A Supported Work Approach to Competitive Employment of Individuals with Moderate and Severe Handicaps

This article describes the key features of a supported work approach to providing vocational placement and support to persons with moderate and severe handicaps in competitive employment settings. This approach is based on an ongoing longitudinal study of persons with mental retardation who are competitively employed through the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center at Virginia Commonwealth University. The importance of competitive employment is emphasized and the four major components of the supported work approach (job placement, job-site training, ongoing monitoring, and follow-up) are outlined in detail. Specific proposals are made for integrating a supported work approach into community-based adult services and secondary special education programs.