The cost-efficiency of supported employment programs: A literature review

Abstract

Twenty-one studies on the cost-efficiency of supported employment were reviewed to answer three questions: (a) ``Is supported employment cost-efficient?'' (b) ``Are supported employees with severe or multiple disabilities cost-efficient?'' and (c) ``Are certain models of supported employment more cost-efficient than others?'' This review concluded that supported employment is eventually cost-efficient from the worker's and taxpayer's perspectives. Further, all supported employees are cost-efficient, however, individuals with mild mental retardation are more cost-efficient than individuals with severe mental retardation. Finally, although literature is sparse, individual placements appear to be the most cost-efficient methods of supported employment.