Helping Severely Handicapped Persons Enter Competitive Employment

Abstract

This paper addresses the issues involved in helping severely developmentally disabled individuals become placed in competitive employment. Based on the placement experiences of Project Employability, factors in job selection and in working with employers are described. The client's previous work history, functioning level, supplemental security income, living situation, transportation needs, and parent attitudes are identified as critical factors in selecting an appropriate job. Identification of an appropriate employer is discussed as well. Factors involved in this process include community job assessment, approaching the employer, establishing a training period, and conducting a job interview. The information in this article will facilitate job placement of severely disabled clients with limited work histories.