state-supported employment projects. Results indicate a clear focus on five areas of need: increasing employer participation, employment in the public sector, employment for people with disabilities other than developmental, funding systems, and quality assurance. Results are discussed in terms of the future agenda of the national initiative for supported employment. The results are also discussed in light of the Title III state systems-change grants and the reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act.

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-1991-1104

Journal: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 19-24, 1991