A comparison study of sheltered work versus supported employment within community-based rehabilitation facilities

Abstract

"In 1993 the NHIS estimated the number of persons in the United States with a disability as 39,331,000" (Del Orto & Marinelli, 1995, p. 701). For this group, which represents over 15% of the U.S. population, the vocational options that are available have greatly increased since the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. With the increase in choices comes a new debate over the vocational value of sheltered versus supported employment. Overwhelmingly in the media today there is a negative bias towards the sheltered workshop that is seen as degrading and of little vocational benefit to individuals with disabilities. Supported employment is perceived as the greatest vocational option for all persons with disabilities regardless of their limitations. Studies suggest however that although there is a media and professional movement towards supportive employment there is still a recognized need for sheltered employment that is often not discussed. In fact, most state agencies with supported employment programs also house a sheltered component that serves a larger population. The purpose of this research was to conduct a study that focused on rehabilitation facilities that contain both a community supported employment program and a sheltered workshop component and take a closer look at the numbers of persons, types of disabilities, and services being provided through both arenas.