Supported employment for persons with severe disabilities has maintained a focus upon jobs within private industry, frequently bypassing opportunities within the public sector. Although public employment represents a large percentage of available jobs, many states have reported procedural regulations that create barriers to establishing supported employment in public jobs. A survey of 10 states was conducted to identify policy or procedural barriers that present particular problems in implementing supported employment. Results indicate the presence of hiring procedures that discourage or limit employment for many persons having severe disabilities. Suggestions are made for modifying civil service practices to reduce or eliminate the effects of certain barriers and to facilitate development of supported employment within public jobs. The authors suggest that reasonable accommodations for employing persons with severe disabilities in the public sector should require consideration of the ongoing support available through supported employment, as well as review of how job activities are classified and minimum qualifications perceived.
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