People with psychiatric disabilities often require extensive support to
maintain employment. The authors describe five areas that supported
employment programs should carefully examine when creating a supportive
workplace environment: "natural" co-worker supports, personal network
supports, training supports, self-management supports, and organizational
supports. The different support needs of persons with developmental
disabilities and those with psychiatric disabilities are highlighted,
particularly in regard to how social stereotypes of these two groups
influence decisions about how to provide support. The authors also discuss
strategies that can be used by transitional employment programs for
creating more effective supports within the limitations of the transitional
setting.
Abstract Teaser