Abstract
Although a great deal of attention has recently been focused on the economic benefits resulting from placement in supported competitive employment alternatives, few researchers have attempted to analyze the effects of competitive placements on other aspects of the lives of consumers. The purpose of the present study was to measure the changes in the quality of life of individuals placed into competitive employment compared to a matched control group of individuals remaining in sheltered workshop settings. A series of measures were identified and constructed and administered to the two groups, including the Adaptive Behavior Scale, a Parent/Guardian Survey, and an array of physical health measures. Multivariate analyses identified significant differences between the groups on all three of the measures. Although significant methodological shortcomings were identified that limit the generalizability of the findings, the results of the study provide an encouraging picture of the positive effects of competitive employment on the quality of life of persons with mental retardation.
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