Abstract
Federal rehabilitation legislation and supported employment initiatives from both the Commission on Developmental Disabilities and the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation require that priority be placed on the development of integrated employment opportunities for people with the most severe disabilities. However, even these national mandates have not resulted in significant employment opportunities for persons with severe disabilities typically served in segregated day activity programs. With intensive technical assistance and resource development, Orange County, California, has created a successful free-market employment environment which has transitioned a segregated delivery system into one of integration and meaningful work services for the majority of adults with severe disabilities. This article reviews the Developmental Disabilities Center of Orange County free-market strategies, outcomes, and issues of this full employment effort since 1984.
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