Employer Perceptions of the Work Potential of Individuals with Disabilities

Abstract

The attitudes of employers toward workers with disabilities participating in supported employment programs were examined through face-to-face interviews with 46 employers who had hired and/or supervised supported employment participants. Results indicate that employers held generally favorable attitudes toward the employment potential of individuals with disabilities, as well as the types of services provided through supported employment programs. Furthermore, employers indicated that supported employment programs were not intrusive or disruptive to the work setting. However, several concerns were raised regarding specific aspects of supported employment programs, including the ability of supported employment to reduce job turnover and the reliability of supported employment providers.