The sheltered workshop, as a community-based, private, nonprofit vocational rehabilitation facility providing employment-related services in a controlled, supportive environment, has been the traditional resource for serving persons with severe disabilities for many years. In this role it has been subjected to increased scrutiny and controversy over the past two decades, especially in the area of moving the persons served into the integrated, competitive employment arena. Students with severe disabilities exiting the school system at the rate of 90,000 per year are finding that the community-based system outside the schools offers few employment options. This article reviews the recent research findings, analyzes the major issues, and suggests strategies for reform. Reform is seen as a more desirable option than replacement of sheltered workshops as community-based providers of employment-related services for persons with severe disabilities.
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