Abstract
Integration of workers with severe disabilities is an important outcome measure of supported employment. This article examines the specific characteristics that define vocational integration, including company indicators, work-area indicators, employee indicators, and benefit indicators. The Vocational Integration Index (VII) offers employment-service providers a tool for (1) analyzing a job site to determine the opportunities available for physical and social integration and (2) assessing the degree to which an employee with a disability takes advantage of the opportunities for integration. The content of the VII and the procedure for administering and scoring the instrument are described. A case study is presented that illustrates the use of the VII and several intervention strategies that may be utilized to maximize integration for supported employment workers. Issues associated with interpreting integration outcomes and determining appropriate interventions are discussed.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.