Organizational Natural Supports

Issue title: Mental Retardation

Subtitle: The Role of Leadership in Facilitating Inclusion

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Griffin, Cary^;

Affiliations: Center for Technical Assistance and Training, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado

Note: [] Preparation and distribution of this paper were partially supported through contracts #H129C21004 from the Rehabilitation Services Administration and #H133C20093 from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research.

Abstract: The implementation of supported employment has focused on the skill requirements of front-line staff in relation to job development and on-site instructional technique. However, the commitment to community inclusion requires organizations to rethink their administrative structures and operations. Agencies must create open and reciprocal relationships with staff, as well as with typical community members and entities in order to facilitate the growth of natural supports for individuals with severe disabilities. Rehabilitation managers must take a leadership role in their agencies and in the larger community to move beyond the traditional service delivery resource limits of human service agencies.

Keywords: Natural supports, Organizational development, Leadership, Systems change, Resource development, Inclusion

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-1994-4408

Journal: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 4, no. 4, pp. 296-307, 1994