Organizing Supports in the Workplace to Sustain Employment

Abstract

(from the chapter) This chapter reviews current research and contemporary program models and suggests four key lessons regarding the role of natural supports in the workplace. First, while unemployment is extraordinarily high among U.S. citizens with disabilities and other related special needs, there is ample evidence that supported employment services can be effective in helping individuals with disabilities to get and keep quality jobs. In spite of these conditions, this high level of unemployment persists. Second, there is mounting evidence that supported, real jobs that are fully integrated in workplaces are more effective in promoting long-term improved vocational outcomes than job training programs or jobs in preparatory settings. While better vocational outcomes for people with disabilities are strongly associated with integration in the workplace, they are not necessarily associated with increased levels of professional support. This suggests that the role of natural supports in the workplace may be even more important than direct professional assistance. While this conclusion seems valid, the field has not adjusted to the reality and as much as 70% of vocational service for people with disabilities is still facility-based. Third, better outcomes are associated with successful transitions from social service supports to natural supports. As noted earlier, providing more professional supports does not necessarily result in improved outcomes. However, better outcome is strongly associated with more extensive natural support networks. Effective programs are characterized by their ability to intervene in a strategic manner to help consumers to get into integrated work settings and transition quickly from dependence on professionals to dependence on natural supports. Finally, learning to integrate individuals with disabilities into the workforce has significant and generalized advantages for employers. The kinds of interventions that integrate and support disabled employees in the workplace are no different from the kinds of structures that are associated with more satisfied, effective, and efficient employees in general. By learning better strategies for building natural supports for people with disabilities, employers also learn strategies for building better peer support networks for all employees in their organization. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved).