Abstract
Supported employment has provided opportunities for individuals with extremely limited prior work experience to enter and succeed in community-based employment settings for the first time. However, persons with severe mental retardation represent only a small percentage of all individuals participating in supported employment. The present study investigates the demographic and functional characteristics of 161 individuals with severe mental retardation who have participated in supported employment programs. The employment outcomes of these individuals are then compared to other supported employment participants. Results indicated that despite apparent deficits in functional capacities and work-related behaviors, these individuals can significantly benefit from supported employment. Future research should investigate administrative and attitudinal barriers that may be unnecessarily limiting access to supported employment by persons with severe mental retardation.
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